It’s kind of an odd thing to say, but now is the best time to be alive if you have missing teeth. Modern-day dentistry has a multitude of options that can reliably fill any number of gaps in a patient’s smile, with the two primary ones being dentures and dental implants. Of course, this begs the question, “Which one is right for you?” Today, your dentist compares both dentures and dental implants in Columbia so you can figure out the best way to rebuild your smile.
Denture Basics
If you’re like most people, you probably already have a decent idea of what dentures are and how they work. Today, they consist of realistic-looking ceramic teeth attached to a gum-colored base. They can be designed to fit in among the remaining teeth like the missing piece of a puzzle, or they can sit directly on the gums to restore an entire row in an instant.
Dental Implant Basics
Dental implants, on the other hand, go a step further than dentures and actually replace missing teeth below the gum line as well as above. This is done by placing a small titanium post within the jaw to mimic the root structure of a tooth, and this can be attached to a variety of restorations ranging from a single crown to a full denture.
How They Compare
Both dentists and patients alike will tell you that when it comes to bringing back missing teeth, nothing does it better than dental implants. Thanks to their nature-inspired two-part structure, they are able to deliver the most reliable, durable, and lifelike solution possible.
However, they do require a minor surgery to be placed, and some patients may be ineligible for them due to having a thin or brittle jawbone. The entire procedure can also take most of a year to complete. Dentures typically only require a few weeks to be designed and placed, and no surgery is involved (other than damaged teeth being removed to make room).
In the end, for those who want a more permanent solution, dental implants are the way to go, while traditional dentures are much faster and simpler.
The Best of Both Worlds
Fortunately, dentistry is also able to offer a solution that combines both of these tried and true treatments: implant-retained dentures. Above the gum line, they look just like traditional dentures, but instead of being held in place using other teeth or denture adhesive, they are anchored directly to the jaw using multiple dental implants.
This not only helps them fit better compared to a removable prosthetic, but the fit can be expected to last for a very long time as well.
Plus, implant-retained dentures help restore up to 70% of a person’s natural bite force. By comparison, regular dentures only restore about 20%. With an implant-retained denture, a patient is able to enjoy a wider variety of foods, which lends itself to a more satisfying (and healthy) diet.
Which One Is Best For You?
So which one will it be? Dental implants or dentures in Columbia? Of course, you shouldn’t make this decision just based off a blog! If you’re looking to replace your missing teeth, your first call should be to your dentist. After a brief exam and some X-rays, they’ll be able to recommend which option they think is best for you. From there, it’s only a matter of time before you get your complete smile back.
In the end, dentists around the country use both of these treatments to provide fantastic results, so whichever one your dentist suggests, you can trust that it will give you a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Victor Beck, Jr. is a general, restorative, and implant dentist in Columbia. At his practice, he and his team of dental experts provide a number of restorative solutions tailor-made for each and every patient. If you’re interested in getting either dentures or dental implants, he is the local expert that people have trusted for over 40 years. To schedule an appointment, he can be contacted through his website.