Dental implants and dentures are both popular restorations for replacing missing teeth. But how do you know which one is the right choice for you? Dr. Shawna Hoffert of Red Maple Dental explains the benefits and drawbacks of both, as well as why she recommends getting dental implants in Asheville, NC.
About Dentures
Removable dentures are well-known as a standard replacement for a full arch of missing teeth. Their base is made from metal and resin, with plastic or ceramic teeth. They require some form of adhesive to stay in the mouth. The biggest benefits of dentures are that they cost much less upfront and you can get your restoration quickly.
However, there are drawbacks as well. They do cost less upfront, but they’ll need to be readjusted or replaced down the line. Dentures may fill out your smile again, but they don’t stop the degradation of your jawbone that occurs when you lose teeth. When dentures don’t fit properly, they can rub against the gums and cause irritation.
Dentures also only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. It’s a significant improvement over having a full arch of no teeth, but you’ll have to eliminate certain foods from your diet. They take some getting used to as well. They don’t feel like natural teeth and you’ll have to adjust to speaking and eating with them. Dentures also need to be taken out at night to be cleaned properly.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are made up of three separate parts. First, there’s a titanium post that gets placed in your jawbone. Then, an abutment is placed on top of this post. This is what connects the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is usually a dental crown. However, dental implants can also support dental bridges and dentures.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re the only tooth restoration that replaces the tooth root. This helps to stop and reverse the deterioration that occurs in your jaw bone. Implants spur bone regrowth because the bone has to fuse with the implant posts.
Implants are certainly the most stable form of tooth replacement. You get 100% of your bite function back with these and you don’t have to remove anything from your diet. They feel the most natural, so you don’t have a learning curve while you’re getting used to using them. Implants don’t require extra maintenance, either. As long as you brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, implants are set for years to come.
Implants are more expensive upfront than dentures, but you don’t have to get them adjusted or replaced in the future. They’re set. They also take longer when it comes to your final restoration. This is due to having a surgical element. After the posts are placed in your jaw, they require 3-6 months to heal. This is essential to having stable implants and them working the way they should.
Getting Dental Implants in Asheville, North Carolina
Do you think dental implants may be the solution to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.