Both dentures and dental implants are popular choices to replace missing teeth. But how do you know which one is the right choice for you? The team at Tyma Trachtenberg Center for Contemporary Dental Health discusses the benefits and negatives of dentures and dental implants in Doylestown, PA.
Dentures: What to Know
Dentures are usually used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, but partial dentures are also available. They’re made of a metal and resin base that supports plastic or ceramic teeth. Some of the benefits of dentures are that they’re cheaper to get upfront and they don’t take as long to obtain, since there’s no surgical element.
However, dentures come with many negatives as well. While you may not pay as much upfront, dentures can mean more costs down the line. When you’re missing teeth, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone will continue to deteriorate, even with the restoration. This makes the fit of your dentures change until they’re uncomfortable and can’t be used.
Dentures also only give you back 30-40% of your bite function. They require adhesive to stay in your mouth. This can cause them to slip or fall out while you’re speaking or eating. You also may have to eliminate foods from your diet that the denture can’t handle. Because of the adhesive, they need to be taken out at the end of the day and cleaned properly.
All About Dental Implants
Dental implants are made up of three different parts. First, a titanium post is placed in the jawbone. A piece called an abutment is then added to connect the post to the final restoration. Typically, the final restoration is a dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
One of the biggest downsides of implants is their cost. But while they cost more upfront, you don’t have to pay extra down the line. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth root. Placing the implants in the jawbone stops the bone from deteriorating further, and can even reverse some of the deterioration that’s already been done.
While dental implants take longer to get, this process is what gives them the stability they’re known for. You don’t have to use adhesive to keep your restoration in and you don’t have to worry about your restoration slipping or falling out. No foods have to be removed from your diet because you get 100% of your bite function back with implants.
Even with advancements in dental technology, dentures are bulky and require a learning curve to get used to. Especially if they’re topped with a dental crown, implants both look and feel the most similar to normal teeth. You also don’t have any extra maintenance with implants. You just have to brush, floss, and visit the dentist as you would normally!
Getting Dentures or Dental Implants in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Do you think one of these restorations could be the right choice for you? Call us or schedule an appointment online.