Dental restoration options have expanded rapidly over the past few decades. While older generations had minimal options—dentures or tooth extractions without dentures, today’s dentist can restore your teeth back to their glory days. In fact, some patients remark that their teeth look even better than they did before when they choose dental implants instead of dentures.
Are you curious to learn more about dental implants and their advantages over dentures? We check in with Dr. Holly Gregory, a dental surgeon who specializes in dental implants in Kingwood TX for her opinion on both dental implants and dentures. She shared some enlightening information, read on.
TRADITIONAL DENTURES
Dentures are the classic teeth restoration option. After your rotting or infected teeth are extracted, your prosthodontist will fit you for a partial or full set of dentures. While the dentures of today are sturdier and far more natural in appearance that the sets of 25 years or so ago, they still cannot compare to your natural teeth.
Traditional Dentures: The Pros
Less expensive than dental implants: Traditional dentures, while fairly costly, are still less costly than dental implants. Add to that the fact that many dental insurance companies cover a portion of the cost. The insurance reimbursement is typically a 50 percent coverage after a deductible. Check with your dental insurance carrier for details.
Improve your eating: If you have had missing teeth or soft, painful, or infected teeth for some time now, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your ability to chew your foods once you’ve received your new dentures. Given the choice of no teeth or dentures, you’ll find dentures a hands-down win.
Reduces the odds of developing jaw pain: Patients who opt to go with several missing teeth instead of paying for restoration dentistry run a high risk of developing jaw pain or TMJ as a consequence of the changes in their bite pattern.
Improved appearance: Finally, and most importantly to most people, dentures are far better in appearance than missing teeth.
Traditional Dentures: The Cons
Need yearly refittings: For most denture wearers, their teeth must be refitted about one year after your initial fitting and every year thereafter. Some patients can go longer than this between refittings, but rarely expect to go more than 18 months without a visit to the dentist. Expect to need a complete replacement about every five years.
Relearning to speak: Some patients have an adjustment period. For those who are brand new to dentures, full dentures—especially those in the lower mouth—can be challenging to control. This can temporarily impede speech as patients grow accustomed to their new teeth.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Receiving your dental implants will be a surgical procedure. During the surgery, the oral surgeon will insert titanium posts into your jaw bone. These posts serve as the structure to which the surgeon then attaches the natural-looking new teeth. This procedure offers a permanent solution for the patient.
Dental Implants: The Pros
A permanent solution: Need a permanent solution and the convenience of “real teeth”? Dental implants are the superior option for the patient who wants better-looking teeth and to avoid the yearly refittings of dentures.
Sturdier than traditional dentures: Dental implants are rugged, and you can eat practically anything you wish! Patients adore the fact that they don’t need to bid bye-bye to their favorite treats.
Latest technologies: Dental implants technology gives patients the most advanced restorations. This advancement means that implants appear as good as their natural teeth did. In many cases, the implants even look better than the teeth did.
Dental Implants: The Cons
Usual surgical risks: Anytime you undergo any surgery, you face inherent risks. The dental implant procedure is not an exception to that rule. While chances are low, they have risks with every surgical procedure. Dental implants are no exception!
Greater cost: Of all the available dental restoration procedures, dental implants have the highest price ticket. Moreover, they are rarely covered by your dental insurance
Do you qualify? Those who suffer from advanced gingivitis or other gum diseases, especially in could disqualify for this treatment option. You and your dental surgeon will need to make the best call for your health.
SUMMARY
For those patients who desire the best looking and most durable replacement teeth, dental implants are superior to dentures. They produce the most natural results.
If you do not qualify for dental implants, however, rest assured that dentures today are superior to the prior generations and will still give you beautiful teeth.
