Missing teeth are a problem for many people, but there are options to replace them. Losing multiple teeth can impact your speech and self-esteem while also causing constant discomfort. Luckily, replacing missing teeth can prevent the rest of your teeth from shifting as well as bone loss that could result in facial changes. Keep reading for a look at two popular options in restorative dentistry; dentures and implants. This can help you decide which is right for you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have become widely popular over the last several years. Implants are an option to replace individual teeth, multiple teeth, or all missing teeth. The procedure involves extracting the teeth that need to be removed and then drilling a hole into the jawbone where a small metal post is implanted. The replacement teeth then snap onto the metal posts and are held in place. Depending on the type of implant, your dentist may be able to complete the entire procedure and attach the replacement teeth in the same day, but often the metal post cannot be placed until you have healed from the extraction and the artificial teeth cannot be placed until the bone in your jaw has grown around the metal post.
One of the benefits of implants that has made them so popular is that they have been known to last 20 years or longer. Also, because the metal post fuses with your jawbone, it helps stimulate bone growth, preventing loss which can cause changes to the shape of your face. The other bonus is that dental implants look and function like your natural teeth and don’t require removal to be cleaned, they are able to be cared for just like your natural teeth.
However, dental implants are very expensive. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates the cost to be between $1600 to $2200 per tooth. Also, depending on how much bone is in your jaw, bone grafting may be required, which will add to the cost. Grafting is when a small piece of bone is taken from another part of your body and put in your jaw. If there is too much bone missing, dental implants might not be the right choice for you.
Dentures
Dentures have been around for a long time, so long that they have progressed into looking more like natural teeth and gums than they did 20 years ago. Dentures are primarily used to replace a full set of missing teeth, whether that be the top, bottom, or both. The procedure for getting dentures consists of having an impression made using a type of cement that your dentist will mix, place in your mouth, and have you bite down on. Once they remove it and allow it to dry, they will send it into a lab for a preliminary set of dentures to be made. Once your dentist receives this set of dentures, you will make an appointment to try them on. This is when your dentist will make note of any adjustments that need to be made to the teeth or the fit and alignment of the dentures. With adjustments made, you will then come back to receive your final set of dentures.
Dentures are less expensive than implants. A full upper or lower set of dentures can cost just around $1600. Other benefits are that the procedure is less invasive than getting dental implants and allows your mouth time to heal following an extraction. If your dentures don’t fit right or there is damage to your dentures, they are usually able to be fixed or modified easily. They are also a good choice if your gums or jaw are unhealthy or weak.
There can be some inconveniences to getting dentures. You may have to use an adhesive to keep your dentures from slipping out of your mouth. They can also affect your speech, especially in the beginning while your mouth gets used to the sensation of a new set of teeth. Dentures do need to be removed regularly to be cleaned and may cause sore gums. They are less stable than implants, so you must be careful of the types of foods you eat with dentures. Though they look like natural teeth, they don’t fully function like them.
If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth and get back your gorgeous smile, you can book your smile makeover consultation with Abraham Chavez Portillo, D.D.S at The Tooth Inc. by calling our office at +52(631)158-3845.
Patients in the U.S. can reach us at +1(520)257-5398 or by email at info@thetoothinc.com.
