Are Dentures or Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dentures and dental implants are both commonly used to replace missing teeth. But how do you know which option is the right one for you? Dr. Edward Lazer of Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry discusses both options and why he recommends getting dental implants in Baltimore, MD.dental implants in baltimore, md

About Dentures

Removable dentures are standard for replacing a full arch of teeth. They’re made up of a metal and resin base with teeth made of plastic or dental porcelain. They require adhesive usually to stay in the mouth. The major benefits of dentures are that they cost a lot less upfront and you’re able to get a denture must faster than dental implants.

However, dentures come with a lot of downsides. While they can fill out the facial sagging that comes with missing teeth, it doesn’t last without re-fitting or replacing the denture with time. Your jawbone still deteriorates with dentures. And while you pay less upfront for them, you’ll pay more down the line due to your jawbone changing. Dentures that don’t fit can cause rubbing, irritation, and pain to your gums.

Dentures also only give you back around 30-40% of your bite function. You’ll have to eliminate things from your diet that you won’t be able to chew. Dentures are often big and kind of bulky as well. There’s a learning curve to speaking and eating with them because they don’t feel like your natural teeth. At night, you have to take them out to make sure they’re cleaned properly. You have to find an adhesive that works well for you so they don’t slip in the mouth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. An implant is made up of three parts. First, a titanium post is the portion that’s actually placed in your jawbone. Next, an abutment is placed on top of the post. This is what connects the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is typically a dental crown. However, dental implants can also support a dental bridge or a fixed denture.

Dental implants are the only restoration that replaces the tooth root. This means that it helps to reverse the impacts of bone deterioration and prevent them in the future. Implants promote jawbone regeneration as the post fuses with the jawbone. This is also what gives implants their stability and natural feel. Unlike dentures, they’re the closest you can come to the look and feel of natural teeth.

With their stability, you don’t have to worry about them slipping or falling out. You get 100% of your biting function back. Nothing has to be removed from your diet. They also don’t require any extra maintenance. You simply have to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly like you normally would. There’s no learning curve to getting implants, either, since they feel natural.

The main downsides of implants are the upfront cost and the length of time it takes to get your restoration. But you don’t have any extra costs down the line. Implants don’t need to be re-fitted or replaced. They take longer because the implants have to heal and fuse with the jawbone. This is extremely important to give you the stability that you expect from this restoration.

Getting Dental Implants in Baltimore, Maryland

Do you think that dental implants are the solution for replacing your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.