Implants or dentures? This is one of the questions that we get asked most often, and for good reason — there are lots to be said for each method.
In the end, however, there’s always an option that’s best for you, and our expert dentist can help you find it.
Dr. Thomas Hernandez at Heritage Dental helps you take the guesswork out of making over your smile. Here’s everything you should know about implants and dentures and figuring out which is right for you.
Dental implants offer a solid, nearly identical replacement to your missing teeth. They’re typically made of porcelain or titanium and have screws that anchor the implant securely into your jawbone and act as an artificial root. The crown of the implant mimics the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth.
Dr. Hernandez uses strategic surgical methods to place the implants into your mouth. Once you heal, your implants work seamlessly with your other teeth.
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth for most people who are missing one or more teeth. Because they function like natural teeth, caring for them is as easy as keeping up a regular oral hygiene routine.
The implants themselves last a lifetime, and the crowns 10-15 years with proper care, making them a virtually permanent solution.
You can eat and talk normally without the hassle of dental appliances that slip, slide, and make noise with dental implants.
They’re also the best option if you’re worried about future bone damage because the implants’ roots fuse to your jawbone, preventing bone decay.
The process of getting dental implants can involve a few different procedures spaced out over a few months. For example, you might need a bone graft to build up your jawbone before we can place an implant.
Each step of the process needs time to heal, but the result is a fully functioning set of teeth that shouldn’t need to be replaced or repaired in the future or cause you any hassle once in place.
Suppose you’re willing to make a time and financial commitment to fix your smile. In that case, dental implants are often considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing teeth for their look, comfort, functionality, and longevity.
Dentures are dental appliances that we custom make to replace your missing teeth. Depending on your needs, you might have complete or partial dentures. We take a mold of your mouth once your missing tooth socket has healed to create dentures that not only fit comfortably but that look and feel natural as well.
Dentures are a great option if you’re missing a few teeth or need a whole row of teeth replaced. Another draw to dentures is that there’s no prerequisite for surgery. Even if your gums, teeth, and jaw aren’t in great shape, it’s still possible for you to get dentures.
You may still need to have some essential dental work done beforehand, but it’s often less than the work required before implants. This can make them more time and cost-effective than implants.
Furthermore, dentures fill in your smile with natural-looking teeth, much like implants do. Over the years, modern dentistry has nearly perfected dentures, which means they can give you a cohesive smile that inspires confidence.
Dentures are also very easy to care for and typically only require a quick rinse after eating. You can also give your mouth a rest at night and remove them and let them rest in a glass of cold water.
On the other hand, dentures do eventually wear down over time and need to be replaced, though replacing your dentures is a comparatively easy process.
Another drawback of dentures is that they can easily slip and slide in your mouth, making talking and eating difficult and sometimes embarrassing. The shape of your dentures might affect your ability to taste food and can also cause some soreness. We custom-make your dentures, so any comfort and functionality issues should be minor.
Before you decide between implants and dentures, you’ll meet with Dr. Hernandez to discuss your needs and goals. He reviews your oral health history with you and helps you reach the decision that will work best for you and your lifestyle.
If you’d like more information or would like to get started with a consultation, call our Tomball, Texas office, or request an appointment online today.
