Are you missing one, two, or even all your teeth? If you’re considering your options, you might be wondering if full tooth restoration is possible — and whether dentures or dental implants are the best way to achieve the results you want. Good news: At Smile Source Atlanta East, the leading tooth restoration specialists in the Stone Mountain area can give you your smile back.
Both dentures and dental implants are good options for tooth restoration, and you can also combine the two. Here’s what you need to know about how dentures and dental implants compare.
Dentures
Dentures are false teeth made of acrylic, resin, or porcelain. They’re securely rooted into a lined base that fits into your mouth’s roof or lower ridge. Complete dentures replace all teeth on one arch (top or bottom). Partials replace two or more missing teeth within one arch. Dentures attach to your gums using natural suction, often coupled with adhesive. Partial dentures usually attach to natural teeth using clasps on the back of the teeth.
Dentures have made great strides in recent years. They’re now better-fitting, more comfortable, and more lifelike than ever. Although dentures can be secure if you take good care of them and wear them correctly, some people still need help with mishaps like denture slippage or dentures falling out when they eat challenging foods.
Dentures require regular maintenance, including daily cleaning. You must also have them relined and rebased occasionally to ensure they continue to fit your mouth well.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the closest thing possible to your natural teeth. Each implant replaces one tooth. They have artificial roots made of biocompatible (body-safe) metals like titanium. Your dental surgeon places the posts within your jaw to replace tooth roots. A crown (custom-made porcelain tooth) screws onto the implant post.
The dental implant base is a permanent addition to your mouth, and crowns generally last at least 15-20 years. The only maintenance dental implants need is regular checkups (during your annual dental exams). Once your dental implant treatment is complete, you should be able to chew, speak, and socialize without the negative emotions that missing teeth can sometimes cause.
The Combination Option: Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are a hybrid option for tooth replacement. If you have no teeth in one arch, an implant-retained denture can restore the entire arch. An implant-retained denture has several dental implants (usually four). These implants anchor a full arch of dentures permanently in place, eliminating worries about denture slippage and allowing you to speak and eat confidently.
Call the Stone Mountain Tooth Restoration Specialists
You deserve to have a smile you love and feel comfortable with, so don’t wait to get help. Call the tooth restoration experts at 678-515-4200 to schedule a consultation.
