It can be difficult to determine which method is the best choice to replace your missing teeth. Dentures and dental implants are both popular choices. Dr. Glen Wainwright discusses the differences between dental implants and dentures below.
Dentures: What to Know
Removable dentures are often the solution to replace a full arch of missing teeth. But partial dentures are a solution as well. They’re made up of a metal and resin base that supports plastic or ceramic teeth. Two of the biggest benefits of dentures are that they’re cheaper upfront and you can get your restoration faster since implants require a surgical element.
However, there are definitely drawbacks with dentures as well. While you may not have to pay much upfront, you incur more costs down the line with dentures. When you lose teeth, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, this deterioration continues while wearing them. You’ll need to get them readjusted or replaced as they’ll start to fit differently and become unusable.
Dentures only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. There are certain foods you won’t be able to eat with dentures. Since they require adhesive to stay in, you run the risk of them slipping or falling out while eating or speaking. Being removable, it’s crucial that you take them out every night to make sure they’re cleaned and soaked properly.
All About Dental Implants
Dental implants are made up of three different parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Next, the dentist places a piece we call an abutment on top of the implant post. The abutment will hold the final restoration, which is usually a dental crown. However, dental implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
Dental implants are often the best option for permanent tooth replacement. While they cost more upfront, you don’t have further costs in the future. This is because implants are the only option that replaces the tooth root. It stops your jawbone from continuing to deteriorating further, and can even help to reverse the deterioration that’s already been done.
Implants have a surgical aspect. After surgery, you have to wait 3-6 months for the implant posts to heal and fuse with the jawbone. While this is a long time, it’s essential to get the stability implants are known for. Since the implants fuse with the jawbone, you get back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about your restoration slipping or falling out.
Even with advancements in dentistry, dentures are bulky and take time to adjust to. Implants don’t have this problem. Dental implants look the most real out of any tooth replacement option, especially when the final restoration is a dental crown. No extra maintenance is needed with implants, either. Simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly and they can last for years to come. Learn more about dental implants.
Getting Dental Implants in Austin, Texas
Do dental implants sound like the right choice to replace your missing teeth? Call Austin Dental Care at 512-518-6392 or schedule an appointment online.