rThe decision to choose dental implants over dentures can be a tough one. There are so many variables to consider when making the decision, it is important to do your due diligence to make a good decision. Both are quite capable for a solution to smile restoration, but more and more people are choosing dental implants over dentures due to a number of factors, including their improved comfort, better chewing ability, and a whole host of benefits.

Why should I choose dentures?

Dentures are the most traditional out of all your options for smile restoration. Dentures have been a staple of dentistry for a long time, and for one good reason: they are relatively inexpensive.  For some price is the most important part in their considerations.

How Dentures Work

Dentures work by using a mold of the teeth that are to be replaced, and then casting it in a durable and mouth-safe material. Next the dentures are affixed to the gum with an adhesive or cream.

Disadvantages of Dentures

  1. Dentures are not a long-term solution to tooth replacement. They wear down over time and will have to be replaced every few years. And if they don’t wear down they have to be adjusted to fit the changing shape of your jaw.
  2. That’s right, without teeth in the jawbone, the jawbone will begin to decay, and that will cause deterioration of the facial structure. Dentures will do nothing to keep your natural face shape.
  3. They often feel fake or unnatural in the mouth, and are prone to slip and move around. They can also cause much difficulty when chewing and speaking.
  4. Dentures will also likely need creams and adhesives that must be used to secure them in place. This will require you to reapply the adhesive every time that you wear dentures, a daily occurrence for most. You also will be restricted with what foods you can eat, due to the weaker chewing ability that the dentures impose.
  5. The dentures will have to be removed nightly in order to be cleaned. This can translate to misplaced dentures, and that means another replacement will need to be bought and developed.
When considering the cost of getting a set of dentures, be sure to factor the cost of the replacements in addition to the cost of initially getting the dentures. While this may not seem like a big expense now, the cost will eventually add up as every few years you are forced to replace them.

Why are dental implants so much better?

Dental implants offer a much simpler solution. They are also permanent, and can last a lifetime. They may seem like a greater investment up front, but they have long term benefits that are well worth the investment.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  1. The most dramatic benefit is the fact that they actually preserve the remaining jawbone which keeps you looking exactly like yourself. You don’t have to worry about bone loss at all, and can instead enjoy your natural smile.
  2. Dental implants also feel and function just like your natural teeth. You will hardly notice them, and they will be matched to your natural tooth color. Where in the past they may have looked translucent or noticeably different from your natural teeth, they are now made from much more detailed looking crown.
  3. There is also no need to mess with sticky creams, adhesives and the like. You can just take care of them just like your natural teeth – brushing two times a day and flossing at least once a day. Your life will likely be not very much different after getting the implant, after all it is fused directly into the jawbone.
  4. Dental implants are strong and stable, as they are anchored directly into the jawbone and they fit very comfortably in the mouth, just like your natural teeth. This means that you never have to worry about them slipping when eating, drinking and talking. You can even continue to eat the same foods you’ve always enjoyed, unlike a set of dentures.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

  1. They can be very expensive, but that money is a life-long investment in not just your oral health, but your overall health. Your oral health impacts the rest of your life by allowing you to eat well and consume nutrients.
  2. They may also have to be replaced if you suffer from bone loss also know as Osteoporosis
If you are interested in exploring what a dental implant would look for you, give Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA a call at (909) 481-8990 to arrange an appointment with one of our dentists today.