Dental Implants vs DenturesCary, NC

Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Cary, NC, recommends dental implants over dentures because of the clear advantages they offer. Below, we hope to help you understand both options and also discuss the clear advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Dental Implants vs Dentures Cary NC

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Understanding Dentures

Dentures are a popular method to replace missing teeth. They are made up of a gum-colored, plastic base with fake teeth (made of porcelain or tooth-colored resin) attached to the base. A denture stays in place in the mouth with a suction seal. Sometimes adhesive is also required to hold it securely in place.

It is very important to take good care of your dentures. They have to be removed daily for cleaning because food particles and bacteria can build up quickly. We recommend removing them for six to eight hours a day. Not only to clean them but also to give your gums a rest.

The Advantages of Choosing Dentures

The process of getting dentures is fairly simple and fast. Several impressions and measurements will be taken and sent to a dental lab where your new teeth will be fabricated. In less than a month, you can have all your teeth replaced. They are also more affordable than dental implants costing many thousands of dollars less.

What are the disadvantages of choosing Dentures?

Dentures do not replace the missing teeth roots, which are needed to stimulate the underlying bone. This means you will slowly suffer from bone loss over the years. This will change the shape of your face and cause the dentures to not fit properly.

Many people who wear dentures look much older than they really are. Additionally, you will have to replace ill-fitting dentures. Sadly, dentures only allow for about 30%-40% of normal chewing function.

Certain types of food have to be avoided, including many healthy foods. Lastly, many people find dentures hard to get used to. They have the potential to shift inside the mouth, which makes it hard to speak, eat, and smile normally.

Understanding Dental Implants

Using dental implants to replace your teeth involves having up to eight teeth implants placed in your jawbone. They are made of biocompatible material (typically titanium) and will fuse with the surrounding bone over a span of a few months. These fixtures will replace the missing teeth roots and support an overdenture.

The denture will either be secured to the implants with screws or snap onto the implants and have to be removed daily for cleaning. After a dental examination by Dr. Brace at her Cary, NC dentist office, she will confirm how many implants you will need and the type of denture that will work best for you.

The Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants

A dental implant-supported denture is far more durable than your typically removable denture. Since the denture is secured to implants, you will have a greater chewing force and can consume a greater variety of food. You will also not have to worry about it moving around in your mouth.

The fixtures act as teeth roots and will provide the bone with enough stimulation to avoid bone loss. The shape of your face will not be affected. People who choose dental implants live a much better life. Their replacement teeth look, feel, and function almost as well as natural teeth.

What are the disadvantages of dental implants?

The biggest hurdle to overcome with dental implants is the price. This advanced, sophisticated teeth replacement system involves many expensive materials, procedures, and lots of office visits.

The entire process can also take up to a year to complete depending on your unique circumstances. You must be healthy enough to have surgery and possess enough bone tissue to support the implants.