Dentures and dental implants are two of the most common methods for tooth replacement. But what are the benefits of both and how do you choose? Dr. David Rever of Advanced Total Dental Care discusses the benefits and drawbacks of both dentures and dental implants in Silver Spring, MD.
Dentures: What to Know
Removable dentures have been a popular tooth replacement option for years, typically replacing an entire arch of teeth. They’re made up of a resin and metal base and support plastic or ceramic teeth. Some of the main benefits of dentures are that they’re both cheaper and quicker than dental implants. Partial dentures are available as well.
Dentures do have multiple drawbacks. For starters, they may be cheaper upfront than dental implants, but they’ll incur more costs in the future. When you lose teeth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate. Because dentures don’t replace the tooth root, it’ll continue to deteriorate, leading to readjustments or replacements for your dentures in the future.
Dentures also only give you back 30-40% of your bite function. Certain foods will have to be eliminated from your diet. Since they’re removable, they require adhesive to stay in as well. They may slip or fall out when you’re eating or speaking. Removability also makes it necessary to take them out and clean them thoroughly at the end of the day.
All About Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re the only option that replaces the tooth root. Implants are made up of three parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jaw. Next, a piece called an abutment connects the post to the final restoration. Usually, the final restoration is a dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed denture or bridge.
While implants are pricey upfront, you won’t have more costs down the line. Implants replace the tooth root, stopping the deterioration of your jawbone. They can also reverse some of the deterioration that’s already happened. Implants also take longer because of the surgical element. The posts fuse with the jawbone over the course of 3-6 months. But, this offers the unmatched stability implants are known for.
Since they’re a fixed restoration, dental implants give you back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about foods in your diet. There’s no need for adhesive and you don’t have to worry about implants shifting or falling out. Simply brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, and implants can last decades.
Even after advancements in dental technology, dentures are still bulky and take time to get used to. Implants both look and feel like your natural teeth, so there’s no learning curve. Particularly when the restoration is a dental crown, people won’t be able to tell the difference in your smile! Learn more about dental crowns.
Getting Dental Implants in Silver Spring, Maryland
Do you think dental implants are the right choice to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.