If you are missing teeth, Dr. Morgan Chambers offers many replacement options. When possible, she recommends dental implants because their benefits far outweigh those of dentures. Our dental implants in Lexington, KY, are the closest option to your natural teeth.
However, the best treatment for you depends on your oral health needs and cosmetic goals. Dr. Chambers will evaluate your gums and teeth and present your treatment options. She will explain the pros and cons of dental implants vs. dentures in his Lexington, KY, dental office.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is actually a titanium post that a dentist surgically places into your jawbone. The titanium post serves as the tooth root, providing a strong base for the replacement tooth or dental prosthetic. Dr. Chambers then attaches the prosthetic tooth to the post. Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t wiggle or wobble.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth that a dentist uses to replace many missing teeth. Traditional dentures are not permanent, meaning you can remove them and put them back in when needed. A technician creates them in a dental lab using impressions of your mouth. Dentures take some time to adjust to and will need replacement or readjustment over time.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
While a traditional denture fills the space where teeth once were, dental implants hold a replacement part in that area. Dental implants provide support from the bone and integrate with natural gum tissue.
Traditional dentures can’t last forever because they don’t use natural, living materials like bone or tissue that grow with your body. You must remove them when the gums become too loose, or the tooth sockets become too large. These limitations don’t apply to dental implants, which replace lost teeth at the root. Several factors distinguish traditional dentures from dental implants.
Cost
Dentures cost less upfront than dental implants, but they have certain disadvantages. Dentures can be uncomfortable, are less durable than dental implants, and can cause problems with chewing and speaking. They also require more maintenance and cost more over time than dental implants.
Dental implants cost more than dentures, but they last longer and feel more natural. They also come in different shapes to fit different mouths. With proper care and regular cleanings at our Lexington dental office, they can last a lifetime.
Natural Appearance
A face without teeth can look sunken and make you look older. Both dentures and dental implants will preserve the natural shape of your face and lower jaw. But dental implants look more like natural teeth than dentures. Dental implants can also be color-matched to your natural teeth.
Chewing Function
Dentures will restore about 30 to 40% of normal chewing function. Dental implants will deliver 100% normal chewing function. Dental implants eliminate the constant worry that your teeth may fall out while eating. Oftentimes, dentures may slip or not fit correctly, leaving you worried they may fall out.
Snug Fit
With dentures, you may need to apply a gooey adhesive each time you wear them to keep them in place. Dentures may also be a bit uncomfortable. Depending on the type of dentures you get, they cover a large portion of your mouth with plastic. Because they are bulky, they may feel weird and take time to adjust to.
Bone Loss
Dental implants are the most common treatment for jawbone loss. They also help prevent premature bone loss. Implants are made of titanium and replace the root of a tooth lost to gum disease or tooth decay. Because of this, the implant continues to stimulate the jawbone, just like a natural tooth.
Maintenance and Care
Dentures involve a lot of care because you must brush them daily, and they can possibly break if you drop them. You can never let your dentures dry out, which can be a constant worry, especially when you’re not wearing them. Dental implants need the same care as your natural teeth, which means less extra work. You can brush them and floss them without worrying about damaging them.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Are you missing a single permanent tooth? Do you have rows of missing teeth? Dr. Chambers can help you! Call his office today at 859-251-3809 or request a dental appointment online.
To learn more about dental implants, visit: