There are many reasons for tooth loss. Gum disease is the most common cause for missing teeth in adulthood. Whether you have lost your teeth to injury, infection, extraction, or any other number of reasons, you understand the discomfort that comes with eating and speaking. Some patients are embarrassed to show their smile because of a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. You have several options for replacing missing teeth. While dentures are a popular choice, Dr. Fondriest recommends dental implants as the most natural feeling and natural looking restoration. Dentures vs. Dental Implants, which is best for you?
Sometimes, when an adult loses a tooth, it can feel like life has stopped in its track. Dealing with an incomplete smile can be frustrating, to say the least. Suddenly things that once came easily, like sharing a meal with family, can feel far more difficult. And activities that were once fun, like having a coffee break with your coworkers, can feel scary. But, your life doesn’t have to feel stopped at a red light. A prosthetic dentist can help restore your smile, and provide you with a much needed boost of confidence, so you can get your life back on track. So, whether you choose a removable denture or a dental implant, it’s important to explore your high quality dental options!
What Options Are Available?
There are a number of treatment options available to help patients cope with tooth loss. They vary in cost and time for treatment, but also in their permanency. For instance, dentures, both complete and full, are made to be easily removed. They are also one of the least inexpensive options available for treating tooth loss. But for patients that want more stability, there are dental bridges, which use dental crowns to help hold a replacement tooth or teeth in place. If your primary concerns are esthetic, you may favor the use of a dental crown, either as part of a bridge or implant. That’s because dental crowns can be made to match existing teeth, closely, creating a nearly seamless way to complete a smile.
Dental implants take this security a step farther, though, by anchoring a replacement tooth with a permanent titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jaw. This makes them ideal for patients who want to chew confidently, without worry their prosthetic will move or even fall out.
Dental Implants Feel More Secure
The main difference between dentures and dental implants resides in the placement of each restoration. Dentures rest on top of gums, which can sometimes cause them to slip or shift. Some dentures rely on suction or pastes to hold them in place. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone so that the bone fuses to a titanium post attached to the artificial tooth. Since the implant is secured to the jawbone, the restoration will not slip out of place. You can use your dental implant like you would use your natural teeth without worrying if your prosthetic will fall out. Dental implants provide better chewing stability because they move with the jawbone instead of resting on top of the gum line.
Implants Stabilize Your Bite
One of the toughest aspects of dealing with adult tooth loss, besides the potential embarrassment, is relearning how to chew and speak naturally when a tooth is missing. After restorative treatment, it can take even longer to get back to life as usual, and many patients continue to struggle learning to chew with their replacement teeth. Dental implants, however, so closely replicate natural teeth, that they help to restore smiles in every sense. If you’ve lost a tooth, you should consider dental implants. Dental implants are safe and they can enable you to chew comfortably and smile proudly once again.
Dental implants are more convenient than complete dentures
Dental implants last longer than dentures. Made from durable porcelain and a biocompatible post, a dental implant can last a lifetime with proper dental care including routine dental cleanings twice a year. Dentures can be fragile and risk breakage without diligent care. With dental implants, you can brush and floss your restoration in the same way you brush and floss your natural tooth instead of removing your artificial teeth before bed or for cleaning.
Dental Implants are More Discrete
Dental implants look more natural than dentures while providing the same support for your mouth that reduces the appearance of a collapsed smile. Implants are made from porcelain material which mimics the slight translucency of natural teeth. Additionally, porcelain can be died to match the color of your smile so that the implant blends seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. Because dental implants look like natural teeth they can be used to cosmetically enhance your smile.
Your choice, Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a safe and smart way to restore your smile. If you are suffering from missing teeth or tired of cumbersome false teeth, Dr. James Fondriest can offer you compassionate restorative dentistry to reclaim you tooth function and your dignity. For more information about dental implants as a replacement option for wearing dentures, contact our friendly professionals at at (847) 234-0517. We serve patients from the North Shore and Chicago.