There are many options to replace your missing teeth. How can you tell which one is going to be the best option for you? At Apex Dental, Dr. Robert Gauthier, a dentist in Northborough, MA, can help you make the right choice. Two of the most common options are dentures and dental implants. Which of the two of these can replace your missing teeth?
About Dentures
Dentures are often used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. The base is usually made of acrylic resin and metal, with teeth made of porcelain or plastic. Dentures are often held to the gums with adhesive and are removed at night to be cleaned. They’re a cost-effective solution at the start and can be made quickly. However, they’ll need to be adjusted as time goes on and your jawbone deteriorates because of the missing tooth roots.
Dentures will allow you to get back 30-40% of your chewing function. They can be bulky, and they do take some time to get used to. They don’t feel natural in your mouth, so you’ll have to adjust how you eat and speak. They do require some extra maintenance to take care of as opposed to your natural teeth.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of teeth. They’re made of three separate parts. The first is the titanium post that’s actually implanted in your jawbone. Then, a piece called an abutment is attached to the top. This connects the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is often a dental crown, but can also be a dental bridge or denture.
The downside to dental implants is that they’re more expensive upfront. The process of dental implants also takes a long time. After the posts are placed in the jaw, you do need to wait 3-6 months for them to heal and fuse with the jawbone. This process is what makes implants an extremely stable option.
There’s a reason that dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. Because they’re actually in your jaw, they’re the only method that replaces the tooth root. This stimulates jawbone growth and can eliminate the harmful impacts of bone deterioration. They feel more stable and natural as well. You get full bite function back with dental implants.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Because the bone deterioration is stopped, implants don’t need to be readjusted or replaced. You can follow a normal oral healthcare routine without any extra maintenance. Just make sure you keep up with brushing, flossing, and seeing your Northborough, MA dentist.
Implant dentures are available as an alternative to traditional dentures as well. They’re a bit more cost-effective than full implants because only 4-6 implants are placed in an arch. The denture then attaches securely to these implants. You get a full arch of teeth replaced while getting the stability and bite function of implants.
Care From Your Dentist in Northborough, Massachusetts
Do you think dentures or implants can be used to replace your teeth? Call us today or schedule an appointment online.