[responsivevoice_button] After tooth loss, your missing teeth need to be replaced. Two options for replacing teeth are dental implants and dentures. But which one provides more benefits?
Dental Implants
[responsivevoice_button] Dental implants consist of titanium rods that are surgically placed in your jawbone. The rods fuse with your jawbone, and act as an anchor to hold your false teeth firmly in place. Implants are the newest option for replacing lost teeth, and provide a number of benefits. Their biggest benefit is that they help to maintain the strength and structure of your jawbone, preventing the bone loss that accompanies tooth loss. Other benefits include:- Low maintenance. They can be cared for just like natural teeth.
- They are permanent, are not removed except for maintenance by your dentist.
- Feel and function just like natural teeth.
- Your teeth won’t slip out of place, or rub against your gums, making them more comfortable.
- Improved speech.
- Better digestion.
Despite all of these wonderful benefits, implants do have a few drawbacks:
- They require surgery, though it is usually pain free.
- They’re more costly then dentures.
- Treatment time is longer
Dentures
Dentures are the traditional option for replacing missing teeth. Teeth sit in an acrylic gum colored base, that is supported by your gums. Improvements have been made on dentures over the years to improve their likeness to natural teeth and make them more comfortable. Benefits of dentures include:
- Lower Cost
- Do not require surgery.
- Restored eating and speech.
- Restored, beautiful smile.
Dentures do have a few drawbacks that often make implants the more appealing option:
- Require significant maintenance.
- They can slip around in the mouth, interfering with speech and eating, or causing embarrassing moments.
- They can rub against your gums, causing painful sores.
- Your jawbone still continues to resorb with dentures, which means you may need to be refitted for a new pair every few years.
Implant Supported Dentures
One great option for replacing teeth is combining these two treatment options into an implant supported denture. As few as two implants placed in the lower jaw can help stabilize a lower denture. This results in greater comfort and stability. An important benefit to having this extra support is that it helps to preserve the jawbone. This improve the potential to be able to wear the dentures comfortably for a lifetime.
Implants are fast becoming the popular option for replacing missing teeth as they offer a permanent solution for replacing teeth. This may or may not be the best option for you.
If you have suffered tooth loss, schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn which choice is best for you.
Please contact us at 631 265-2700 with any questions regarding replacing your missing teeth.