Cosmetic Dentistry: Dentures vs. Implants

Dentures and implants are two oral prosthetics that are commonly used in cosmetic dentistry. Dentures are often recommended to patients who have lost most of their teeth, as it is the most affordable way to replace a dental arch of teeth. Implants are a great solution when a person has lost one or a few teeth, and they offer the most permanent solution for missing teeth. However, implants are the priciest way to replace missing teeth, so replacing an entire set of teeth with them goes over most people's budgets.

How implants and dentures are used in cosmetic dentistry

Implants and dentures are both viable ways to replace missing teeth. To make it easier to understand which will work best for you, let us explore how they work in more detail:

Implants

An implant is a screw or rod that is surgically inserted into a person's jaw. It replaces the root of the lost tooth and a crown is fitted on the outer end. Implants are the only solution for missing teeth that prevent the loss of bone tissue that occurs when a tooth is lost.

The process of installing implants can take up to six months as the implant needs to fuse with surrounding bone tissue via a process known as osseointegration. Implants do not require special maintenance once installed, and they can last a lifetime.

Benefits of getting implants include:

• The patient gets a permanent solution
• The implant prevents bone tissue loss
• Replacing missing teeth prevents alignment issues
• The patient's bite is restored
• It looks and feels natural
• There is no need for specialized care

The drawbacks of getting implants include:

• Requires oral surgery
• Pricier option
• Might require bone grafts

Dentures

Dentures consist of two main parts — a framework that rests on the patient's gums and a set of artificial teeth. The installation of dentures does not require any surgery. The dentist takes an impression of the patient's mouth and that is sent to a dental lab that makes dentures.

The patient's customized dentures will be ready in about two weeks. The benefits of dentures include:

• Restores function of lost teeth
• Does not require surgery
• Prevents alignment issues
• Restores aesthetics of lost teeth
• Affordable solution

The drawbacks of dentures include:

• Comes with tiring maintenance requirements
• Does not have the stability of implants
• Can irritate soft tissues in the mouth
• Might require the use of nasty-tasting dental adhesives

Getting the best of both worlds

It is now possible for patients to combine the benefits of implants and dentures. Hybrid prosthetics like implant-supported dentures provide a better solution for people who would rather not deal with the drawbacks of dentures but do not want to spend their retirement funds replacing their missing teeth with implants.

Do you need dentures or implants?

Call or visit our Sacramento clinic if you are looking for a way to replace your missing teeth. Our cosmetic dentist will evaluate your teeth and educate you about your options. Start working towards having the smile of your dreams.

Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.

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