When you’re missing teeth, you have a few options. The first option is to do nothing. After all, you can live with missing teeth. But, we wouldn’t recommend it. Living with missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift in place, causing crowding. Plus, missing teeth can make eating more difficult and sometimes make it harder for you to speak.

Thankfully, you don’t have to live with missing teeth. The most popular options are either dentures or dental implants. Which one should you choose? We get it—it’s a big decision. So, let’s help you understand what you need to know to make the best tooth replacement option for your smile.

Tooth Replacement Choices: Dental Implants or Dentures

If you are an adult with missing teeth, you’re not alone. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that 2.2% of adults between ages 20 and 64 have no natural teeth remaining. And, the team at Steven A. Lang, DDS, highly recommends that you consider either dentures or dental implants in Middletown, Ohio.

What are dentures?

Dentures are a cost-effective solution to tooth loss. Sometimes called denture teeth or dental dentures, they are an oral appliance that you place in your mouth that serves as your teeth. Depending on how many teeth you have lost, you can either have partial or full dentures.

Think of dentures as custom-made replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While they take some getting used to and will never feel exactly the same as your natural teeth, modern advancements have made them more comfortable and lifelike than ever before.

One major advantage of dentures is their affordability compared to dental implants. They are less invasive and do not require surgery, making them a preferable option for those who may not be candidates for implants due to health concerns. However, dentures do have their drawbacks. They require maintenance, including daily cleaning, and need to be kept moist when not in use to maintain their shape. Over time, dentures may need to be repaired or replaced because of normal wear and changes in the mouth’s shape. This will help them fit their best and can prevent discomfort and slippage.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular choice by many people who want to restore their smile. Though nothing will ever be exactly like your natural teeth, dental implants are a close second. They’re long-lasting, have a high success rate, and tend to feel, look, and function quite similarly to your natural teeth.

But just what are dental implants? As the name implies, dental implants consist of titanium posts that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Then, crowns are placed on top of the abutment and are designed to match your adjacent teeth.

While dental implants are an amazing option for those who need to replace missing teeth, they do come at a higher upfront cost than dentures. And, it’s not about a one-and-done procedure. The process of getting your new teeth implants can take several months, typically five to eight from consultation to completion. You’ll also have to wear temporary crowns for a few months while your mouth heals from your implant surgery.

However, when all is said and done, you’ll have beautiful, functional teeth. Many of our patients wonder why they waited so long to get dental implants.

Making a Choice: Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Choosing between dentures and dental tooth implants is largely a personal decision. As dental implants are rarely covered by insurance, they may be cost-prohibitive without a reputable financing option. That’s why at Steven A. Lang, DDS, we make it easy to afford your care. We accept CareCredit, a well-known financing option that allows you to spread out the cost of your implants over time. And in some cases, you can get interest-free terms and conditions.

This said, here are some of the things you should consider when choosing between dentures and implants:

• Oral health requirements: Dental implants require a healthy jawbone for placement, whereas dentures are suitable for a wider range of oral health conditions.
• Long-lasting strength: Implants can last a lifetime with proper care, whereas dentures typically need to be replaced or adjusted over time.
• Daily maintenance: Dentures require daily removal and cleaning, while dental implants can be cared for much like natural teeth.
• Impact on natural teeth: Dental implants do not affect adjacent teeth, while partial dentures may require some alteration of neighboring teeth for proper fit.
• Comfort and stability: Implants provide a stable, secure fit that feels more like natural teeth, while dentures may slip or cause discomfort, especially during eating or speaking.
• Beautiful appearance: Both options are designed to look like natural teeth, but implants offer a more seamless appearance since they are anchored directly into the jawbone.
• Procedure and recovery time: Getting implants is a surgical procedure requiring several months for healing and integration, whereas dentures can be fitted and adjusted in a shorter timeframe.

Determining if dental implants are right for you.

If you are missing teeth and live or work near Middletown, Ohio, you can request an appointment with our dental practice. During your initial consultation, we’ll assess your specific health needs and smile goals. Together, we’ll decide on the best plan to help you regain your smile.

Both dental implants and dentures are popular restorative dentistry options for those looking to fill a significant gap left in their mouth from missing teeth. Why suffer any longer? Contact us today.