Dentures and dental implants are both common ways to replace missing teeth. But how do you know which one is the right choice? Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht of North Meridian Dental Excellence explains the positives and negatives of both dentures and dental implants in Indianapolis, IN.
What to Know About Dentures
Removable dentures are usually recognized as a way to replace entire arches of teeth, but partial dentures are also available. They’re made of a metal and resin base that’s used to support plastic or ceramic teeth. Some of the biggest upsides of dentures are that they’re cheaper to get upfront and you get your restoration faster, as there’s no surgical component.
However, dentures come with many downsides as well. While you don’t have to pay as much upfront, you’re more likely to incur costs down the line. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate. Because dentures don’t replace the tooth root, that deterioration will continue to deteriorate even with the restoration. You’ll need the denture replaced or readjusted to have a functional restoration.
Dentures only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. They require adhesive to stay in and you run the risk of them falling out when you’re eating or speaking. Certain foods will have to be removed from your diet because the dentures can’t handle them. Due to the adhesive, you’ll have to remove them every night and make sure they’re cleaned properly.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a reputation as being the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re made up of three separate parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Then, a piece called an abutment is applied to attach the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is usually a dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
One of the qualms people have about implants is their high upfront cost. But you won’t have to worry about any adjustments down the line. They’re designed to be a restoration that lasts for decades. Implants are the only restoration option that replaces the tooth root. This helps spur jawbone regeneration, stopping more deterioration from happening, and even helping to reverse some of what’s already occurred.
Implants have a longer time frame for your final restoration. After the implant posts are placed, they require 3-6 months to heal and fuse with the jawbone. This gives implants the stability they’re known for. Implants give you back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about adhesive or your restoration slipping. No foods have to be removed from your diet.
Even with progress in the field of dentistry, dentures are still bulky and hard to get used to. They don’t feel like your natural teeth. But implants, particularly when topped with a dental crown, give you the most natural look and feel. You don’t have any extra maintenance either. Simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly.
Getting Dental Implants in Indianapolis, Indiana
Do dental implants sound like they may be the right choice for you? Call us or schedule an appointment online.