Our restorative dentists offer both dentures and dental implants. However, it can be difficult choosing between these tooth replacement options.
While dentures cost less than , they don’t prevent jawbone deterioration. And while dental implants are durable, it can be a long, expensive process to get them.
Our Wyoming, MI, dentists can help you find the best solution for your smile. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of dentures and dental implants.
Dentures: Pros and Cons
Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of your tooth loss, our dentists may recommend a full or partial denture.
While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, conventional, and immediate dentures.
Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your dentures, you’ll need to submerge them in a glass of water or denture cleanser. This prevents them from drying out, cracking, or warping.
Dental Implants: Pros and Cons
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root, typically made of titanium, that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown.
Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures. Take care of your dental implants like you would your natural teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Which Is Better?
Dentures are an affordable option for tooth replacement, but they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration.
As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it will start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be weakens and deteriorates. Teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space. Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to continue wearing dentures.
The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid long-term health issues caused by missing teeth.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Generally, you’re a good candidate for the dental implant procedure if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant.
For successful , there has to be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone. Our dental implant dentists will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for the procedure. Even if you’re not a candidate for dental implants, we can help you explore other tooth replacement options.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
Our Wyoming, MI, dental implant dentists are accepting new patients! Call Family Dentistry at (616) 534-5602, or contact us online to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.