Wooden dentures have been around since the 16th century. While an important invention in dental care, with options such as dental implants, it seems they are quickly becoming outdated. Constructed from titanium and porcelain, implants can mimic the color of our natural teeth, and can stand up to almost any food.
Here are five reasons to upgrade to dental implants immediately.
Long-Term Solution
While some dentures can last up to eight years, even the most durable have an expiration date. On the other hand, dental implants will most likely last a lifetime. Each implant is comprised of two main components, a titanium base imbedded into the jaw bone, and a porcelain crown. Through the process of osseointegration, the titanium base fuses with the jaw bone creating an incredibly stable root for the crown.
Dental Implants Avoid Damage to Natural Teeth
Because dentures are not fixed, wearing them for extended periods of time can encourage gum recession, and loss of bone density. Bone loss is especially troublesome as it can affect the shape of your jaw and cheeks, and can weaken your remaining teeth. When sections of our jaw bone become unused, bone around the area naturally diminishes, which is why implants embedded into the jawbone can help maintain bone.
Partial dentures also depend on your natural teeth for support. This can cause them to experience wear or decay at the places where the dentures grab on.
Less Maintenance
One of the main advantages of dental implants is simply convenience. Caring for them is no different than caring for natural teeth. Unlike the hassle of dentures, which must be removed daily, cleaned after every meal, and soaked overnight, implants require only regular brushing and flossing.
Expense
For many patients, cost is a very important factor when choosing a treatment option. When comparing dental implants vs. dentures, dentures are less expensive upfront. However, because dentures are not a permanent solution, many patients having to replace theirs in as little as three years, dental implants will cost less in the long-term.
Quality of Life
Adjusting to dentures can be very difficult for some patients. Everyday tasks such as eating and speaking can become burdensome. Sticky food can cause dentures to uncomfortably shift if our mouths. Pronouncing certain words may require adjustment. Even sneezing can become dangerous, potentially launching dentures out of your mouth.
On top of this, dentures can become a major source of embarrassment and anxiety that causes us to cover our mouths while speaking, or smile less. Implants have none of these functional hangups. The porcelain crowns have the natural gleam of enamel, and work exactly like our teeth.
Many patients interested in dental implants may have misconceptions they believe exclude them from the treatment option. While many factors may complicate the process such as advanced gum disease, the first step, as always, is to schedule an appointment to discuss the treatment with your dentist.
Would you like to schedule an evaluation to learn whether you’re a candidate for dental implants in Scripps Ranch? Please call today for an appointment with implant dentist Dr. G at Oasis Dental Arts.