Dental Implants vs Dentures

A lot of people tend to suffer from a loss of teeth for some reason or the other as they age. Missing teeth can become a constant cause of embarrassment as you age and you may find yourself ashamed to open your mouth or smile. Your loss of teeth can be corrected and covered with dentures or dental implants. Here are the pros and cons of both options to help you make your choice:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are highly favored by patients who are unable to wear removable dentures any longer as well as by others who don’t want to wear them. These dental implants are composed of titanium and function as artificial teeth. Your entire medical history is thoroughly examined to ensure that your mouth is suitable for implant placement. A scan is done to check whether your bone is dense enough as well as implementing the use of a computerized surgical guide to ensure that there is a more accurate placement of the implant.

A dental implant is then placed into your bone socket and jaw during surgery. The jawbone then naturally fuses with the dental implant over 3-4 months. After which, a meticulously chiseled replacement tooth is attached on the implant to support the bridge, crown or fixed denture.

Here are the pros and cons of dental implants:

• Pros of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a modern solution to have your missing teeth corrected. Dental implants function like actual tooth replacements instead of simply giving the illusion of having natural teeth. Dental implants are actually planted into the jaw or gum so that they serve as an anchor for the dental crowns and are very tough, won’t slip or move. Dental implants don’t need any special treatment or cleaning and give you the ease and privilege of taking care of your dental implants the same as you would your natural teeth. This general dentistry procedure can last for decades if taken care of properly.

• Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants cost a bit more than dentures which is the main reason why most people tend to choose dentures without checking their options with dental implants. Dentures also have the added burden and costs of repairs, adhesives, cleaning solutions and denture replacements. Therefore dental implants are usually a better option in terms of finances which usually makes the dental implants a lot better to pay up the extra upfront costs.

Dentures

Dentures are basically fake teeth that are usually made of materials like cast metal, acrylic or porcelain. They are usually fitted into the place where there are missing teeth. But your dentist will usually analyze your mouth thoroughly before deciding on the right dental solution for you and your current dental needs.

• Pros of Dentures

Dentures are a set of fake teeth and were usually the only option for people who experienced a loss of teeth in the past and wanted to improve the appearance and function of their mouths. A denture paste or adhesive is applied to the teeth to hold them in place. Your dentures can slip out of their intended places while you eat or speak which can lead to a lot of embarrassment if you don’t apply this paste. You can also opt to have partial dentures put in if you have some teeth left but this may infect them and increase their decay if your dentures don’t fit properly.

• Cons of Dentures

If you suffer from having weak or unhealthy jaws and teeth, then dentures are your best way to ensure that you can still maintain the appearance of having a full set of teeth. Technological advances have allowed false teeth to appear more natural so you don’t have to let anyone know that you’re wearing dentures. The initial costs of getting dentures are less than that of getting dental implants but you may need to replace them every few years.

A lot of patient’s biggest concerns in selecting their orthodontic treatment are that implants tend to cost more than dentures but the truth is that implants only cost more than dentures initially but the benefits of implants usually makes the cost of the procedure well worth it. Ultimately, you’ll have to consult your dentist to find out which is the best choice for your personal dental situation according to general dentistry.

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