Dentures Vs. Dental Implants: Which Ones Should You Choose?
Have you lost one or more teeth due to infection or injury? No matter the cause of your missing or badly damaged teeth, you deserve a solution that looks natural, allows you to chew and speak normally, and protects your other healthy teeth.
All of us do things to change our appearance, from wearing makeup, to cutting and dying our hair, to more extreme and permanent measures like getting tattoos or cosmetic surgery. However, these are choices we make in order to improve appearance. When things like accident or illness happen that are beyond our control, and appearance changes as a result, it can be understandably upsetting.
The Drawbacks of Dentures
Although it may seem tempting to get dentures to replace broken teeth—after all, dentures initially cost less and seems non-invasive because it doesn’t require surgery—it’s important to remember that dentures aren’t without their drawbacks.
Some of the disadvantages of dentures include:
- Low initial cost, especially when compared to dental implants — however, that low cost can be negated when you factor in the replacement cost of dentures, which need to be replaced every 3 to 6 years (versus 15-20+ years for implants, although those with a metal framework, and which are supported by natural teeth, may last a little longer)
- Fragility, and likely to break if dropped
- A less natural look than permanent replacement options like full mouth dental implants
- Require regular removal and cleaning
- Difficulty eating, especially if a person lacks the muscle control required to eat with dentures
- Restrictions on the types of food that can be eaten — these restrictions may make it more difficult to have a balanced diet that provides all the nutrients required for good overall health
- Slippage, particularly if the dentures have been worn for a few years as the jawbone changes shape, becoming flatter and less able to provide retention
- Risk of trapping food, which can increase the chances of gum disease and decay of remaining teeth
Dental Implants
Dental implants are another great way to replace missing teeth. In fact, dental implants are commonly referred to as today’s gold standard in tooth replacement.
With this solution, a dental implant is surgically placed in your jaw bone, just like the natural root of your tooth would be. Once the implant has been given time to heal, it will be topped off with a restoration. This may include…
- A dental crown
- Part of a bridge, helping to replace multiple teeth
- Complete or partial permanent denture
Dental implants do an excellent job of restoring your smile back to its beautiful and natural appearance.
At Indianapolis Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, our dental implants are…
- Made from a safe biocompatible titanium
- Incredibly durable and long lasting
- Beautiful and look just like your natural teeth
- Made to restore your ability to chew and speak
- The best way to strengthen your jawbone
- Made to promote healthy gums
Why Do Patients Choose Implants over Dentures?
Implants prevent the deterioration of the supporting bone structure thanks to the implant screw itself. Once placed, this implant provides the stimulation that previously was provided by the tooth root. No other tooth replacement looks, feels, and functions more like real teeth than dental implants. Implants are easy to maintain; because they are fixed in the mouth, just brush and floss them the way you would your natural teeth. And, because implants are fixed, they fit securely and will not slip and shift, as dentures are known to do.
The biggest advantage to dentures over implants is the up-front cost, which is significantly less. However, denture wearers also have to account for the follow-up costs—such as the regular purchase of adhesives to hold dentures in place and cleaning solutions to maintain them, in addition to visits to your Indianapolis dentist to have dentures repaired and replaced eventually. Denture patients often have to avoid certain foods that may damage the replacement teeth, and also still encounter the sunken-in facial appearance because dentures do nothing to counter the deterioration of supporting bone structure.
Time To Decide
Hopefully, this article gave you a good idea of what to expect when you choose between dentures and dental implants.
However, there is only so much you can read online about your decision before it’s time to get an expert opinion.
The last step in the decision-making process is talking to an experienced dentist that can guide you through the decision-making process, helping you determine what’s best.
The dentists at Indianapolis Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center will do just that.
They will make sure you know the ins and outs of dentures and dental implants.
Then they will help you decide what is best for your unique situation.
When you schedule a dental implant consultation at Indianapolis Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, you are under no obligation to do anything.
They just want to be sure you are as informed and prepared as you possibly can be.
About Your Indianapolis, IN Oral Surgeon
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Falender contact our Indianapolis, IN, dental office today by calling (317) 900-4535. Our office welcomes patients in and around Indianapolis, IN, including Fishers, Lawrence, Greenfield, and the surrounding Southern Indianapolis communities.