Should I Choose Dentures Or Dental Implants For My Teeth Replacement?

Dentures Or Dental Implants For My Teeth Replacement?

Should I Choose Dentures or Dental Implants for My Teeth Replacement?

When you are considering teeth replacement, the two most common options include dentures and dental implants. But which of these should you choose? Your dentist at Carolina Dental Arts in Raleigh, Durham or Goldsboro, NC will help you decide. But taking a few moments to learn more about these options can make the decision easier.

Dentures Or Dental Implants For My Teeth Replacement?Choosing Between Dentures and Dental Implants

As mentioned above, your Carolina Dental Arts dentist will help you decide between dentures and dental implants, based upon several key factors. These factors include your jawbone health, remaining teeth, budget and personal preference. Of course, each method of teeth replacement has its own advantages and drawbacks that are also important to consider when making your decision.

Why should you replace your missing teeth, anyway? There are a multitude of reasons why you should choose teeth replacement after losing teeth. These reasons include:

  • Teeth play an important role in eating and digestion
  • You can enjoy a wider variety of foods with all of your teeth in place
  • Your teeth support your facial muscles to prevent the early appearance of aging
  • Teeth enable clearer verbal communication
  • Having a complete smile increases your self-esteem

Fitting Dentures

Dentures have come a long way in the past several decades. They are more comfortable and better looking than ever before. But they are still removable prosthetics that fit over your gums. If you are missing all of your teeth on the upper or lower jaw, you likely need a full set. If you are only missing several teeth, a partial denture is the likely solution for your teeth replacement.

Fitting your new teeth starts with taking an impression of your gums. If you need all of your teeth replaced, the dentist will make these impressions of both the upper and lower gums. For partial teeth replacement, you may only need molds made of one jaw. Your dentist also examines your jaw alignment and bite to provide for proper fit before the appliance is made. This is an important step in ensuring you are able to comfortably chew and speak clearly with your new teeth in place.

Once the lab finishes your initial set, they are sent to your dentist’s office. You attend a fitting, during which the dentist places the appliances in your mouth to check for necessary adjustments. Then the lab uses this information to craft your final dentures.

To wear your teeth replacements, you must apply an adhesive that securely holds them in place throughout your day. Each night, you remove your artificial teeth to clean them and for sleeping.

Placement of Dental Implants

Unlike dentures, dental implants permanently secure into place within your mouth. You do not remove them. Instead, they look and feel much like your natural teeth. You even perform daily oral hygiene for these teeth replacements, just as you do for your real teeth.

Dental implants consist of a screw-like implanted post fitted deep into your jawbone. The post acts much like a tooth root. On this post the dentist fits a prosthetic crown that matches the proportions and color of your natural teeth. There is a lapse of several months between placement of the post into your bone and fitting of the crown, to allow your bone to grow around the post to anchor it securely in place.

Cost for Teeth Replacement

When deciding between dentures or dental implants, there are costs to consider. A denture set is the more economical option, replacing all teeth on the upper or lower jaw for an average of about $1,600. Implants are more costly, ranging from $1,600 to $2,200 per replaced tooth in most parts of the country.

Taking Care of Your New Teeth

The maintenance of your new smile is another important consideration when making your choice between dental implants or dentures. For dental implants, your oral health and hygiene routine remains much the same as for natural teeth. You must brush twice daily, floss and visit your dentist as recommended. If one of your implanted crowns breaks or cracks, you need a replacement.

Dentures require more upkeep than implants. They must soak overnight in a special cleaning fluid. You must also remove them after eating for brushing. This type of teeth replacement also requires periodic refitting.

Drawbacks of Dentures and Dental Implants

Both types of teeth replacement have their own drawbacks. These drawbacks for implants include:

  • Infection at the time of post placement or thereafter
  • Loose posts
  • Cracked or broken crowns

Complications can also occur with denture appliances. These complications include:

  • Shifting during wear
  • Uncomfortable fit
  • Ulcers or other sores on the gums

Making the Right Choice for Your Teeth Replacement

Making a choice between these teeth replacement options is important. Luckily, you do not have to make your decision alone. Your Carolina Dental Arts dentist examines your teeth, consults with you about your options and makes recommendations based on factors like your age, budget, jawbone health and number of missing teeth. Your insurance coverage may also play a role in your decision-making. The dental office staff can help you understand your coverage, policy limits and other factors related to paying for your new teeth.

Having a complete smile is important for self-esteem, comfortable eating, digestion and clear speech. If you are missing teeth and would like to explore your options for replacement, schedule a visit with the Carolina Dental Arts location nearest you.

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