Implants vs. Dentures
Tuscumbia, AL
 Tooth loss can be caused by many things, including gum disease, tooth decay, dental trauma, and aging. Even the loss of a single tooth can result in chewing issues, speaking problems, and a reduction in your self-confidence. Fortunately, our dental team at Singing River Dentistry can offer you innovative restorative solutions including dental implants that are a better alternative to traditional dentures.
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Dentures and Dental Implants
Dentures are one of the most common dental restoration options. These are removable prosthetics equipped with a flesh-colored acrylic base with a set of replacement teeth designed to replace the natural teeth in the upper and lower arch. Dentures can be complete or partial.
On the other hand, dental implants are fixed prosthetics. A dental implant consists of a titanium screw that is placed in the jaw to provide superior strength and stability for optimal chewing. If you are missing a whole arch of teeth, dental implants can be implemented with a removable overdenture, which supports a set of replacement teeth. If you have lost only a few teeth, individual dental implants can be a good treatment option.
Dentures are a very popular, non-invasive, and effective prosthetic for tooth replacement. However, they also have several limitations.
Dental Implants Are More Natural Looking
Dentures are made of acrylic and plastic and sometimes do not look very realistic, particularly since they move around the mouth a lot. On the other hand, dental implants are anchored securely to the jaw and are covered by porcelain teeth that look indistinguishable from your natural teeth. This can help restore self-confidence.
Dental Implants Are More Comfortable
Dentures feel bulky in the mouth. Moreover, they slip and slide in the mouth resulting in sores and lesions on the soft tissues of your mouth. In comparison, implants offer more comfort because they are rooted firmly in the jaw and are more stable — just like your natural teeth.
When a tooth is lost, the bone supporting that tooth becomes resorbed by the body. Dentures do not provide enough stimulation to the jaw to prevent this bone loss. As a result, your jaw will become weak and your facial structure will collapse. Implants, on the other hand, are embedded in the jaw and can withstand the force of the chewing motion. This means they provide optimal stimulation to the jaw and prevent the bone from deteriorating.
Dental Implants Offer Better Chewing
Since dentures are not firmly secured, they do not offer the best biting and chewing functions and you may not be able to eat tough, sticky, or crisp foods. However, dental implants are very stable and provide superior chewing function. This means you can eat all of your favorite types of food.
Dental Implants Are Low-Maintenance
Dentures need to be taken out before bedtime and require some careful handling so that they do not break. They need to be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush and then soaked in a mild cleaning solution overnight. If they are exposed to hot water or harsh chemicals, they can become warped or damaged. On the other hand, implants are fixed prosthetics and require only regular brushing, flossing, and routine checkup appointments to keep them healthy.
Dental Implants Are Very Durable
Dentures can last for about seven years. Since your jawbone will continue to deteriorate while you are using them, your dentures may need to be relined, rebased, or completely remade to fit your jaw. In addition, dentures are also quite fragile and can fracture from just a little pressure. In contrast, dental implants are very strong and durable and can last for up to 25 years. They also have a success rate of 88% to 98%, depending on which part of the jaw they have been placed.
Dentures are non-invasive options for the elderly and people who have certain medical conditions that do not allow them to get dental implants. However, most people are good candidates for dental implants.
Schedule Today!
If you are missing your teeth and want to have comfortable, effective, and natural-looking dental restorations, and can help you with that. Call 256-712-2240 and we will determine if dental implant treatment is a good option for you.
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