It is a difficult time when you need new teeth. Few things can bring you down like losing teeth. If you don’t take care of your teeth, gums, and mouth, you can easily lose your teeth. Sometimes it’s better to take teeth out than fix them. If you need new teeth, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options to replace teeth.
You could get veneers to replace individual teeth, but if you need to replace a full row or all your teeth or need a more intensive procedure, you can choose between dentures and implants. When you need one of these replacements, you should know the drawbacks and advantages of each. Below is your guide to dentures vs. implants.
Dentures
When we think of dentures, we often think about George Washington’s wooden teeth. We think of old people. We think of the water glass with the teeth inside. These images aren’t as accurate as you might think. Dentures were one of the first ways to replace a row or all a person’s teeth, but they have come a long way. Dentures are still cheaper than implants, but there are new technologies that have made the item relevant again. While dentures are full arches that simply replace a person’s missing teeth, there is now the option of digital dentures.
Digital dentures only require two appointments and are typically 3D printed. These dentures can last if you need them to, and an exact duplicate can be made at any time—they may need to be refitted from time to time. Digital dentures have superior support, durability, and aesthetics to the way they were made before. They are also still removable, providing peace of mind for a lot of people who are hesitant about getting dentures. The technology of dentures has improved a lot.
Dentures require more maintenance. For example, you should clean them every day and shouldn’t wear them to bed. Instead, the denture need to be soaked in water or a special cleaning solution. They should be taken out and brushed every day. You should also brush your gums without the dentures in. While they don’t need as much upkeep as the dentures of the past, digital dentures still require more attention than implants.
Implants
On the other hand, dental implants are not removable. They require enough bone to place an implant in the gum, which are kind of like screws. First, a damaged root is extracted. When that root is no longer, a hole is drilled into the jaw bone and is replaced by a metal prosthetic. This is called a post. After being implanted deep into the jaw, it is fitted with a crown, which is a fake tooth made to match the surrounding teeth. This can take up to a couple of months.
Implants can be made for a single tooth, but it is typically recommended that if you are going to get more than one that you should do it at the same time. The cost of implants is more than dentures because it requires a form of surgery. After all, they are drilling into your bones. It is also a lot more painful than dentures, but the end result is more permanent and comfortable.
Furthermore, the maintenance for implants is very similar to real teeth. You should brush twice a day and floss. You should also have frequent dental check-ups and cleanings. Implants may require new crowns, but for the most part they are permanent fixtures in the mouth. While dentures may not stay in place and sores may form on the gums, implants could get infected and result in mechanical problems. However, most of the time they are safe and effective, with only 5 to ten percent of people having complications.
Choosing the Right One
Choosing between dentures and implants is a matter of preference. Do you want to avoid the surgical process in favor of cleaning and maintaining dentures? Do you want to be able to take them out or leave them in? Does money factor in? Depending on your situation there are many pros and cons to each of these options. If you only need a tooth or two, implants might be worth it. Whatever you need, dental implants and dentures have come a long way. You can get your teeth replaced!
