Comparison of the feel of a dental implant versus a removable denture

According to Connie Stevens, “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” The influence of a smile on human psychology has been frequently studied and proven. When you feel proud of your smile and confident when you talk, smile or chew, you will find that you feel most like your natural self. If you are missing a tooth as a result of disease or an accident, you may find that you are missing out on a significant portion of this self-confidence. Thanks to modern dentistry, you have multiple ways to correct your smile and replace missing teeth, but you may not know which option will be the most comfortable, secure and suitable for your lifestyle. Read on to discover whether a newly implanted tooth or removable dentures are best for you.

What Are Removable Dentures?

For those missing a tooth or two, removable dentures used to be the only option for restoring the look of your original smile. Dentures are made of a plastic base colored to appear like your own gums. The replacement teeth are attached to this base and will match the color of your natural teeth. In addition, the dentures will have metal clasps attached to the back that will allow you to easily clip them onto your remaining nearby teeth. In some cases, you will need to have crowns placed on the teeth next to your missing tooth to allow the denture to attach securely in your mouth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Unlike removable dentures, dental implants do not have to attach to nearby teeth but instead attach deep into your jawbone, just as your natural teeth do. This implant consists of a titanium post with a dental crown placed on top. Although the process can take longer as you must wait several months after the post is placed before the final crown can be added, the final product is usually far more comfortable and natural-looking than the removable denture is. Getting implants will take several dental appointments. First, the post is placed surgically. You must wait for the bone to grow around this implant before the final crown is placed. However, if you want to achieve the best look, you may opt for a temporary denture to cover the spot. After several months of healing, you will either have an additional abutment placed surgically on top of the implanted post or will be ready for the final crown placement, depending on the type of implant your provider chose for you. Your mouth must heal completely before the crown can be made to ensure that it will fit perfectly.

The Pros and Cons of Removable Dentures and Implants

Both removable dentures and implants have their advantages and disadvantages, and you must consider them carefully to make the right decision for you. First, you will want to consider cost. Although removable dentures are cheaper than implants, you will probably need to replace them several times over the course of your life, which could cost you more in the long run. However, depending on your medical and dental insurance, denture cost may be covered. Second, you will need to know the overall health of your mouth. To get an implant, you will need not only healthy gums but also healthy bones. If you have gum or bone loss and wish to get an implant, you may first need grafting surgery. Third, you will want to consider your comfort. Discomfort from the prosthesis can be major for some patients, especially if the denture is ill-fitting. It typically takes quite a bit of time for individuals to get used to a prosthesis. On the other hand, an implant that has completely healed is usually quite comfortable. Additionally, you should consider how easy your dentures or implants will be to care for and keep clean. Dentures must be removed daily for complete cleaning. On the other hand, dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth. Think about which option will be best for your ongoing oral health. Over time, you may experience gum damage with a dental prosthesis as the denture rubs on your gums. An implant can improve the health of your mouth as the constant pressure placed on the implant during biting and chewing can stimulate jawbone strength.

Comfort and Positive Emotions after Dental Implantation

The vast majority of patients find that a dental implant is incredibly comfortable and completely natural-looking. In addition, they find that they are happy with the look of their smiles once the area has healed and that their natural confidence in their smiles is restored. If you are ready to experience your most beautiful smile, make an appointment with a trusted dental professional at Sola Dental Spa today.