Getting a dental implant in Durham, NC with Dr. Michael Richter is a choice more patients with missing teeth are making today. Others may continue to wear conventional dentures and some may even choose a combination of both. Dentures and dental implants both do the job, but they do it very differently.
Comparing Dental Implants to Dentures
- Purpose
- Dental implants can replace one tooth or many teeth. Dentures are not as flexible and are specifically made for multiple missing teeth.
- Visual aspect
- Conventional dental appliances tend to look obvious while dental implants are designed to look exactly like real teeth.
- Function
- Dental implants are fixed and function like permanent teeth. Dentures are removable and harder to stabilize which can negatively impact eating and speaking.
- Bone loss
- Dentures can hasten bone loss while dental implants help to stop it.
- Comfort
- Dental implants mimic natural teeth but other dental appliances can be irritating, bulky, and uncomfortable to wear.
- Dependability
- Dental implants can hold up for a lifetime while the others usually need replacing every few years.
Making the Right Choice: Dental Implants or Dentures
- Dental implants
- Dental implants with Dr. Richter can give you the confidence and freedom to eat, speak, and smile without ever having to think about it again. Implants are built with durable, comfortable materials that look and feel just as authentic as natural teeth. Even a single dental implant can be used to fill in the space between teeth and nobody would know the difference. They also function as well as real teeth because implants are surgically connected to the jaw, integrating with the bone similar to the way tooth roots naturally attach. Implants also help to stop bone loss – a common consequence of missing teeth – because they make direct contact with the bone every time you bite down or chew.
- Dentures
- Dentures are made specifically for patients who need to replace multiple missing teeth. These appliances are made with a variety of plastic and metal materials that may not be comfortable for everyone. Some models still require clasps or other adhesives to hold them in place. And if they do slip, the noise they create can be awkward and cause many to avoid speaking or eating certain foods. When it comes to bone loss, dentures do nothing to stop it. Bone needs stimulation to survive but these dental appliances sit on the gums, unable to make contact with the jaw bone. In time, bone loss can lead to additional tooth loss and poor facial structure.
Getting a dental implant in Durham, NC with Dr. Richter is a choice more patients are making for tooth replacement. For your personalized consultation, contact our office today.