Dentures And Dental Implants
Both dentures and implants address the issues that arise when teeth are missing. They restore important functionality you need to chew and eat effectively, and they also restore your smile, enabling you to feel more confident in social situations or anytime you’re face-to-face with someone. While they both solve a similar problem, these treatment methods differ considerably. Here’s what you need to know about dentures and dental implants.
About Dentures
Removable dentures have been used to treat partial or full loss of teeth for centuries, and modern advances in dentistry have led to the natural-looking, form-fitting appliances that exist today. These prosthetic devices offer a reliable form of treating patients who are missing several teeth, whether from disease, decay, or injury.
A number of options exist to address different degrees of tooth loss, including partial dentures, and what works for your neighbor may or may not be the best solution for you. Your dentist can help you determine whether or not dentures are the right treatment approach, and if so, which type of dentures would suit you best.
Dentures consist of a gum-colored, plastic resin base that fits over the bony ridge that ordinarily holds teeth. Prosthetic teeth designed to look and act like your natural teeth project out from this base. Dentures need to be fitted properly so that you can wear them comfortably and confidently, without them feeling loose, and without you worrying that they’ll fall out. You may start with temporary dentures that train your mouth to get used to wearing an appliance, and then graduate to permanent dentures made to conform to your mouth for a secure fit and great results.
These are some of the benefits patients experience from wearing dentures:
- The Convenience Of Being Removable: Many patients find it convenient to be able to remove their dentures for cleaning.
- An Economical Solution To Missing Teeth: With a variety of options available, each patient can find a denture solution to fit individual budgets.
- Smile Restoration: Wearing dentures restores confidence, improves the shape of your mouth, and brings your smile back.
About Dental Implants
Another common treatment approach to missing teeth involves dental implants, which offer a permanent tooth restoration solution. Replacing teeth down to the roots, each implant is inserted into place individually. Anchored in place into bone via a small titanium post, a dental implant results in superior stability, strength, and functionality.
Being a more permanent solution, this treatment takes several steps. First, a minor surgical procedure is done to insert the implant, and after a short recovery period, the implant is topped off with a crown that matches the look and sizes of the surrounding natural teeth.
Considered as the best approach to replace missing teeth by many dentists worldwide, dental implants offer a number of benefits, including:
- Long-lasting Results: Whether replacing one tooth or multiple teeth, a dental implant procedure is designed to provide long-lasting, even permanent results, which can be accomplished with ongoing good oral hygiene and by avoiding excessive force when biting.
- Preservation Of Teeth-supporting Bone: One great benefit of implants is that they help halt bone loss that ordinarily happens when teeth are missing.
- Natural-looking Smile: With implants, each tooth is individually crafted to replace a tooth you once had. The overall result is a natural-looking appearance and a radiant smile.
Which Dental Procedure Is Right For Me?
This is an important question you’ll want to go over carefully with your dentist. As with any treatment options, both solutions offer benefits and have some considerations to review before reaching your decision. Ask as many questions as you can, and be sure to find out what to expect before, during, and after treatment is completed. Balance the short-term and long-term gains to see which approach is right for you.
The good news is that many options are available, and you don’t need to live with missing teeth! When you have your teeth restored, you gain so much, from the ability to fully enjoy meals again, to a greater desire to live life to the max. Don’t let a few missing teeth keep you from living vibrantly and being the best you that you can be.
Your Next Appointment With A Cosmetic Dentist In Salisbury
If you are looking for a good cosmetic dentist to help restore your smile and the functionality of your bite, look no further than Merritt Mill Dental Associates in Salisbury, MD. Our cosmetic dentistry services include dental bonding, dental implants, removable dentures, porcelain veneers, and of course, professional teeth whitening.
We also offer a full range of general dentistry services, including fillings, sealants, gum disease treatment, and more. For the children in your family, we offer pediatric dentistry. If you find yourself in need of emergency dental care, the staff and dentists at Merritt Mill Dental Associates are ready to help you.
Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment!
