When missing one, three, or all your teeth, dentist will often recommend two main treatment options, dentures or dental implants. While both have very high success rates, they also carry their own pros and cons. If you’ve recently lost teeth, and are hoping to make an informed decision the best suits your needs, consider these pros and cons to make the right decision.
Dentures, what are they?
Dentures have been the industry standard and only viable option for replacing teeth for a long time. Dentures are a prosthetic device resting on your gums but sometimes braced by your teeth. They are designed to replace missing teeth. However, not every denture is created equal, as there are several types, including, partial, complete, premium, or implant dentures. The type of denture best suited to you will be determined by the number of teeth you have lost and your aesthetic and functional goals.
The Pros and Cons of Dentures
Dentures are the oldest form of tooth replacement, and can restore many functions in the mouth, such as chewing, smiling, and eating. They are crafted to fit your mouth, and can be held in place by hooks and clasps if you have natural teeth remaining. If you don’t have natural teeth, you need complete dentures, which are held in by suction, sometimes aided by adhesive. Because other treatments like implants require a surgical procedure, dentures are a good option for those unfit for surgery.
One of the the main problems with dentures is that no matter how perfectly they are crafted, they will never feel like natural teeth. What this means logistically, is that many will have to learn how to speak with dentures, and will have to be careful when eating, coughing, or sneezing. A set of dentures will last between 5-7 years before needing to be replaced.
What’s the Deal With Dental Implants?
Implants consist of two main parts: the titanium root, and the restoration, which can be a crown, bridge, or denture. First the titanium root is inserted into the bone and allowed to heal. Because the titanium root integrates with the jaw through a process called osseointegration, dental implants function much like real teeth, stimulating the jaw and preserving bone mass. This, specifically, will keep your face and smile from looking sunken.
Initially, dental implants are a costly solution to missing teeth. The benefit, however, is that they can last a lifetime, with patients experiencing 90% – 100% of their normal chewing capacity, making the option less expensive than dentures over time. Since they also function as normal teeth, no special cleaners or tools are necessary, only what you use for general oral health.
If you’re worried you may not be a candidate for dental implants, you may be surprised. The best way to access if dental implants or dentures are right for you is by scheduling an appointment with your dentist.
If you’ve recently lost teeth or have been considering replacement options in Scripps Ranch, please call today for an appointment with Dr. Ramin Goshtasbi at Oasis Dental Arts.