Missing a tooth or more might lower your self-esteem or cause personal discomfort. Therefore, you ought to take immediate action and maintain your oral health. Missing teeth may bring effects such as improper speech, struggling to eat, and so much more. It may also affect your other teeth by causing tooth decay or cavities. If you are looking for methods to replace your missing teeth, you might consider dental implants or dentures. However, is it better to get implants or dentures? Let’s find out.
Dentures
Dentures refer to removable appliances that replace the missing teeth plus the gum tissue. Dentures have an acrylic base that supports denture teeth. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures play the role of replacing all the teeth in either the lower or upper jaw or both jaws. If you still have some natural teeth remaining, you get partial dentures to fill the empty gaps.
Advantages of Dentures
For a more affordable option, you may go for dentures since they are cheaper than implants. Another benefit is that even though you have experienced gum and bone loss, you can still get dentures. The denture fitting procedure is non-invasive since the dentist will not drill into the bone. Making dentures takes a short time; therefore, you will only visit the dentist four times.
Drawbacks of Dentures
Dentures might require some adjustment or replacement since your gums and face structure change as you age. You might feel some discomfort after wearing dentures for the first time. Other things you might experience are difficulty chewing, increased salivation, and difficulty speaking. If you are unable to take care of your dentures properly, you might suffer from a gum infection.
Dental Implants
A dental implant refers to a titanium post inserted into the jawbone and replicates the tooth’s natural root. Dental implants are a permanent solution for single or multiple missing teeth. Implants appear like natural teeth, and therefore you need to take care of them so they can last a long time. Dental implants help to maintain your jaw’s structure and prevent sunken face due to teeth loss. After getting dental implants, you might take weeks or months to recover fully.
Advantages of Dental Implants
The first advantage of a dental implant is that it can last for over 20 years. This means that if well taken care of, they can last a lifetime. The other thing is that the success rate of dental implants procedure is 95%. Since dental implants mimic natural teeth, taking care of them is very easy. To take care of your implants, you have to brush them twice every day and floss. Unlike dentures that require replacement, implants will preserve the structure of your jaw bone and the face. If there were bone loss, the bone would still keep on growing. Also, note that you will need to visit the dentist for follow-up even if you get done-in-one implants. Dental Implants restore your beautiful smile and your confidence.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
One of the drawbacks of dental implants is the high cost. Also, not every individual qualifies for dental implants. Dental implants need an individual with healthy gums and bones so they can secure the jaw properly. If your jaw bone and tissue are not in good shape, consider tissue and bone grafts, which will mean additional costs.
Complications from Implants vs Dentures
Implants are an effective and safe solution to your missing teeth but might result in some complications, including mechanical problems and infection. This happens when the procedure fails to work. On the other hand, some denture complications include sores on your gums and loose dentures.
Conclusion: Dentures or Implants
Before you decide whether to get dentures or dental implants, you should talk to your dentist. If you need a lasting option, you may go for dental implants. However, this will also depend on your budget since implants are expensive. Dentures will be a cheap option but, in the years, may require replacements. Look carefully into both options and prioritize. Also, know the things you want to achieve with the prosthetics and make a firm decision.
