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Implants Versus Dentures

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Implants Versus Dentures

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Implants Versus Dentures“. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

^{^[1]}If you are missing teeth, you’re not alone. More than 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth.

Most people want to replace missing teeth simply to regain their smile –and that’s a great reason. However, missing teeth can have a big impact on your life in a lot of ways. Spaces between your teeth may affect how you chew and eat, leading to nutritional and digestive issues. Even a single missing molar can affect how you chew. Without teeth to support the jaw structure, your facial features may start to look old and distorted, with sunken cheeks and skin wrinkling around the mouth. And, a lack of teeth can make it hard to talk.

While dentures are still a good option for many, modern dental techniques provide alternatives to traditional dentures to replace missing teeth, including implant-supported dentures.

Dentures (complete and partial). An option if you’ve lost all or most of your teeth.
Implants and implant-supported dentures. An alternative to traditional dentures growing in popularity.

Implant Supported Dentures

With continued denture use, the underlying bone changes and dentures slowly lose their fit. Eventually, so much bone loss can occur that a well fitting complete denture can no longer be made. Because of potential bone loss and improved comfort, implant supported dentures are a good way to replace missing teeth or to replace conventional dentures that no longer fit well.

Implants can help support dentures in both the upper and lower jaws. They are particularly beneficial for lower dentures. Almost every lower denture wearer would benefit from having two implants to support and retain the denture.

In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported full bridges or dentures are designed to be long-lasting. Implant-supported full bridges and dentures also are more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing you to retain a more natural biting and chewing capacity.

In addition, because implant-supported full bridges and dentures will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With conventional dentures, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.

In the long term, implants can be more esthetic and easier to maintain than conventional dentures. The loss of bone that accompanies conventional dentures leads to recession of the jawbone and a collapsed, unattractive smile. Conventional dentures make it difficult to eat certain foods

^{^[2]}Dentures Vs. Dental Implants: Pros & Cons Of Each

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry 30 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. If you are in this situation you might be considering dentures or dental implants. But before you decide which option is right for you, it’s important to understand their differences. Let’s review the pros and cons of each.

Advantages Of Dentures

Dentures are less costly than implants, making them the most affordable option for most patients.
Many people choose to start with dentures. Since they are less expensive a patient may try them out and see how they feel.
If you have just had teeth removed recently, starting with dentures will allow your body time to heal before considering implants.
Depending on the location of the missing teeth, dentures may be a perfect solution. (Patients often find upper dentures look good and are easy to wear.)
The process to create the dentures is non-invasive. No surgery required.
If additional teeth are lost in the future, it is easy to modify the dentures to accommodate the loss.

Disadvantages Of Dentures

They do not quite look as natural as dental implants.
They must be removed and thoroughly cleaned regularly. Many patients find the cleaning of cups and adhesives undesirable because they are messy and expensive.
Dentures are not worn overnight.
Sometimes dentures slip around making it difficult to speak and eat.
Certain foods cannot be eaten with dentures. Examples include caramel, apples and corn on the cob.
There’s an increased risk of gum disease if food is trapped by the dentures.
They frequently need replacement (every 3 to 6 years compared to 20+ years for dental implants). Also, they’ll break if dropped, requiring replacement.
Partial dentures are known to weaken the adjacent natural teeth that provide support for the dentures.

Advantages Of Implants

They’re easy to care for. Just brush and floss as you do your natural teeth.
Implants look and feel like natural teeth since the root and tooth is replaced.
Implants allow you to eat any food including things that are sticky and crunchy.
Dental implants don’t affect speech.
Bones and adjacent teeth are preserved. Further deterioration is not a problem. They’re less likely to require future dental procedures.
With proper care, dental implants will last for decades.

Disadvantages Of Implants

They can be expensive, with single implants costing up to $4,000 per tooth.
Implants require surgery to install and generally have a lengthy healing process.

At the end of the day, your dentist is your best resource to help you decide what option is best for you and your mouth. Keep in mind that you may decide to start with dentures and eventually progress to implants, but implants are a more permanent option. But both implants and dentures are a big investment. So regardless of which you pick, make sure you have the best dental insurance possible. Click the image below for a FREE consultation with a Solstice team member today – we will make sure you have the right plan for you!

