Dental Implants vs Dentures: What's Best?
As you age, your gums naturally recede. This results in sensitivity and can even lead to tooth loss. Of course, tooth loss can also occur if you neglect your oral hygiene to the point where you develop a gum disease and it gets too far gone. When this happens, you may have no choice but to get dentures or dental implants. However, which one is the better option for you? Here are the facts about dentures and dental implants so that you know which is better for you.
Regular Dentures
These days, with all the advancements in dental technology, dentures are relegated for patients who have weak jaws and gums that have been damaged by disease. They are
meant for individuals who want to replace multiple missing teeth. When you choose dentures, you can speak normally because they help to put your mouth and jaw in the proper position. You can also eat normally because dentures replace your missing teeth. Additionally, dentures allow you to have a normal and more youthful facial appearance because they help to fill out your face and fix any issues of sagging.
Types of Dentures
There are different types of dentures you can get from your dentist. Those are partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are those that replace some teeth and fit in the mouth in the area where teeth are missing. They are held in place between real teeth. On the other hand, complete dentures are more plentiful and may include multiple false teeth to replace several teeth that are missing. Whichever type you choose, dentures need to be cleaned and brushed regularly like regular natural teeth to keep them clean and free of bacteria. You should also remove them at night when you are going to sleep.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are often a more desired choice of patients. They are situated in the mouth through surgery and are meant to replace missing teeth. During a surgical procedure to put in dental implants, a crown or replacement tooth is added to the root. Dental implants appear like natural teeth and can last for as long as 20 years. After that time, you will need to have them replaced.
While dentures are recommended for individuals whose gums are unhealthy, dental implants are good options for those who have healthy gums. When you decide to go this route, you will be able to discuss with your dentist what option is better for you. You can even have dental implants when you have multiple missing teeth. The implants are easier to care for as you don’t have to remove them or soak them overnight like dentures. However, it’s important to keep up good oral hygiene and brush your teeth two times per day and floss once per day so that your natural teeth and dental implants alike stay healthy.
Whichever option you choose, it is important to see your dentist once every six months for regular checkups and X-rays. This will ensure that your gums and teeth stay their healthiest and that you can get any dental procedure you need in a timely manner to minimize any damage.