Losing permanent teeth, whether due to injury or health complications, is never easy.
For many, regaining confidence and happiness only occurs when they find the right replacements. With that being said, there are a lot of considerations to make before choosing implants or dentures.
How do you know if you’re choosing the right option? Have I helped my dentist understand my needs? Does my lifestyle choices matter?
It is important to consider all the factors, so let us go what you should be thinking about before deciding between implants or dentures.
What’s the Difference?
Implants have been used in dentistry for well over 40 years and have evolved as science and technology have developed. Before dental implants, the options we had for missing teeth were bridges, which rely on other teeth, or dentures, which are removable.
Now, the line between dentures and implants have blurred with some incredible advancements within dental technologies. Depending on the strength of your gums and jaw structure, a blend of dentures and implants can be used to great benefits.
Just like all dental solutions, implants and dentures come in a variety of shapes for different applications. These are all dependent on your situation, including what teeth you are missing, the structure of your teeth and jaw, and what you and your insurance can afford.
What is Right for You?
Bridges work well if there are other teeth that are strong enough to affix them to but are not often the best solution given the advancements in dental implants. The problem with bridges comes when there is more than one tooth missing and there aren’t enough other teeth left. And of course, if all the teeth in one jaw are missing then a full denture used to be the only option.
Many people over the years have coped with dentures, and a few have coped well. Most people, if given the option, would prefer not to have something that is removable.
Some of the problems with dentures can be:
- * They can move causing embarrassment in social situations
- * Food can get under them which is very painful
- * Taste can be diminished especially if they cover the palate as that covers up many taste buds
- * Sensitivity to temperature is diminished
- * They can move when chewing causing ulcers
Luckily, all of these problems can be overcome with dental implants.
Dental implants can be used to replace single teeth, to replace teeth as a fixed solution or to stabilize dentures meaning they ‘click’ into place and although the dentures can still be removed for cleaning, they are much more stable for chewing. There are all sorts of ways that dental implants can be used.
Making the Choice
Since there are a myriad of options for patients, it is important to express your expectations to your dentist, as well as your lifestyle. For instance, if you are into contact sports, you may want a stable option, such as permanent implants.
On the other hand, if you have been missing a tooth for a while, your jawbone has had some time to deteriorate and will mean your options are limited.
To make the best choice, you must speak with the right dentists. Applewood Village Dentistry has some of the most experienced denture and implant specialists in all of Mississauga. After helping hundreds of clients find their optimal solution, we are confident we can find the right fit for you.
Give us a call to book your consultation meeting where we will help you rediscover your smile and confidence!