I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
If you've been facing some significant dental work, your dentist may have suggested that you start thinking about whether you want dentures or dental implants when everything is done. There are some significant differences between the two, so it's important that you give it careful consideration. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine which one is actually the right solution for your personal needs.
Cost
Nobody likes to think about it, but cost is an important factor when it comes to these types of decisions. If you are on a limited budget and don't have a lot to spend, or your insurance will cover one but not the other, that's a key consideration. If your insurance only covers one option and you don't have the extra to invest in the other one, that typically makes the decision pretty easy. However, if you're paying out of pocket either way, it's important to know that dentures are considerably more affordable than implants in the initial cost. The anesthesia and the procedure costs for implants can be cost-prohibitive for some people.
Ease Of Use
Implants have the edge on the ease of use front because, once you get through the application stage, you don't have to do anything beyond treating them like regular teeth. Brush, floss, rinse, and visit your dentist regularly. With dentures, you'll have to take them out and soak them at night, brush them in the morning, and sometimes use adhesive to keep them from shifting around on your gums. They will need to be relined periodically as your jawbone changes, too.
Lifespan
If you're at a point where your facial structure is pretty well fixed, which is usually early adulthood, you don't typically have to worry about dental implants shifting. With dentures, though, you will have to have them replaced every decade or so, sometimes sooner if they suffer damage. It's important to have them relined every couple of years for proper fit, and your dentist can inspect them at that point to see if there is any damage that should be addressed.
These are just a few of the factors to think about when you're trying to decide between dental implants and dentures for your missing teeth. Your dentist can provide you with some recommendations based on your jaw health and overall dental condition as well. Talk with your dentist about your concerns and considerations, and you can choose the right forward path for your dental treatment.
Learn more about dental implants and dentures by clicking here or speaking to a dentist.
Share25 July 2022
