Both dentures and dental implants are great choices when it comes to tooth replacement. However, there are a few areas in which the latter option pulls ahead. Our Ada, MI, dental implant dentists can go into the details as they pertain to you should you choose to not go with a removable restoration.
Here are 5 ways that dental implants compare to their traditional alternative, dentures.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are embedded into your jawbone. They are designed to permanently replace teeth that have been lost and closely resemble a small screw. A dental crown is placed on top to complete the look.
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone is no longer stimulated in that area. This may not seem like much, but your jawbone needs stimulation to remain healthy. With no tooth root present, your body will begin to absorb the minerals in the area of the jaw that used to surround the tooth. Over time, this can lead to the loss of facial structure, or facial collapse.
The helps to replace the missing tooth root and can keep your jawbone happy for years to come.
Going With Dental Implants Over Dentures Means:
1. Permanent & Secure Tooth Replacement
Since are removable, there is a chance that they can shift when you’re talking or eating. While this movement can be corrected by gently biting down and swallowing or seeing our dentists for an adjustment, it can still lead to feelings of embarrassment.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are surgically embedded in your jaw so they’re not going anywhere. There is no risk of them moving at inopportune times and no need to practice getting used to them during the day.
2. Streamlined Oral Hygiene
The wonderful thing about dental implants is that they require the same amount of care as natural teeth. That means thoroughly brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our Ada, MI, dental office for teeth cleanings every 6 months.
To clean dentures, you need to remove them to gently brush off food debris and plaque buildup. You must also place them in a denture cleanser or glass of water to soak when they’re not in your mouth. If left out, you risk having them dry out, crack, or warp. None of that maintenance or worry exists with dental implants.
3. Protection of Bone, Other Teeth, and Facial Structure
As explained above, a missing tooth root leads to the reabsorption of minerals in the jawbone. In as little as 10 or 20 years, this process can result in facial collapse which is a serious health condition.
Missing teeth can also directly cause teeth adjacent to the gap to tilt toward the open space and crowd each other. When these teeth shift, they increasingly become in danger of falling out due to lack of support. You can prevent this from happening with dental implants.
4. A Natural-Looking and Functional Result
No one will know by looking at your smile that you have a dental implant, let alone had a tooth missing. Paired with a dental crown, implants do not stand out amongst your other teeth and allow you to eat whatever you’d like.
Forget having to take out false teeth and limit your consumption of tough, hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. With dental implants, you are free to enjoy all of your favorites without any worries.
5. Zero Adjustments or Adhesives
Sometimes dentures need minor adjustments in order to fit appropriately. To further secure them in place, messy adhesives can also be used. Because implants are surgically put into your jaw by our dentists, no adhesives or routine adjustments are required. After you’ve fully healed from the procedure, you’re ready to get back to regular life.
Find Your Smile Again
Whenever you’re ready to replace missing teeth, our dental implant dentists in Ada, MI, are here to discuss further. Call Norman Family Dentistry today at (616) 676-9177 to request an appointment.