Dentures or Dental Implants?

Whether from accident, aging or illness, losing your teeth can be both an embarrassing and inconvenient experience. You may not want to smile as widely as you used to and it can be harder to eat the foods that you once took for granted eating. You could be missing one tooth or all of your teeth; either way, it is a major life adjustment. If you have missing teeth and need to find the right option for replacing them, you are going to be faced with a choice: dentures or dental implants? How do you know which is the right dental choice for you? There are several factors to consider when making this decision and it is best to be completely informed before you make your choice. You don’t have to continue to feel self-conscious about your missing teeth or a less-than-ideal smile. There are dental solutions available that can restore your confidence.

Dentures

It used to be that if you were missing teeth, your only option was to get dentures. Dentures usually are affixed to the existing gums with a paste or adhesive. They are not permanent and need to be taken out each night in order to be cleaned. You can also choose to get a partial denture if you are only missing a few teeth. Partial dentures are made of plastic and metal and can be uncomfortable. However, since they affix to your existing teeth, installation is easy and some people may prefer that.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. The implants are attached directly to the jawbone so they appear as natural teeth in both look and function. Depending on the amount of teeth you are missing will determine the type of implant that is right for you. There are single tooth replacements, multiple tooth replacements and full arch replacements that can be done with dental implants.

Dentures -vs- Dental Implants

When comparing both of these solutions, if you are looking for overall comfort, functionality and security, dental implants come out on top. The only advantage that dentures have over dental implants is that they are relatively more affordable and have an easier installation. However, they do not replace the real tooth experience. They require constant additional maintenance and cannot be eaten with as freely as dental implants allow. When you are looking for a solution that is going to let you live your life to the fullest, there is no comparison.

Are you a candidate?

The best candidates for dental implants are people who have good oral health in general and maintain good oral hygiene. Also, it is important to have enough jawbone to secure the implants. However, even if you do not fill all of these requirements, there are still ways to make implants work for you through bone grafts and sinus augmentation. Talk with your dentist to see what options are available to you and start living your life without hesitation.