Dentures and dental implants are both popular tooth replacement options. But how do you know which one is the best choice for you? At Veritas Dental Institute, we offer both dentures and dental implants in Columbia, MD. Read below to see the benefits and drawbacks of both options.
All About Dentures
Dentures commonly replace a full arch of missing teeth, but partial dentures are also an option. They’re made of a metal-and-resin base that supports plastic or ceramic teeth. Some of the perks of dentures include that they’re cheaper upfront and you’re able to get your restoration faster because there’s no surgical element.
However, dentures do have their downsides. While they’re cheaper upfront, you usually have to pay to replace or readjust them in the future. When you lose teeth, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone continues to deteriorate even with the restoration. Dentures will eventually reach a point where they aren’t comfortable or usable.
Dentures restore only about 30-40% of your bite function. They require adhesive to stay in your mouth and can slip when you eat or speak. You’ll have to remove certain foods from your diet because dentures can’t handle them. Because of the adhesive, you also have to remove them and clean them thoroughly every evening.
Dental Implants: What to Know
Dental implants have three parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment attaches the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is usually a custom dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
Cost is a barrier to getting dental implants. Although they cost more upfront, they won’t incur future costs. Implants are the only restoration that replaces the tooth root. They prevent the jawbone from deteriorating further and can often reverse some of the deterioration that’s already happened. You won’t have to worry about getting them readjusted or replaced.
Implants also restore 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about them falling out or slipping. You don’t have to remove any foods from your diet. They also don’t require any extra maintenance. They’re a permanent replacement and don’t need to be removed to clean. You just brush and floss like you normally would.
Even with advances in dental technology, dentures can still be bulky and take time to get used to. This isn’t the case with implants. Especially with a dental crown, they look and feels like your natural teeth. You don’t have to get used to them or change how you use your mouth.
Getting Dentures or Dental Implants in Columbia, Maryland
Does one of these options sound like the right choice for you? Call us or schedule an appointment online.