Missing teeth can take a toll on your confidence, ability to eat properly, and, as a result, your overall oral health and quality of life. If you’re tired of hiding your smile because of unsightly gaps left by tooth loss, you’ve likely considered two of the most effective and popular solutions for dental restoration: dental implants and dentures.
While both effectively restore function and aesthetics, they do differ significantly in terms of longevity, comfort, and upkeep. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you determine which one is right for you.
The Case for Dental Implants: Stability and Longevity
Dental implants offer unmatched durability and a natural feel. The implant placement process involves surgically placing a titanium post in the jawbone at the site of a lost tooth to act as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone (osseointegration) and provides permanent, rock-solid support for a dental crown or bridge.
The most significant of dental implants’ many benefits include:
- Natural feel and function
- Stimulation that preserves jawbone density and facial structure
- Permanently placement in the jawbone
- A potentially decades-long lifespan
Implants do have certain considerations. First, implant placement is a surgical procedure that requires several months for healing and osseointegration. Second, dental implants carry a higher upfront cost than dentures. Finally, some patients with gum disease or insufficient jawbone density require additional treatments to be suitable candidates for implants.
The Case for Dentures: Affordability and Accessibility
Dentures, meanwhile, are removable prosthetics designed to replace multiple missing teeth. They come in full or partial sets and rest on the gums, held in place by suction or adhesive. Modern dentures have come a long way, offering improved comfort and aesthetics from previous versions. Even in comparison to implants, dentures do offer certain advantages:
- Affordability
- A faster solution, as they don’t require surgery or extended healing
- Suitability regardless of periodontal and jawbone health
Conversely, however, dentures come with their own set of considerations and potential drawbacks:
- Without proper adhesion, they can slip, shift, or cause discomfort
- Regular adjustments and replacements over time
- No protection against jawbone deterioration
Seamlessly Restoring Smiles in Long Beach, CA
If you need a dental team in Long Beach to help you navigate the dental restoration process and determine the best option based on your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs, contact Dr. Brock Lorenz and the excellent Golden Coast Dental Care team to schedule a consultation!