When you need to replace missing teeth, you have a few options. Dentures and dental implants are among the popular options. Choosing the most suitable solution can be difficult, but Dr. Gary Horblitt is here to help. Dr. Horblitt is a dentist in Fairfield, Connecticut, specializing in rehabilitating deficits in the face, jaws, and surrounding tissues.
Dentures and dental implants come with their benefits and drawbacks. So, we recommend investing time to discuss your options in detail at an in-person consultation. Secondly, it might be wise to do as much research as possible to help you make a sound decision. Here, we’ve made that second step a little easier by outlining the similarities and differences between dentures and dental implants.
Similarities Between Dentures and Dental Implants
If you’ve suffered from tooth loss, your lifestyle will likely change. The missing spaces in your mouth will cause your jawbone to erode. Depending on which teeth you’ve lost, you might have a lisp or whistle when you talk. Also, missing teeth makes eating coarse, dense, and fibrous foods challenging. Not to mention that you might begin to feel less assured in the way you look.
Ultimately, dentures and dental implant-supported restorations serve similar purposes. Both types of prosthetic devices support facial muscles and improve speech patterns. Additionally, dentures and dental implants help you chew foods that you might not be able to eat with missing teeth.
Furthermore, it’s commonplace to struggle with coming to terms with tooth loss. However, once you’ve finally come around and strive to address the problem, you might improve their outlook on life. One British study discovered that correcting spaces in your smile with dental implants could increase self-confidence and quality of life.
Special Considerations for Dentures and Dental Implants
Although dentures and dental implants share common ground, there are undoubtedly substantial differences between these two restorative solutions. Here are some factors to consider and to closely go over with your dentist in Fairfield, Connecticut:
Function and Feel
Compared to removable dentures, dental implant-supported restorations are more stable and comfortable. Removable dentures are attached with denture adhesive. Then, they are detached every night before bed during daily wear and maintenance.
Although denture adhesive is quite strong, it will never be quite as durable as a sufficiently embedded dental implant. Unlike denture wearers, people with dental implants don’t usually worry about their prosthetic teeth slipping and sliding. As a result of lack of stabilization, denture wearers must be mindful of sores (ulcers) forming on the gums.
Profound faith in dental implants is rooted in the fact that they mimic natural teeth as closely as possible. Likewise, a 2019 study concluded that individuals with implant-supported overdentures reported higher satisfaction and chewing efficiency compared to traditional dentures.
Age of Patient
While you might still be young at heart, dentists generally avoid suggesting dental implants to patients over 70. The dental implant process is signifcantly more time-consuming and invasive. Relatively, the denture process is simple. Therefore, older patients might prefer dentures over dental implants. For those in their 60s or younger, dental implants might help you enjoy a few more decades of life.
Need help deciding? Meet with a Trusted Dentist in Fairfield, Connecticut
If you are suffering from tooth loss, you mustn’t give up. Whether you’ve lost your teeth due to development, trauma, or disease, you have options. Our maxillofacial prosthodontist highlights your tooth replacement options at every consultation. Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Fairfield, Connecticut. Call (203) 335-1011 or message us online today. We look forward to partnering with you to create a more youthful and functional smile.
