Dentures or Dental Implants?

Dentures and dental implants are both popular forms of tooth replacement. But how do you know which one is the best choice for you? At Columbia Family Dentist, we offer both dentures and dental implants in Columbia, MD. Read below to see the benefits and downfalls of both options.

All About Dentures

Dentures are commonly used to 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 come with their downfalls. 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. The dentures will get to a point where they aren’t comfortable or able to be used.

Dentures only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. They require adhesive to stay in your mouth and can slip when you eat or speak. Certain foods will have to be removed from your diet because the dentures can’t handle them. Due to the adhesive, you also have to take them out and thoroughly clean them every evening.

Dental Implants: What to Know

Dental implants are made up of three different parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment is used to attach the post to the final restoration. While the final restoration is usually a custom dental crown, implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.

The cost is a hindrance to getting dental implants. But while they cost more upfront, they won’t incur costs in the future. Implants are the only restoration that replaces the tooth root. It prevents 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 give you back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about them falling out or slipping. No foods have to be removed from your diet. They also don’t require any extra maintenance. They’re a fixed replacement and don’t have to be removed to be cleaned. You just brush and floss like you normally would.

Even with advancements in dental technology, dentures can still be bulky and take a learning curve to get used to. This isn’t the case with implants. Particularly if a dental crown is used, they both look and feel like your natural teeth. They don’t require you to get used to them or approaching using your mouth differently.

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.