Are you missing an entire row of teeth or all of your teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is very important to lifelong oral health as well as overall health. Dr. Justin Deckard, a Washington DC dentist, offers patients the two main solutions for replacement:
Removable dentures have been the go-to option for edentulous patients for years. Today, dental implants are the next best option after your natural teeth. Even though teeth implants have been around for years, they have developed into a flexible and versatile solution for patients who have lost or damaged teeth. Both options, however, will deliver a better quality of life and will restore your smile.
Dr. Deckard will examine your entire mouth and your health to help determine which option is best for you. If both are an option, he will review the pros and cons of each with you to aid in your decision.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances that are custom-made to fit in your mouth over the gums. They are made of a plastic plate that hold the fake teeth. Here are the pros and cons of choosing dentures to replace your teeth:
Pros
- They will help hold the natural shape of your face
- You will be able to speak and eat better than you could with missing teeth
- Modern dentures look similar to natural teeth but are still somewhat noticeable
- They are the least expensive option to replace teeth
- They are a quick fix (You can get a complete set of dentures in two to six weeks)
- The process to get dentures is easy and does not involve surgery
Cons
- They take some time to get used to and you will have to learn how to eat and speak with them in
- They have to be carefully and properly cleaned every day in addition to your regular oral hygiene routine
- If they do not fit properly, they can cause infections
- You will need to adjust or replace periodically due to changes in fit
- Possibility of slipping around in your mouth, causing slurred speech and falling out
- May nee adhesive to keep them in place in your mouth
- Will have to adjust your diet because you will not be able to bit into certain foods
- They will not replace the tooth root and the patient will slowly suffer from bone loss in the jaw
Dental Implants
Dental implants are referred to as the gold standard in teeth replacement today. As the next best option compared to your natural teeth, teeth implants offer many more benefits and are better for your health. For patients missing an entire arch of teeth, you will need four to eight implant posts surgically placed in your jaw bone to secure a denture in place. Here are the pros and cons of choosing dental implant secured dentures:
Pros
- They hold a 95% success rate
- The implant posts actually replace the teeth roots, preventing bone loss and holding the shape of your face
- They will restore normal chewing capacity with no food restrictions due to being more durable than removable dentures
- Since the dentist will surgically place them in the jawbone and will fuse with the surrounding bone, they are more secure so you won’t have to worry about them falling out, slipping around in your mouth, or affecting your speech
- Feel and function as if they were your natural teeth
- If cared for properly, this investment can last a lifetime
- Gives the patient an overall higher self-esteem
Cons
- They are significantly more expensive in the beginning compared to dentures
- The entire implant procedure can take four to nine months, sometimes longer, and need to make many visits to our Washington DC dentist office
- Involves having surgery and months of healing
Learn More About Dental Implants