Both dentures and dental implants are popular methods of replacing missing teeth. But do you know which one is actually right for you? The team at Sudbury Dental Arts, a dentist in Sudbury, MA, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of both dentures and dental implants.
About Dentures
While dentures are commonly used to replace a full arch of missing teeth, partial dentures are also available. They’re made of a resin and metal base that supports plastic or ceramic teeth. Some of the best benefits of dentures include that they’re cheaper to get upfront and you can get your restoration quicker because dentures don’t require a surgical element.
However, they do come with many drawbacks. When you lose teeth, the jawbone where those teeth were lost starts to deteriorate. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone continues to deteriorate even with a restoration. While they’re less money upfront, you’ll have to pay to get the denture readjusted or replaced as it will become unusable once the jawbone changes go so far.
Dentures only give you back around 30-40% of your bite function and require adhesive to stay in the mouth. You’ll have to get rid of certain foods in your diet that are unable to be consumed by dentures. They also run the risk of slipping or falling out when you’re eating or speaking. Since they’re removable, you’ll need to take them out at the end of the day for proper cleaning and soaking.
Dental Implants: What to Know
Dental implants are made up of three separate parts. First, a titanium post is surgically placed in the jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment is used to attach the post to the final restoration. Typically, the final restoration is a dental crown. However, implants can support a fixed bridge or denture as well.
One of the biggest qualms about implants is their cost. They do cost more upfront than dentures. However, they’re the only restoration option that replaces the tooth root as well. You won’t have to pay for replacements or readjustments down the line. Implants are a restoration that is designed to last decades.
Implants do require a surgical procedure that takes 3-6 months to heal. But this is what gives them the stability they’re known for. That 3-6 months is used for the posts to fuse with the jawbone. You get back 100% of your bite function with implants because of this. There’s no need to worry about them slipping or falling out over the course of the day.
Even with advancements in the dental field, dentures are still bulky and take some time to get used to. They don’t feel like your normal teeth. Implants both look and feel the most natural, especially when a dental crown is used as the final restoration. There’s no extra maintenance required, either. Simply brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly.
Replacing Teeth at Your Sudbury, Massachusetts Dentist
Do dentures or dental implants sound like the right choice for your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.
