For those who have made the wise decision to replace lost teeth, the next question is: dentures or implants?
After knowing a little bit about each option, the decision will be a no-brainer.
So what are the main differences between dentures vs. implants? Take a look at this informative guide to help you better understand the differences.
Dentures vs. Implants: Essential Knowledge
First of all, it is essential to know that dentures are the old way of doing things. Think about wooden teeth from 100 years ago. They probably fit into great grandma’s mouth like a horse bit.
Ornamental, yes. Functional, not so much.
Modern-day dentures are a couple of steps up from that. Bulky, uncomfortable, but now they’re made of different materials, like porcelain. They’re expensive and still less than optimal.
Merely seated atop the gums, dentures are not so stable. They will often slide around in the mouth. Chewing some types of foods, especially hard, crunchy foods, is difficult to impossible.
Dentures need constant and specialized care. Many types may require special creams or glues to affix them into the mouth. While they may cost less at first, all of the maintenance costs can add up.
If the owner doesn’t care for his or her dentures correctly, they run the risk of decay. Plus, the lifespan of dentures is around 5-10 years, so they’ll likely need replacing at some point.
Nevertheless, when it’s between dentures or implants, many still choose dentures. But more and more, people are choosing a different way.
Dr. Estrabillo knows the importance of educating patients about the differences between dentures and implants and can guide them through the process.
The Dental Implant Advantage
Just as they sound, dental implants involve the implantation of a post into the jaw. The post, often titanium, acts as an anchor, or artificial “root”.
The surgeon then affixes a tooth over this root. The implant method can replace any amount of teeth. From a single tooth to an entire jaw.
Once in, the implants function just like regular teeth. The patient can brush and floss like normal.
Easy. As. Pie (and yes, you can still eat pie with your implants).
Better Bone Health
One of the lesser-known, but still incredibly vital aspects of implants are their ability to promote bone growth.
Bone needs a certain amount of pressure to stay healthy and dense. The force that teeth place on the jaw when chewing provides the healthy stress it needs to keep from decaying.
Often, going without teeth or with dentures, a person’s jaw can atrophy due to this lack of pressure. The jaw may even start to soften and have a “sunken in” look.
Implants function just like regular teeth, so the decay of the jaw bone doesn’t have to be a problem.
A Whole Body Approach
At Estrabillo Dental Group, we understand that choosing between dentures vs. implants can impact your overall health. It’s not just about the teeth; it’s about the entire body.
Contact us today to learn more about your options for repairing and replacing your pearly whites.
