If you are missing a whole row of teeth, you will have to decide on how to replace them. Dr. Jessica Christy in Hendersonville, NC offers dental implants and dentures. Both are suitable options to choose from. However, dental implants offer more advantages than dentures. Below, we will review what they are and the differences between them.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant supported restoration is made up of an implant fixture and a dental prosthesis. The dentist will insert the implant fixtures into the jaw where they will fuse to the bone. Then they will secure the denture to the implants. This system can replace an entire arch of teeth using anywhere from two to eight dental implant fixtures.
What are Dentures?
A denture is made up of false teeth that are fused to an acrylic base. The base is made to look like gum tissue and will rest on the gums. It will stays in place by way of suction or with denture adhesive.
Dental Implant vs Dentures
Both dental implants and dentures can replace the top and bottom arches of teeth. Below, we will compare them. Learning about the advantages and disadvantages of both is important. You will then be able to determine which one is right for you.
Cost
The price difference between teeth implants and dentures is significant. Dental implants will cost more however they offer many more advantages. They are made up high quality materials and require several procedures to complete including at least one surgery. They mimic natural teeth and are an investment into your quality of life.
Dentures require maintenance and you will eventually need to replace them. They will loosen after several years of use due to bone loss in the jaw. The upkeep costs will add up over the years and may even surpass the price of dental implants.
Bone Loss
Bone loss in the jaw is likely once teeth go missing. However, there is a tooth replacement solution that will prevent it. Dental implants act as missing teeth roots providing enough stimulation to prevent bone loss in the jaw. Dentures on the other hand will not do this.
Facial Appearance
A missing row of teeth will cause your mouth to sink into the face. Dentures and dental implants can replace that row and hold the natural shape of your face. Dental implants will also prevent bone loss in the jaw. Dentures, on the other hand, cannot do this. Denture wearers will have to deal with bone deterioration over the years. This will alter the fit of the dentures and alter some facial features. Many times, denture wearers will look older than they really are.
Diet
The ability to chew food is significantly different with each option. Dental implants will hold a denture securely in place better than adhesive or suction. With the restoration more stable, you will be able to retain most of your chewing power. People who wear dentures will have to cut up some types of food or avoid them altogether. And if the denture does not fit well anymore, chewing food becomes even harder.
Fit
A denture that is held in place with dental implants will fit better than a denture that relies on adhesive and suction. Denture wearers will suffer from bone loss after years of wearing them. This will alter the fit and they will need to undergo maintenance or you will have to replace them. Bone loss will also cause them to slip around in the mouth making it hard to eat, smile, and talk. With dental implants, you will never have to worry about the denture shifting or falling out. Additionally, more people find a denture secured with dental implants more comfortable than traditional dentures.
Treatment Time
You can get a full set of dentures in about three to four visits. In total, the process will only take less than a month. In contrast, the process to complete the dental implants process takes much longer. It will take at least four or five months. However, for some patients, the process may take up to a year.
If you would like to learn more about the two options, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Jessica Christy at her Hendersonville, NC dentist office. You can reach us at (828) 247-7001 or you can also request a dentist appointment by filling out our online request form.