Both dental implants and dentures are popular options to replace missing teeth. But how do you know which one is the right one for you? Dr. Marvin M. Kaplan discusses the pros and cons of dentures and Cincinnati, OH dental implants.
About Dentures
Dentures are most commonly used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. However, partial dentures can also replace a single tooth or multiple in secession. Removable dentures are typically made from a metal and resin base and plastic or porcelain teeth. Some of the benefits of dentures include the cost being cheaper upfront and getting your restoration quickly.
However, there are many downsides to dentures. While the cost may not be high upfront, there’s often a cost to readjust or replace the dentures at least once down the line. When you lose a tooth and tooth root, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate. Dentures don’t replace that tooth root, so it continues to deteriorate over time. Your dentures start to fit differently and get to a point where they’re uncomfortable to wear.
Dentures also only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. There are foods you’ll have to remove from your diet because you don’t have enough bite force to eat them. Dentures may also slip or fall out when speaking or eating because they require adhesive to stay in. Despite advancements in dentistry, dentures are still a bit bulky and require a learning curve to get used to.
The Benefits of Dental Implants.
At our office, we recommend dental implants for tooth replacement when possible. Dental implants are made up of three different parts. First, a titanium post is placed in the jaw. Second, an abutment is attached to the top of the post to connect it to the final restoration. Most commonly, the final restoration is a dental crown. However, dental implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
The biggest downside implants usually face is the cost. But it’s important to remember that implants are a one-time fee. They’re the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth root as well as the crown. The post fuses with the jawbone. This reverses the deterioration that’s been occurring with a missing tooth. It prevents deterioration from happening further.
Another downside is the time it takes to get your final restoration. After the implant posts are surgically placed, it takes 3-6 months for them to heal and fuse with the bone. This is crucial for the stability you want from implants. They give you back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about changing your diet or the implants falling out.
There’s no learning curve to get used to implants, either. They both look and feel the most like your natural teeth, particularly with a dental crown as the final restoration. Unlike removable dentures, you don’t have to take them out to clean them at the end of the day. Just brush, floss, and get dental cleanings regularly and implants should last you for decades to come.
Getting Dental Implants in Cincinnati, Ohio
Are dental implants the right choice to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.