Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
When looking to replace missing teeth, it is important to know which method works best for you. Many patients find it difficult to determine which restoration option is best suited for their dental needs, budget, and smile goals. At Knoxville Dental Center, we educate patients on choosing the right teeth replacement for them.
Aesthetics
Both dental implants and dentures do well to renew the visual aspects of your smile. Implant-supported restorations are fabricated from ceramic. This material replicates the natural sheen of dental enamel to give teeth a uniform appearance.
Dentures are typically made of acrylic, which can mimic the look of gums and allow the artificial teeth to blend seamlessly in the smile. The only drawback regarding this prosthetic is that a slight shadow may appear, creating a line between the denture and the gums.
Function and Diet
Dental implants are surgically placed into the bone, meaning they gain their support directly from the jaw. This makes them ideal for performing daily actions such as eating and speaking. There is no risk of movement, allowing patients to live their lives with confidence. Implant treatment also does not place any restrictions on diet. Since implant-supported restorations maintain their stability due to the support given by underlying dental structures, patients are free to enjoy their favorite foods.
While dentures are able to restore the portion of teeth above the gum line, they rely mainly on natural suction and dental adhesives. This makes them prone to shifting when talking or eating and can cause patients to feel self-conscious when performing their daily activities. These prosthetics also do not help patients regain optimal dental function. Rather, they obtain just a portion of their bite strength. However, they still let patients chew and consume harder foods, they just need to be careful of what they select.
Health Maintenance
Dentures do nothing to address the missing roots when teeth are a loss. This can cause the jaw to atrophy, as the adjacent bone is being used to fill the empty space. Also known as resorption, this process can cause a patient to appear prematurely aged.
Implant treatment staves off resorption as the implant post stimulates the development of healthy hard tissues. This helps patients maintain the desired jawbone density and preserve facial volume.
Affordability
Many people have to worry about budget when choosing which treatment option would be best for them. Comparing the cost for dental implants and dentures, dental implants do come up as the pricier option. However, you can check with your insurance on their coverage and work with the dental practice regarding a payment plan.
Dentures, on the other hand, are more affordable, and you can typically mitigate cost by selecting materials that are less expensive. But if you do this, you may risk the authenticity of your prosthetic’s appearance.
For more information regarding restorative dentistry, contact Knoxville Dental Center today! Dr. Hubbell Williams helps patients =choose a treatment that meets their every need. Our Powell dental team takes a personal when it comes to providing dental care to ensure patients achieve their desired smile.