Both dentures and dental implants are typical ways to replace missing teeth. But it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Dr. Angela Wingate of Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry discusses getting dentures or dental implants in Garner, NC.
All About Dentures
Removable dentures are usually used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. But there are partial dentures available as well. They’re typically made up of a resin and metal base with plastic or ceramic teeth. The upsides of dentures are that they’re cheaper than implants upfront and you can get the restoration faster, as there’s no surgical element.
However, dentures come with many downsides as well. While you may pay less upfront, you’ll incur more costs over time. When you lose teeth, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone will continue to deteriorate. Your dentures will need to be readjusted or replaced as they begin to fit differently due to further bone loss.
Dentures only give you back 30-40% of your bite function as well. You’ll have to eliminate certain foods from your diet. Dentures require adhesive to stay in and may slip or fall out when you’re eating or speaking. Because they’re removable, they need to be taken out every night and thoroughly cleaned to make sure they stay in good shape.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There’s a good reason why dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. Implants are made up of three separate parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Next, a piece called the abutment is fitted to attach the post to a final restoration. The final restoration is usually a dental crown, but a fixed bridge or denture is also possible.
Implants are the only replacement option that also replaces the tooth root. While they cost more upfront, you don’t have further costs down the line. Since the implant replaces the root, your jawbone won’t deteriorate even further. Implants can even spur on bone regeneration to reverse the impacts of the deterioration that’s already occurred.
The surgical aspect of implants takes about 3-6 months to heal. But this is what gives you the stability implants are known for. You won’t have to eliminate any foods from your diet or worry about the restoration falling out or slipping. Dental implants give you back full, 100% bite function.
Dental implants feel and look like your natural teeth. Though dental technology has advanced, dentures are still bulky and hard to get used to. They require extra maintenance as well. With implants, there’s no learning curve to getting used to them. You simply have to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to have a restoration for years to come!
Getting Dental Implants in Garner, North Carolina
Do you think dental implants can be the solution for your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.