Dentures and dental implants are both popular options for replacing missing teeth. But how do you know which one is the right choice for you? Dr. David J. Weinstock, a dentist in Bala Cynwyd, PA, explains the differences and why he recommends implants.
About Dentures
Dentures typically replace a full arch of missing teeth. They’re made of resin and metal for the base and plastic or ceramic for the teeth. They need adhesive to stay in place. They’re removable and require some extra maintenance. You need to take dentures out each night and clean them properly.
Dentures are often chosen because they’re low-cost upfront and can be fitted quickly. However, they have extra costs down the road. When you lose teeth, you also lose the tooth root. This leads to deterioration of the jawbone. Because of this, dentures will need to be adjusted or replaced over time.
Lastly, dentures can be bulky and hard to get used to. They don’t feel like your natural teeth, and you’ll have to learn how to talk and eat with them. You also only get about 30-40% of your biting capacity back with dentures. Because of this, you’ll have to follow a strict diet and won’t be able to eat certain foods. Dentures can also slip and irritate your gums and soft tissues. To learn more about our denture services, visit: Dentures in Bala Cynwyd.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have three parts. First, the titanium post is implanted into your jawbone. Next, an abutment is placed on top to connect the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is the last piece of the puzzle. While it’s usually a dental crown, dental implants can also support a dental bridge or fixed denture.
Dental implants are the only method that replaces the tooth root. Because of this, they can help reverse jawbone deterioration. The posts stimulate jawbone growth as the posts fuse with the jawbone for stability. Because they’re permanent, they don’t require extra maintenance. You can care for them with a typical oral healthcare routine.
Implants also don’t require a special diet. With them, you get 100% of your bite function back. You don’t have to worry about slippage. They look and feel natural in your mouth, so there’s no learning curve. They feel like natural teeth, and you can use them normally.
The only downsides to dental implants are the cost and the time they take. However, you only pay one upfront cost, since they won’t need readjustment later. They take longer because of the surgical element. After the posts are placed in the jawbone, the bone needs time to heal. This extra stability is what you want, though, and you’ll want to make sure healing is complete before moving forward.