Smile Restoration: Dental Implants Trump Dentures

Are you tired of hiding your smile behind uncomfortable dentures? Say goodbye to the days of worrying about loose-fitting prosthetics slipping out at the worst times. It’s time to unlock the secret to a perfect smile with dental implants!

Full arch replacement refers to the process of replacing all of the teeth in either your upper or lower jaw. This could be due to severe decay, gum disease, injury, or other reasons that have resulted in the loss of multiple teeth.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth in an entire arch, there are two main options available: dental implants and dentures. Both of these options have their place in the field of smile restoration, so it’s important to understand them fully before making a decision on which one is right for you.

Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution

Dental implants are metal posts made from titanium that act as artificial tooth roots. They are surgically placed into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, these posts serve as stable anchors for what can best be described as an implant-supported denture.

Now, these aren’t traditional dentures that can be removed daily for cleaning. These prosthetic devices are designed to mimic teeth perfectly. Also, due to the permanent nature of the implant, they become a part of your mouth just like natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.

For this reason and many others, dental implants are considered by virtually all dentists as the gold standard for full arch teeth replacement.

The only drawback for some patients is the upfront cost of dental implants. However, since they are a state-of-the-art solution, they do cost more—but only upfront.

In the long run, because they last a lifetime, implants are more cost-effective than dentures and boost your oral health.  For some, the dental implant procedure itself is the issue. Some patients simply do not have enough jawbone to support dental implants, even after a bone graft.

However, you won’t really know if you qualify until you request an appointment to get evaluated.

Dentures: A Budget Option

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth that are typically made from a combination of acrylic resin, metal, and porcelain. They can be either partial or complete, such as dental bridges, depending on the number of missing teeth.

Dentures rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place and require regular cleaning and maintenance. They are considered a budget option for full-mouth tooth replacement and aren’t the ideal option.

They’re basically a step above a cosmetic procedure you’d get from a cosmetic dentist, as they do restore very limited functionality. They do not however correct or give you a permanent tooth structure and can take a toll on your overall health.

One of the main concerns for individuals with missing teeth is their appearance. Having gaps in your smile can affect your self-confidence and make you feel insecure about your overall appearance.

While both dental implants and dentures can improve the aesthetics of a smile by filling in missing teeth, only dental implants are truly restorative.

The Downside of Dentures

While dentures are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth, they come with their fair share of problems and complaints. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to serious discomfort and can significantly impact the quality of life for denture wearers.

Difficulty Eating and Speaking

One of the most common problems reported by denture wearers is difficulty eating and speaking. Dentures can become loose or shift while chewing, making it challenging to bite into certain foods or chew properly. This can also affect speech, causing slurring or mumbling due to the movement of the dentures.

Gum Irritation and Soreness

Wearing traditional dentures for an extended period can cause gum irritation and soreness. The constant friction between the hard acrylic material of the denture base and soft gum tissue in the mouth can lead to painful sores or ulcers on the gums.

Discomfort and Pain

Ill-fitting or poorly made dentures can cause significant discomfort and even pain for some individuals. The pressure exerted by ill-fitting dentures on specific areas of the mouth can result in headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, facial muscle spasms, and even earaches.

Looking To Get Your Smile Back With Dental Implants In Houston?

If you are tired of hiding your smile, Dr. Vela can change your life with dental implants. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation and get your smile back!