Dentures and dental implants are both frequently used to replace missing teeth. But which one is the right choice for you? Dr. Jessica Christy of Orchard Hill Dental discusses the positives and negatives of both Hendersonville, NC dental implants and dentures.
What to Know About Dentures
Dentures are usually known to replace a full 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 main benefits of dentures are that they’re cheaper upfront and you get your final restoration faster because there’s no surgical element.
However, dentures do come with a lot of negatives. While you may pay less upfront, you’re likely to incur more costs down the line. When you’re missing teeth, the jawbone deteriorates in that area. Because dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone continues to deteriorate, even with the restoration. The denture will start to fit worse and will eventually need readjusted or replaced to continue use.
Dentures only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function and require adhesive to stay in your mouth. You run the risk of your restoration slipping or falling out when you’re eating or speaking. Certain foods may have to be removed from your diet because your dentures can’t handle them. Due to the adhesive, you’ll have to remove the dentures at night and clean them thoroughly.
All About Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re made up of three different parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment is used to attach the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is typically a custom dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
One of the biggest qualms people have about dental implants is the cost. They do cost more upfront than dentures, but you won’t have costs down the line. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth root. This stops the jawbone from deteriorating further, and can even reverse some of the deterioration that’s already occurred
Implants also take longer to get because there’s a surgical element. When the posts are placed in the jaw, they need 3-6 months to heal before proceeding. But this is what gives implants the stability they’re known for. They fuse with your jawbone, giving you back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to eliminate any foods from your diet and don’t have to worry about your restoration slipping or falling out.
Even with advancements in dentistry, dentures are still bulky and require a learning curve to get used to. They don’t feel natural. Particularly with a dental crown as the restoration, implants both look and feel the most natural out of tooth replacement options. They don’t require extra maintenance, either. Simply brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly like normal!
Getting Dental Implants in Hendersonville, North Carolina
Do dental implants sound like they may be the solution for you? Call us or schedule an appointment online.