According to statistics from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 70 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. This missing tooth is typically the result of dental fractures, gum disease, tooth decay or an accident.
For most people who are missing a tooth, finding a viable replacement option is a top priority. While there are several tooth replacement options available today, the two most common include dentures or implants. The question is, which one is right for you?
There are many people who are uncomfortable with the idea of having to wear and care for dentures for the rest of their lives. Others are concerned about the surgical placement of implants. These concerns make this important decision even more challenging.
The question is – what’s right for you?
You will need to get to know more about each option, before making the choice of whats best for you. Doing so will help you figure out the tooth replacement option that’s best for your needs and your lifestyle.
All About Dental Implants
Are you ready to learn about dental implants? If so, here’s a rundown of what they are and what they offer:
- Implants preserve your remaining jawbone, which helps maintain your facial structure.
- Implants feel, function and look like your natural teeth.
- Implants are stable, strong and are securely attached to your jaw, ensuring a comfortable fit.
- You don’t have to use any type of adhesive or cream.
- Implants can help to restore your normal chewing abilities.
- Implants are a long-lasting solution.
- Implants are easy to care for and clean.
- Investing in implants provides you with something that can last your entire life.
As you can see, dental implants offer a wide array of benefits. However, learning more about dentures is also important to make an educated decision.
All About Dentures
There are thousands of people who already have dentures and do wonderfully with them. Unfortunately, 42 percent of respondents to a recent survey stated that dentures impacted their lives in a negative manner. Learning more about them can help you determine if dentures are right for you.
Some things to understand about dentures include:
- Jawbone reduction which can lead to additional deterioration of your facial structure.
- Some dentures feel unnatural and fake.
- Dentures (if they don’t fit properly) may slip or move around, causing you discomfort.
- Most dentures require the use of adhesives and creams.
- Dentures result in restrictive chewing capacity and in some cases, wearers have to avoid eating particular foods.
- Dentures eventually have to be relined or remade altogether.
- Dentures must be removed daily for cleaning.
- Dentures are more affordable than dental implants.
While those factors may seem a bit on the negative side, they represent the truth about dentures for many people.
Comparing the Costs: Dentures vs. Implants
There’s no question that dentures are the more affordable option when it comes to tooth replacement. However, once you add in the cost of purchasing fixatives, denture replacements and cleaning solutions, the cost increases significantly.
When you consider the fact that removable dentures have to be replaced every seven to 15 years, compared to the lifespan of dental implants, which is at least 25 years, it’s easy to see why most people consider dental implants a long-term solution and wise investment.
The fact is, dentures aren’t able to match the confidence, peace of mind or comfort that dental implants offer. As a result, they are the more popular option for many people.
Preventing the Loss of Bone Density in Your Jaw
The most significant benefit offered by dental implants over dentures is that they can help to preserve your jaw bone’s density. Implants will replace the root of your tooth and work to stimulate your jawbone. This helps you maintain the overall density. Implants can also help prevent the jawbone from shrinking, so your facial structure is maintained, and you continue to have a youthful appearance.
Freedom, Function and Fit
From a performance and comfort standpoint, it’s pretty clear that dental implants outshine dentures significantly. Over time, removable dentures can slip or move when you are speaking or eating and cause discomfort and, in some cases, embarrassment. Dentures that don’t fit properly usually irritate the gums and can lead to sores in your mouth. You also have to think about the maintenance required. For dentures, you have to apply adhesives, clean the dentures properly and more. This can be quite the chore.
On the other hand, dental implants function and feel like your own, natural teeth. You will care for and clean them just as you would your real teeth. You will be able to eat any and all of the foods that you love, speak without fear or worry and be confident when handling day-to-day activities.
Do you have questions about whats best for your smile? Contact one of our seven locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut today!
