Both dentures and dental implants in Silver Spring, MD are popular tooth replacement options. But which one is the right one for you? Drs. Alan Dechter and Matthew Moy explain both forms.
About Dentures
Dentures are usually made up of metal and resin for the base and plastic or dental ceramic for the teeth. They’re typically used to replace a full arch of missing teeth. Some of the main benefits of dentures are that they have a lower cost upfront and you’re able to get your final restoration sooner, as dental implants have a surgical aspect.
However, you often end up putting more money into dentures down the line. When you lose your tooth and the tooth root, it leads to jawbone deterioration. With dentures, your jawbone will continue to do so. The dentures will end up needing to be readjusted or replaced as your mouth changes. Ill-fitting dentures can slip around in your mouth and cause irritation to your gums.
Dentures only give you back 30-40% of your bite function. Certain foods will have to be eliminated from your diet because the dentures are unable to take care of them properly. Though there have been many improvements to dentures over the years, they’re still a bit bulky and take a learning curve to get used to.
Extra maintenance is often needed for dentures as well. An adhesive is a requirement for keeping the dentures in your mouth, preventing them from slipping or falling out. At night, removable dentures will have to be taken out to be cleaned properly.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are made up of three parts. First, a titanium post is implanted in your jawbone. Then, an abutment is attached to the top of the post to connect the final restoration. The final restoration is typically a dental crown. Dental implants can also support a dental bridge or a fixed denture as well.
The main downsides of dental implants are their cost upfront and the fact that they take a long time to achieve the final results. However, once you get dental implants, there are rarely any extra costs down the road. Implants actually spur jawbone regeneration and replace the tooth root, so there’s no risk of them slipping. They can actually reverse jawbone deterioration.
As for the length of time, once the posts are placed in your jawbone, they require 3-6 months to heal. The healing time is crucial to provide the stability that implants are known for. You get 100% of your bite functionality back when you get dental implants. You don’t have to remove any foods from your diet. Implants also look and feel the most natural, so there’s no learning curve when you go to use them. You can keep a normal oral routine, too.
Getting Dental Implants in Silver Spring, Maryland
Our dental team recommends getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Call us or schedule an appointment online to see if they’re the right choice for you.