Dentures vs. Dental Implants: Which is Right for You?

Are you trying to decide between dentures and dental implants? At Stanley Dentistry, we understand how losing teeth can affect your confidence when smiling, eating, or speaking. Tooth loss doesn’t just impact aesthetics; it also has significant effects on your overall oral health. Fortunately, we offer both dentures and dental implants to help restore your smile and improve your quality of life.

Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options, so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you. Plus, we’ll help you determine whether you’re a candidate for dental implants.

Dentures

Dentures are custom-made appliances designed to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of your tooth loss, we may recommend either full or partial dentures. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, while partial dentures are used when only a few teeth are missing.

While dentures are a popular and affordable solution, they do require daily maintenance. You’ll need to remove them at night to give your gums time to rest. When not in use, dentures should be stored in water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out and becoming damaged.

Dental Implants

Dental implants, on the other hand, are a more permanent tooth replacement option. A dental implant consists of a titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone to mimic the root of a natural tooth. After healing, this implant can support a custom crown that blends seamlessly with your remaining teeth.

One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they function like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without the worry of slipping dentures. Additionally, implants help maintain the integrity of your jawbone by preventing bone loss, a common issue following tooth loss. Like natural teeth, implants should be cared for with daily brushing and flossing.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants: Which Is Better?

While dentures are more affordable upfront, they do not address the issue of jawbone deterioration. When you lose a tooth, the body begins to reabsorb the minerals in the jawbone where the tooth once was, leading to bone loss over time. This can result in adjacent teeth shifting, changes in facial structure, and difficulty wearing dentures due to a poor fit.

Dental implants, on the other hand, prevent jawbone deterioration by stimulating the bone, much like natural tooth roots. This makes them an excellent long-term solution for maintaining both oral health and facial appearance. However, implants do come at a higher initial cost compared to dentures.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Ideal candidates have healthy gum tissue and enough bone density in the jaw to support the implant. During your consultation at Stanley Dentistry, we’ll assess your overall oral health and determine whether you’re a good fit for the procedure. Even if you’re not an ideal candidate for implants, we can help you explore other tooth replacement options to restore your smile.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants: The Pros and Cons

Dentures

Pros:

• More affordable than implants
• Can replace an entire arch of teeth
• Custom-made to look and function like natural teeth

Cons:

• Require more maintenance
• May slip or need to be repositioned
• Do not prevent jawbone deterioration

Dental Implants

Pros:

• Maintained like natural teeth
• No risk of slipping
• Prevent jawbone deterioration
• Look and function like natural teeth

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost (Although, we offer many financing options to fit your individual needs)

At Stanley Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you find the right tooth replacement solution based on your unique needs. Whether you opt for dentures or dental implants, our skilled dental team is here to guide you through the process and restore your smile with care and expertise. Call us today: 919-460-9665.

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