If you have lost one or more teeth due to damage, decay, periodontal disease or other circumstances, you no longer need to feel self-conscious about your smile. There are many options available to replace missing teeth. Two alternatives that dentists often recommend are dentures and dental implants. It’s important to explore both options to decide which will work within your budget and meet your expectations.
Which Should You Choose?
The main difference between dentures and implants is that dentures are removable. Made with cast metal, acrylic, plastic and porcelain, they are molded to fit over the gums and are held in place with dental adhesive. They are available in partial, full and complete, for total replacement of upper and lower teeth and require periodic adjustment.
Dental implants are permanent and made with metallic, ceramic material. A more invasive procedure, implants are surgically rooted into the gums and stabilized by titanium posts. Impressions of your bite are taken to create new teeth, and replacement teeth (crowns) are attached. They appear, function and feel just like natural teeth and are designed to last with proper care. Some dentists may recommend dental implants to simulate the stabilization and pressure that natural teeth provide.
Choosing between dentures and dental implants is often a personal decision best made after being well educated on both procedures. Begin by discussing options with your EDP dentist to see which will work best for you. Enroll and save up to 70% on regular dental care and receive a 25% reduction on dental specialists’ regular fees.
