Implants Versus Dentures: Which One Is Right for You?
Missing teeth can be very embarrassing and it might affect one's self confidence and esteem. Thankfully, there are ways to fix this problem. Today, there are various alternatives to address this problem. Among the alternatives available are dental implants and dentures.
What Are Implants And Dentures?
Denture: This is a removable artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. These artificial teeth are usually made of acrylic, flexible plastic, and cast metal for their base, and porcelain for the tooth area. Dentures take a few weeks to prepare since the dentist needs to make impressions of the tooth and jaw structure of the patient using a mold. Once the fitting of the denture is comfortable, a final cast is created.
Dental Implants: These are made by a dentist using a titanium root that is implanted permanently into the patients jawbone. Titanium is very lightweight, but it is strong and biocompatible; thus, the body won't reject it. The procedure of implanting this artificial tooth requires local anesthesia. The dentist will drill into the jaw bone to create a socket for the root. After doing so, the artificial tooth will then be fixed into its socket. This process may take a few months to complete.
Which Is Better?
Comfort
Dental implants are more comfortable and they are known to be very stable because they are firmly rotted in the jaw bone. The patient won't have any trouble chewing or speaking. In addition, they can easily clean the artificial tooth since there is no special care required. The implants can be treated like a normal and natural tooth.
Dentures tend to be unstable since they move a bit in their place, especially when speaking and chewing. The patient may have a hard time chewing their food since some dentures tend to slip out of place which can be an embarrassing problem. Getting used to having dentures may take quite some time.
Maintenance
Implants can last a lifetime and they don't need any special maintenance or care. Once the fitting process is done, you won't need any additional dental appliance.
Dentures must be maintained and cared for properly. Patients with dentures need to visit their dentist regularly. Patients need to understand that their gum and jaw bone structure changes over time; thus, it is only natural that the denture will need to be re-aligned or re-designed. Dentures also need to be cleaned properly to prevent bacteria build up.
Use
Implants are mostly used to replace one or two missing teeth. Although it can be used to replace several teeth at the same time, it costs more. In addition, a strong jaw bone is a must to support the implants. However, this procedure is not advisable for diabetics or smokers since certain complications might arise.
Dentures can be used if you have lost several teeth. These artificial teeth can even replace a patient's whole set of teeth if necessary.
Dental implants and dentures both have its pros and cons. It is advisable to consult with a dentist and learn about your options before deciding which one is best for you.
What Are Implants And Dentures?
Denture: This is a removable artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. These artificial teeth are usually made of acrylic, flexible plastic, and cast metal for their base, and porcelain for the tooth area. Dentures take a few weeks to prepare since the dentist needs to make impressions of the tooth and jaw structure of the patient using a mold. Once the fitting of the denture is comfortable, a final cast is created.
Dental Implants: These are made by a dentist using a titanium root that is implanted permanently into the patients jawbone. Titanium is very lightweight, but it is strong and biocompatible; thus, the body won't reject it. The procedure of implanting this artificial tooth requires local anesthesia. The dentist will drill into the jaw bone to create a socket for the root. After doing so, the artificial tooth will then be fixed into its socket. This process may take a few months to complete.
Which Is Better?
Comfort
Dental implants are more comfortable and they are known to be very stable because they are firmly rotted in the jaw bone. The patient won't have any trouble chewing or speaking. In addition, they can easily clean the artificial tooth since there is no special care required. The implants can be treated like a normal and natural tooth.
Dentures tend to be unstable since they move a bit in their place, especially when speaking and chewing. The patient may have a hard time chewing their food since some dentures tend to slip out of place which can be an embarrassing problem. Getting used to having dentures may take quite some time.
Maintenance
Implants can last a lifetime and they don't need any special maintenance or care. Once the fitting process is done, you won't need any additional dental appliance.
Dentures must be maintained and cared for properly. Patients with dentures need to visit their dentist regularly. Patients need to understand that their gum and jaw bone structure changes over time; thus, it is only natural that the denture will need to be re-aligned or re-designed. Dentures also need to be cleaned properly to prevent bacteria build up.
Use
Implants are mostly used to replace one or two missing teeth. Although it can be used to replace several teeth at the same time, it costs more. In addition, a strong jaw bone is a must to support the implants. However, this procedure is not advisable for diabetics or smokers since certain complications might arise.
Dentures can be used if you have lost several teeth. These artificial teeth can even replace a patient's whole set of teeth if necessary.
Dental implants and dentures both have its pros and cons. It is advisable to consult with a dentist and learn about your options before deciding which one is best for you.