Are you interested in restorative dental work? Are you wondering about the advantages of dentures vs. implants?
Cracked or missing teeth can lead to embarrassing moments, low self-esteem, and the inability to enjoy foods you once loved. Believe it or not, it could also lead to gum disease and more serious health issues if left untreated.
You may have heard of dentures and implants as treatments for serious dental conditions. Yet all options aren’t the same, and you’ll want to make sure you know all about your options before you make a decision.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Dentures?
In short, dentures are a removable set of teeth that can replace your real teeth and help restore your appearance. They get created from a series of impressions of your jaw.
Dentures are an affordable type of dental treatment for missing teeth. In fact, the least expensive options cost between $300 and $600 per denture. You might also pay up to $1,000 for a complete set of either lower or upper dentures.
While patients with bone or gum loss might not be candidates for options like dental implants, dentures could fit them nicely.
If you are worried about how you will be impacted by dental surgery, know that dentures are a non-invasive option. And in only about four dental visits, your dentures will be ready.
One of the most popular types of dentures is traditional complete dentures. These will replace an entire set of upper or lower teeth.
Partial dentures, on the other hand, can replace one or more missing teeth. They are convenient and easy to remove.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are essentially metal posts that get used for replacing your natural tooth roots. A crown, or false tooth, gets attached to these implants. Dental implant surgery involves a few different procedures, as well as some healing time in between.
One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they are long-lasting. While dentures are designed only to last for five to ten years, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental implants get designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. They can keep the teeth adjacent to your gap stable and provide increased comfort. In addition, they can support your jaw as well as the structure of your face.
The most commonly used type of dental implant is the endosteal implant. They will securely anchor your implant to the bone. Endosteal implants also serve to improve bone density.
Dentures Vs. Implants
Those who choose dental implants are interested in longevity. However, the treatment is also somewhat expensive. In fact, each implant can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000.
Dental implants are easy to care for as they look and feel like regular teeth. All you will need to do is brush and floss as you normally would.
With dentures, you will need to purchase a separate cleanser and soak them each night. So they require a bit of extra maintenance.
In addition, you can continue eating whatever you like with them after your implants have healed.
With dentures, however, you will need to modify your diet slightly. For example, you may need to stay away from foods like popcorn, nuts, or apples. If maintaining your diet is important to you, you may be interested in choosing implants.
If, however, cost and speediness are important to you, dentures may seem like the better option.
Another thing to consider when making your decision is that many dental insurance companies won’t cover basic dental implants. You may need to check with your health insurance company or look into purchasing cosmetic dental procedure coverage.
With dentures, however, your insurance will usually cover at least part of the cost.
The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry, such as implants, may seem like a bit of an investment right now. However, most users have found that it was well worth their time in the long run.
Dental implants can restore your smile as well as your confidence. You will no longer need to be embarrassed when taking a picture or talking to folks up close. Yet the advantages extend far beyond that.
Closing the gap in your teeth with implants can also help prevent gum disease by keeping food from getting stuck. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to further tooth loss and even serious health problems. These include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
In addition, dental implants can help to prevent further bone loss by stimulating the jaw bone. They can also restore the structure of your jaw and face. This can help to prevent sagging and premature aging.
Dentures also offer a number of advantages you didn’t have before. Like implants, they can restore your facial muscles and oral bone structure. They can also help you to correct any speech impediments you might have had due to missing or cracked teeth.
Like implants, dentures can appear natural-looking for some time. And they can help you to be more confident when working, socializing, and enjoying your life.
If you’re ready to get a great-looking smile that will have you looking and feeling ten years younger, you’ve got to talk to your dentist about restoring your smile.
Smiling On
If you’re wondering about dentures vs. implants, it’s important to carefully consider your budget, dental needs, and future plans. With a little homework and the right dentist, you could be on your way to a fantastic new smile in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about dental work now. For top-notch dental professionals in Colorado, contact us today.