Once permanent teeth are lost due to injury or extraction it is important that they are being replaced to allow you to chew and even speak clearly, as well as the health of your mouth. For many years dentures were the only way to replace lost teeth but now you have another option: Dental implants.
Dentures are a removable prosthetic device that looks like real teeth. Full or partial dentures can replace all or some missing teeth. The teeth are set in a form that has been custom fitted to your mouth and are worn over the bones in the jaw.
Dental implants are fused to the bone in the jaw using a titanium or zirconium implant. Once the implant has healed, it is topped with a crown or bridge that is coloured to match your natural teeth.
What are the Advantages of Implants?
While both dentures and implants are commonly used to replace teeth, today implants provide features that dentures do not.
- Implants are a permanent and durable solution. The implant is fused to the bone in the jaw and a bridge or crown is attached to the implant.
- Implants function like natural teeth providing better chewing and the ability to speak clearly.
- Implants are brushed and flossed like natural teeth
- Because implants are fused to the bone in the jaw they help to prevent bone-loss and gum-erosion.
- Implants look and feel like natural teeth and people won’t even notice the difference between an implant and a natural tooth.
- Implants are more comfortable than dentures.
- Implants have a 98% success rate.
What are the Disadvantages of Dentures?
While dentures are a commonly used solution for tooth loss they do have disadvantages for wearers.
- Dentures must be removed to clean. This is inconvenient, requires a special cleaning solution, and leaves a margin for error in the cleaning process.
- Dentures break if dropped or warp in hot water.
- Dentures must be adjusted to accommodate changes to the jaw and may need to be replaced in as little as seven years.
- Over time gums can erode causing dentures to become uncomfortable to wear.
- Friction can cause gums to become sore and dentures uncomfortable to wear.
- Dentures may not look like natural teeth.
In Conclusion
Implants or dentures are a personal preference that may be affected by cost or insurance coverage. However, if you are looking for the most natural appearance dental implants are the way to go.
For further information about dental implants, talk to your dentist at your next appointment or call Smiles Dentistry at (416) 588-8004 today to make an appointment.