Both traditional dentures and dental implants are popular choices for replacing missing teeth. But how do you know which one is right for you? Dr. Melissa Elliott of Harford County Dentistry offers both dentures and dental implants in her Bel Air, MD dentist’s office. Learn more about both options to help you decide which you should go with.
Removable dentures have been a standard tooth replacement option for years. Both partial and full dentures are available. They’re made of acrylic and they sit over your gums, usually staying in place with some sort of adhesive. They’re an extremely affordable option for tooth replacement and have a fairly quick process to get them in place, particularly compared to dental implants.
However, dentures are also hard to get used to. They don’t feel like natural teeth in your mouth and may slip around. This can cause irritation in your gums and soft tissue. Dentures don’t have a lot of bite force, either. You’ll have to make some dietary changes and there are certain foods that you won’t be able to eat at all. They have to be removed at night and cleaned properly.
Dentures don’t replace the tooth root that you lost with your natural teeth, either. This means that you’ll still experience bone loss in your jaw. The fit of your dentures will have to be adjusted frequently, and will probably need fully replaced down the line.
There’s a reason dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re the only replacement option that replaces the entire tooth root. This helps you avoid further bone deterioration and actually stimulates bone growth in your jawbone, as the bone fuses around the dental implant.
Dental implants also feel the most natural in your mouth. The stability provided by fusing with the jaw allows you to speak and eat confidently, without worrying that your restoration will slip or fall out. You have the full bite force of your natural smile and don’t have to avoid any foods. Dental implants can also be taken care of with your normal oral healthcare routine — no special steps.
A downside to getting dental implants is that it’s a long process that requires a surgical procedure. The posts of your dental implants are placed in the jawbone and require 3-6 months of healing time before things can progress. They’re also much more expensive outright than dentures are, though they don’t have the costs of being adjusted or replaced in the future.
Dental implants are considered a permanent dental restoration. As long as you take care of them and the rest of your oral health properly, they’re meant to last you a lifetime. If you make sure to brush, floss, and visit Dr. Elliott regularly, you’re set for the future!
If you’re on a budget, dentures may be a good temporary solution. But if you’re ready for something to last you the long haul, dental implants are the best choice. Call us or schedule an appointment online!
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