Should I Get Dental Implants Or Dentures? Here’s Your Answer.
Teeth replacement options
Whether you’re just starting your research or you’ve been at it for a little while now, you’ve likely come across two popular options for restoring missing teeth:
Dental implants and dentures
Both dental implants and dentures can be fantastic options to replace missing or decaying teeth, and truth be told, there isn’t a “right option” for everyone.
In this article, we’re going to go over the similarities and differences between the two so that you can make an educated decision as to which solution would fit you best.
If you are in or around the South Houston, Katy, Fulshear and Houston area (our practice is located in Katy) and are interested in discussing your options for replacing missing teeth in a 1-on-1 setting with Dr. Judge, please give us a call or contact us here.
A LITTLE INFORMATION ON DENTURES
If the thought of a denture conjures up images of your grandmother’s $29 over-the-counter drugstore denture sitting in a glass of cleaning solution beside her bed, think again.
Dentures have come a long way in the last 10-20 years.
- Today’s dentures (especially the ones crafted and placed for patients at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry) are made from the best materials and are “fitted” so they don’t slip or cause your speech to become “fumbly” or impaired in any way.
- We ensure this tight fit by taking impressions of your mouth, and creating a model to ensure a perfect fit. Whether you’re thinking about getting a complete denture or a partial denture, you don’t want to skip this step, as you might receive an ill-fitted denture!
- These denture molds are sent to a dental lab where they are crafted just for you using your exact measurements. Of course, Dr. Judge will place your dentures and ensure they fit just as you wish before you leave the office.
To learn more about dentures, click here to visit our dentures page.
WHY MANY PATIENTS LOVE THEM
Dentures are simple. They are removable (some patients like this, others don’t), and getting them is painless, easy, and relatively inexpensive when compared to other cosmetic and restorative dentistry options.
The dentures that are made today mimic natural teeth quite well (Dr. Judge will work with you to determine the “perfect shade” for your new denture teeth), and most cannot tell you have dentures if they are custom made by a professional.
WHY SOME PATIENTS DON’T
When it comes to dentures, the “pros” for some people are “cons” for others.
Here are a few reasons some patients don’t want dentures and prefer a more permanent solution (such as dental implants):
- Natural teeth (obviously) are not removable. Patients who are looking to restore their smile want their teeth to be as natural as possible. This means they want a fixed, permanent solution.
- While the functionality of dentures is much greater than it was just a few years ago, it still doesn’t match teeth that are anchored into the jawbone.
- Some patients feel that dentures are a “cheap” option and thus don’t want to consider them.
DENTAL IMPLANTS: THE STANDARD FOR RESTORING YOUR TEETH AND SMILE
If you personally fall more on the “cons” side when evaluating dentures, then dental implants may be the perfect solution for you.
Unlike dentures, dental implants are titanium screws attached to your jawbone, which gives the secure fit of a natural, healthy tooth.
Here are some of the most common reasons patients come to us wanting dental implants:
- They are tired of missing one or several teeth and don’t want a “band aid” fix. They want a permanent solution so they can “move on” from this problem in their life.
- They are embarrassed by their smile or their inability to talk without slurring their speech (loss of teeth can impact your ability to speak well).
- Patients missing several teeth often have facial sagging on one side or the other, and dental implants with crowns or bridges can go a long way in fixing this issue.
In a nutshell, patients who want a permanent solution that closely mimics the look and feel of healthy, natural teeth will want an implant or series of implants.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR GETTING IMPLANTS?
This will vary depending on the patient. If anyone tries to give you an exact answer to this question without evaluating you first…run the other direction, fast.
Many factors come into play — if you need a tooth or multiple teeth extracted, how much bone you have (you may need a bone graft to support the implant), and many other factors.
In general, the process looks something like this:
- Biocompatible titanium screws are placed into the jawbone. These screws will serve as the artificial root for your new teeth.
- Now it’s time to play the waiting game. Typically 3-6 months of healing time with allow the bone and the titanium screw to fuse together (a process known as osseointegration).
- At a later appointment, your crown or bridge will be placed atop the implants and you’ll have your new smile. It’s important to note that we can equip you with a temporary denture so you won’t be walking around without teeth!
We actually have an entire page on our website dedicated to dental implants.
CURIOUS ABOUT DENTURES OR DENTAL IMPLANTS? HERE’S THE NEXT STEP…
While there is a lot of great information online regarding dentures and dental implants, you can’t make an informed decision about what is best for your unique situation without talking to a dental implants professional.
At Woodcreek Family Dentistry, Dr. Judge has been helping patients restore their smiles and would love to help you do the same.
Remember, there is no obligation when you schedule your dental implants consult and we will never try to “hard sell” you on any particular procedure.
We look forward to meeting you, and welcoming you into the Woodcreek Family Dentistry family!
