Do you have missing or damaged teeth? Are you wondering about your options for restoring your smile? Dental implants and dentures are excellent options that can significantly enhance your appearance and confidence.
Missing or damaged teeth aren’t a medical emergency, but they impact most areas of your life. When you look in the mirror and see gaps or cracks in your teeth, it affects how you feel about your appearance. Missing teeth also impact your ability to chew and speak, and your overall dental health. Over time, untreated gaps can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and even gum disease.
You may be able to continue with your usual daily activities despite missing or damaged teeth, but over time, the cumulative impact of the situation becomes noticeable. Eating becomes more difficult, certain words may be harder to pronounce, and your smile may not reflect how you truly feel inside.
The good news is that you have options if you’re tired of not loving what you see when you smile at a mirror or are concerned that missing teeth could lead to worse dental issues. The two most common solutions are dental implants and dentures, both of which are highly effective, depending on your individual needs.
How do you know which of the two most popular options is right for you?
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Both partial and full implants are available and anchored securely into your jawbone for maximum stability. People love implants because they are durable, preserve the jawbone, and have a natural look and feel. Implants function and feel like natural teeth, making them ideal for individuals seeking a seamless, long-lasting solution.
Once your implants are placed and your mouth has healed, your teeth function just as well, if not better, than your original, natural teeth. Implants don’t shift or slip, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Implants are surgically installed, so there are some minor risks involved, and you’ll have a short recovery period before you can return completely to normal.
Most implant recipients agree, however, that the drawbacks are worth the trade-off, as they ultimately end up with a set of teeth that look and feel like their natural teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are a tried-and-true option for replacing damaged or broken teeth. Like implants, they can be full or partial, and modern designs are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever.
In comparison to implants, dentures require no healing or recovery period, and they are non-surgical. They also cost less than implants. Dentures are often the best option for many people, especially when seeking a quicker or more affordable solution.
However, because dentures are removable, you cannot treat them like your regular teeth. You remove them for cleaning, and most people avoid certain foods when they have dentures. They might also not be as durable as implants. Some people experience a learning curve when adjusting to speaking and eating with dentures, but most adapt over time.
How Do You Choose?
Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you. In some cases, a patient might not have a choice due to their health or age. Certain underlying conditions may make surgery inadvisable, while others may make dentures less stable or comfortable.
If both options are available, you’ll want to consider the following when making your choice:
- Age
- Oral health
- Overall health
- Budget
- Lifestyle
Some patients even choose a combination—using implants to anchor dentures for added stability.
How We Can Help
The experienced team at Guelph Village Dental can guide you toward the best choice for replacing or repairing your teeth and restoring your smile. We utilize advanced technology and a patient-centred approach to help you feel confident that you’re making the right choice. We want you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible with your choice.
During your first visit, we’ll do a consultation and discuss your options for tooth replacement. We’ll assess your dental health and ensure you understand the risks and benefits of implants and dentures. We’ll also address any questions you have so that you can make an informed decision.
If you’re ready to love your smile again, give us a call to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you smile with confidence every day.
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