Tooth loss can destroy your confidence. You are forced to hide your smile since you don’t want anyone noticing that you are missing a tooth. However, your confidence will be boosted by having dental implants or dentures from Do Good Dental. To understand what will work better for you, you must know what each option entails and what it is all about. You can consult a professional like Charles Kim Dentistry and Orthodontics in La Mirada for more information, but we compiled a comprehensive review of all the options available.
Here is what you need to know about dentures and dental implants:
Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are removable and are fitted to your mouth to complete the set where you have missing teeth. You can have a denture that replaces your gum tissue or your missing teeth; all this will depend on your preference. A denture that will replace some missing teeth on the lower or upper jaw is known as a partial denture. This is different from a complete denture that replaces your missing teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. Additionally, a partial denture can be used while your natural teeth are still intact, as it will be only covering the gap present.
A denture requires your dentist first to study your teeth alignment and after taking an impression of your upper jaw or lower jaw, depending on which jaw you want your missing teeth replaced. A denture is not presented to you and fixed without a complete assessment of your teeth’ alignment. This is done to ensure that the dentures fixed on your mouth will allow optimal chewing and speech. You do not want a denture fixed only to have chewing difficulties due to your denture’s poor alignment.
This procedure is followed by a set of dentures being made in the lab. Then adjustments are made according to your teeth alignment before a final set is fixed. Dentures are held by an adhesive that quickly bonds with your gums to avoid irritability. A dentist can decide to make dentures with a light framework to provide extra strength and support for your teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are implants capped with a crown fixed on your jawbone to replace a damaged root. They are set on your jawbone by a dentist drilling a hole through it, extracting the damaged root, and fixing the screw-like implants. Also, a dentist replaces your damaged root with a prosthetic root by implanting it deep into your bone. A prosthetic root is also known as a post. Compared to dentures, dental implants are becoming more popular despite them being expensive. A dental implant is fixed and supported by clasps around your existing teeth and may be attached with a precision fitted onto your crown. Also, dental implant bonds firmly with your jawbone due to the drilling, therefore, looking like your natural teeth. Not only does a dental implant provide a permanent solution to your missing teeth, but it also helps restructure your jaw.
To know which option is better for you, explore the pros and cons of dentures and dental implants.
Here are some of the advantages of getting dentures;
- Compared to dental implants, dentures are less expensive.
- Having a denture does not require an invasive process like the one used in dental implants. You do not need to have your bone drilled to fix your denture.
- You do not have to worry about gum loss restricting you from having a denture. Unlike a dental implant that requires to be anchored on the bone, dentures can be used in cases where you have had bone or gum loss.
However, there are disadvantages associated with dentures;
- Dentures can be uncomfortable during the first days.
- Dentures require daily care lest you have an infection that might end up causing more problems.
- Having a denture does not guarantee you will have it for a lifetime, as with age, you will need your dentures adjusted from time to time.
On the other hand, dental implants are becoming popular as they have more advantages than those dentures.
- Dental implants are long-lasting compared to dentures. You are guaranteed for more than 20 years; you can have your dental implant before going for a replacement.
- They are easy to care for, unlike dentures.
- Not only is a dental implant necessary in replacing a missing tooth, but it helps restructure your face structure and jawbone.
- A dental implant allows your bone to continue growing.
- Dental implants are known to have an average of 95% successful rate.
However, there are cons associated with having a dental implant. Dental implants are more expensive when compared to having a denture. Researching about the two procedures helps in knowing which is better and what will suit you best.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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