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

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Tips For Eating With Dentures

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Tips For Eating With Dentures

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Tips For Eating With Dentures“. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

^{^[1]}Treating Denture Problems

If you have problems with your dentures, see your dentist right away. Your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Here Are Some Ways To Treat Various Denture Problems:

Make sure your dentures fit. Over time, your gums and bones will change and your dentures won’t fit as well. When this happens, your dentures need to be adjusted, modified, or replaced by your dentist. Never try to adjust your dentures yourself.

Speak slowly. When you first get dentures, it may be hard for you to say certain words. Be patient. Practice saying the challenging words aloud and speak slowly. If your dentures move around when you laugh or smile, gently bite down and swallow to put them back in place. Check with your dentist to adjust the fit.

Eat Soft Foods. If You Are Having Trouble Eating, Follow These Tips:

Take small bites of soft foods, such as eggs and yogurt.
Don’t eat anything sticky.
Chew your food slowly.

When you chew, use both sides of your mouth at the same time. This prevents your dentures from moving forward or tipping.

Eating will become easier as you get used to your dentures. In time, you should be able to eat most foods.

Use an adhesive. Denture adhesives help your dentures stay in place and make them feel more secure. But denture adhesives should not be used to fix old or poorly fitting dentures – and should generally be avoided. When using an adhesive, follow the instructions carefully. Use only a small amount.

Mouth Infections Linked To Dentures

Some people who wear dentures get mouth infections, such as:

Cheilitis. This is a painful infection that causes inflammation and cracking at the corners of your mouth. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast can accumulate in moist areas of your mouth if your dentures don’t fit properly.

To prevent cheilitis (also called cheilosis), see your dentist regularly to make sure your dentures fit properly. Also, try not to rub or lick the corners of your mouth.

Stomatitis. This is another infection that is caused by too much yeast. You may not know you have denture-induced stomatitis, because symptoms are not always obvious. When symptoms are noticeable, you may see small red bumps on the roof of your mouth or general mouth redness, especially under your upper dentures.

Both cheilitis and stomatitis can be treated with medicine and proper denture care.

Caring For Your Dentures

Along with making sure they fit well, it is important to take good care of your dentures. Here are some tips to keep your dentures working and looking their best.

^{^[2]}Types Of Dentures

There Are Two Main Types Of Removable Dentures:

Full dentures – are used when all of the teeth in one jaw are missing. These dentures are made from plastic.

Partial dentures – are made when there are some teeth missing, but other natural teeth remain. The denture replaces only the teeth that are missing. These dentures can be made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both. They usually have little metal clasps which rest or grip on the natural teeth to hold the denture in place. It is important for your remaining teeth to be in good health, to support the part denture.

Making Dentures

Dentures can be made for you by a dentist, dental prosthetist (advanced dental technician) or specialist prosthodontist.

Dentures are made specially to fit your mouth. This often means several dental visits before the denture is finished to make sure that accurate measurements are taken and the denture fits well.

There Are Several Ways To Have Dentures Made:

If you have recently had teeth removed, measurements usually start about three months after your teeth have been taken out. This allows time for the gum and bone to heal and settle and means that the denture should be a better fit from the start. The oral health professional will also check that any remaining teeth are healthy to hold the denture.

If you have had missing teeth for a while, denture measurements will start after the oral health professional has checked that all your remaining teeth are healthy and can support a denture.

Immediate dentures may be considered when you do not wish to be without teeth for two to three months. Denture measurements begin before the teeth are taken out so that the dentures are ready to be put in at the same time your teeth are removed. Changes to the bone after the teeth are removed may cause the denture to become loose over time and it may need to be adjusted and “relined” within a few months to improve the fit. Sometimes, they made need to be remade if there is a lot of bone shrinkage.

Dentures may need to be replaced after a period of time, usually several years, as your gums change with age.

Your oral health professional can suggest which options might be best for you, based on your particular circumstances.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

Implants Versus Dentures