Dentures and dental implants are both prominent choices for tooth replacement. But how do you know which one is the right choice for you? The dentist at Bella Smiles in Nesconset, Riverhead, and Roslyn, NY, discuss both.
About Dentures
Removable dentures are made of a metal and resin base with porcelain or plastic teeth. They’re typically used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They require adhesive to secure them in your mouth and have to be taken out at night to be cleaned thoroughly. The best thing about dentures is that they’re cheaper upfront and can be obtained quickly.
However, you may incur more costs down the line. Dentures don’t stop your jawbone from deteriorating. This means that they’ll need to be adjusted or replaced later on. Dentures are also bulky and don’t feel like natural teeth. They take some time to get used to. You also only get back around 40% of your bite capacity. Certain foods will have to be removed from your diet.
Dentures can also slip around if they don’t fit exactly right. This causes irritation to your gums and can become uncomfortable. When you’re speaking or eating, there’s a chance that they can fall out of your mouth if you don’t have enough adhesive on them.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
At Bella Smiles, our dental team recommends dental implants. Implants are made up of three parts. First, a titanium post is the part that’s placed in your jawbone. Second, a piece called an abutment is placed on top of the post to connect the dental restoration. The final restoration is typically a dental crown. Implants can also support a dental bridge or a fixed denture as well.
Dental implants are the only form of tooth replacement that replaces the tooth root. It helps to reverse the effects of jawbone deterioration because the bone fuses around the titanium post. This gives you more stability and 100% of your bite function back. You won’t have to eliminate anything from your diet because dental implants feel and act like natural teeth. A normal oral healthcare routine is all that’s needed to take care of them.
The downside to dental implants is that they cost more upfront and take longer before you have your final restoration. They may cost more upfront, but you won’t have extra costs down the line. There are no issues with bone deterioration impacting the fit of implants. After posts are placed in the jawbone, there’s a 3-6 month healing process. While this is a long time, it’s what gives implants the stability you’re looking for.
Getting Dental Implants in Nesconset, Roslyn, and Riverhead, NY
Are dental implants the solution to take care of your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment at one of our offices online.