Patients who think of replacing missing teeth often have two options: dental implants in Grande Prairie and dentures. Both of these choices can help you regain your smile and improve the functionality of your chewing. However, how do you know which is the best for you? In the following guide, we compare both of these choices so that you can make the right decision for your dental health.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that a dentist puts into your jawbone. They work like the roots of your teeth. Following the insertion of the implant, a crown is placed on top of the parts that resemble a tooth. This entire process can take some months because the implant needs time to bond with the jawbone.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants look and feel like real teeth, which can help you feel more confident.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last many years, even a lifetime.
- Better Chewing Ability: Since implants are strong, they allow you to chew harder foods that you might avoid with dentures.
- Jawbone Health: Implants help keep the jawbone healthy by stimulating it, reducing the risk of bone loss.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. They can either be complete, which would replace all your teeth, or partial, meaning that you still retain some of the natural teeth in your mouth. Dentures fit your mouth for better eating and speaking.
Benefits of Dentures:
- Less Invasive: Getting dentures generally requires less surgery than implants.
- Quick Solution: You can usually get dentures in a shorter time frame. After taking impressions of your mouth, your dentures can be made quickly.
- Easier to Replace: In case of wear and tear on the dentures, these can be easily replaced or restored without surgical procedures.
Comparing the Two Options
The choice between dental implants and dentures is a personal decision. Some points for consideration are the following:
- Time: Dental implants involve healing and integration into the jawbone, so they require more time than others. The dentures can be made ready within a shorter time period.
- Cost: Implants are far costlier than dentures. Based on your specific needs, your dentist will provide an estimate.
- Care: Implants require about the same care as natural teeth — daily brushing and flossing. Dentures need to be removed and cleaned at night.
- Comfort: Most people say that implants, once healed, become much more comfortable than dentures. Dentures, at first, feel very odd and even slide out sometimes.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Now that you’ve learned about dental implants and dentures, you might still be wondering, “Which option is best for me?” Here are some questions to help you decide:
- How many teeth are missing? If you are missing just one or two teeth, implants may be a better option. If you’re missing most of your teeth, dentures might be an ideal solution.
- How is your jawbone health? If your jawbone is weak or has lost mass, implants might not be suitable for you without additional procedures.
- What’s your budget? Implants can be costly, so if cost is a concern, dentures might be a practical solution.
- How much time can you dedicate to the process? If you need a quick fix, dentures may be the better option.
Talk to your dentist to determine whether dental implants or dentures are the right choice for you.
Key Takeaway
Both implants and denturescan help you regain your smile, thus aiding you to live an improved quality of life. Before making decisions about dental solutions, you must clearly communicate your medical requirements as well as personal preferences to your dentist. The dental team helps you through the selection process of finding the most suitable dental solution based on your particular case.
Find Your Perfect Smile Solution at Cobblestone Dental!
Cobblestone Dental offers comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages. Our team of dentist in Grande Prairie provides a wide range of dental services, including cleanings, dental implants, dentures, and more procedures to maintain your smile health. Our practice employs modern technology to deliver comfortable treatment services within an environment that makes patients feel welcome. Schedule your visit today—let’s keep your smile bright!