Have you recently experienced significant tooth loss in your lower or upper arch and find yourself overwhelmed with the decision on how to replace your missing teeth? Tooth loss not only prevents you from smiling and enjoying life to the fullest, but it can take a toll on your overall oral and physical health. The moment tooth loss occurs, it’s important to find a restorative option in order to avoid jawbone degeneration, facial structure changes, gum recession, and other serious conditions. Fortunately, in today’s dental industry, there is more than one option available to restoring your smile, including dental implants and traditional dentures. But how do you know which one is right for you, and is one better for you than the other?
Traditional Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
A traditional denture is fabricated with a combination of materials, designed to match the natural shape and color of your teeth and gums. This type of restorative device rests on your gums, and is held in place with suction and a strong adhesive. Because surgery is not required for traditional dentures, it offers a quick and affordable option for patients missing an entire arch of teeth.
Dental implants are designed to replace an entire tooth from the root to the crown, making it the closest restorative option to natural teeth. Implant posts are made from durable and biocompatible titanium. Surgically inserted into your jawbone, implants are fabricated in such a way to mimic tooth roots and provide a firm foundation for a customized implant-supported restoration. Because of their strategic placement, four to six dental implants can support an implant-supported denture. Depending on your preference, your restoration can be designed as a removable or permanently affixed device.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Below are just some of the many benefits to choosing dental implants as a natural tooth replacement option:
- Optimal Comfort
Since implant-supported dentures are connected to dental implants rather than resting directly on your gums, they provide better security and comfort when chewing, biting, and talking. Once your implants have fused with your jawbone and your restoration is securely affixed, you can once again enjoy all your favorite foods.
Traditional dentures have a tendency to slip and shift out of place when speaking or eating certain foods, making an embarrassing clicking or popping sound. This can be an unfortunate and worrisome downside to traditional dentures.
- Long-Lasting Results
Although traditional dentures are initially a more cost-effective alternative to dental implants, they usually need to be replaced every three to five years. When the nerves within your jawbone are not stimulated regularly, it will eventually lead to tissue degeneration and structural changes to your gums and jawbone. Over time, this causes ill-fitting and uncomfortable dentures.
Dental implants, however, continually stimulate your jawbone nerves with each bite you take. In addition, your implant-supported denture will be made from the most durable materials available. When properly cared for – your restoration can last you a lifetime.
- Better Oral Health and Improved Quality of Life
With traditional dentures, food and bacteria can get easily trapped between your device and gums – especially if proper oral hygiene is not followed. This places you at greater risk for developing gum disease. When gum disease occurs, it’s hard to reverse the side effects. If left untreated, it can lead to other serious conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Dental implants are much easier to keep clean, and because they operate much like natural teeth, they promote healthy gums and bone growth – allowing you to enjoy better oral health. By choosing dental implants to restore you smile, you will not only look better, but feel better, thus providing a boosted self-confidence and better quality of life.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you are looking for a permanent option to restoring your smile – Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes at Fresno Dental Implants in Fresno, CA can provide you with a beautifully customized implant-supported denture. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, contact us online or call us at 559-297-1294 to schedule your consultation.