Should I Get Dental Implants or Dentures? Here’s Your Answer

It’s finally time.

You’ve been thinking about it for a long time and have decided that now is the right time to investigate the options available to you for replacing missing teeth.

Whether you’re just starting your research or you’ve been at it for a little while now, you’ve likely come across two popular options for restoring missing teeth: dental implants and dentures.

Both dental implants and dentures can be fantastic options to replace missing or decaying teeth, and truth be told, there isn’t a “right option” for everyone.

In this article, we’re going to go over the similarities and differences between the two so that you can make an educated decision as to which solution would fit you best.

If you are in or around the North Atlanta area (our practice is located in Alpharetta) and are interested in discussing your options for replacing missing teeth in a 1-on-1 setting with Dr. Silverman, or Dr. Morton, please give us a call or contact us here. We’re committed to providing family friendly, personal, high quality service for both you and your loved ones.

A little information on dentures

If the thought of a denture conjures up images of your grandmother’s $29 over-the-counter drugstore denture sitting in a glass of cleaning solution beside her bed, think again.

Dentures have come a long way in the last 10-20 years…

• Today’s dentures (especially the ones crafted and placed for patients at our office) are made from the best materials and are “fitted” so they don’t slip or cause your speech to become “fumbly” or impaired in any way.
• We ensure this tight fit by taking impressions of your mouth and creating a model to ensure a perfect fit. Whether you’re thinking about getting a complete denture or a partial denture, you don’t want to skip this step, as you might receive a poorly designed denture!
• These denture molds are sent to a dental lab where they are crafted just for you using your exact measurements. Of course, one of our dentists will place your dentures and ensure they fit just as you wish before you leave the office.

To learn more about dentures, click here to visit our dentures page.

Why many patients love dentures

Dentures are simple. They are removable (some patients like this, others don’t), and getting them is painless, easy, and relatively inexpensive when compared to other cosmetic and restorative dentistry options.

The dentures that are made today mimic natural teeth quite well. Our dentists will work with you to determine the “perfect shade” for your new denture teeth, and most cannot tell you have dentures if they are custom made by a professional. Our services are personalized for every patient, creating the smoothest experience possible.

Why some patients don’t love dentures

When it comes to dentures, the “pros” for some people are “cons” for others.

Here are a few reasons some patients don’t want dentures and prefer a more permanent solution (such as dental implants):

• Natural teeth (obviously) are not removable. Patients who are looking to restore their smile want their teeth to be as natural as possible. This means they want a fixed, permanent solution.
• While the functionality of dentures is much greater than it was just a few years ago, it still doesn’t match teeth that are anchored into the jawbone.
• Some patients feel that dentures are a “cheap” option and thus don’t want to consider them.

Dental implants: The standard for replacing teeth

If you personally fall more on the “cons” side when evaluating dentures, then dental implants may be the perfect solution for you. Check out our dental implants page if preferred.

Unlike dentures, dental implants are titanium screws attached to your jawbone, which gives the secure fit of a natural, healthy tooth.

Here are some of the most common reasons patients come to us wanting dental implants:

• They are tired of missing one or several teeth and don’t want a “band aid” fix. They want a more permanent solution so they can “move on” from this problem in their life.
• They are embarrassed by their smile or their inability to talk without slurring their speech (loss of teeth can impact your ability to speak well).
• Patients missing several teeth often have facial sagging on one side or the other, and dental implants with crowns or bridges can go a long way in fixing this issue.

In a nutshell, patients who want a permanent solution that closely mimics the look and feel of healthy, natural teeth will want an implant or series of dental implants.

What is the process for getting implants?

This will vary depending on the patient. Many factors come into play — if you need a tooth or multiple teeth extracted, how much bone you have (you may need a bone graft to support the implant), and many other factors.

In general, the process looks something like this:

• Biocompatible titanium screws are placed into the jawbone. These screws will serve as the artificial root for your new teeth.
• Now it’s time to play the waiting game. Typically 3-6 months of healing time will allow the bone and the titanium screw to fuse together (a process known as osseointegration).
• At a later appointment, your crown or bridge will be placed atop the implants and you’ll have your new smile. It’s important to note that we can equip you with a temporary denture so you won’t be walking around without teeth!

We actually have an entire page on our website dedicated to dental implants, which you can see by clicking the link below:

https://www.acfdga.com/all-procedures/dental-implants-2/

Curious about dentures or dental implants? Here’s the next step…

While there is a lot of great information online regarding dentures and dental implants, you can’t make an informed decision about what is best for your unique situation without talking to a dental implants dentist.

At Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we have been helping patients restore their smiles for over 20 years and would love to help you do the same.

Remember, there is no obligation when you schedule your dental implants consult and we will never try to “hard sell” you on any particular procedure.

If you’re curious about what other patients have to say about our dentists and our office team, just take a look at our reviews below:

https://www.acfdga.com/reviews/

So schedule your consultation today. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our family!

 

Posted by Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

4205 North Point Parkway, Building D, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Phone: (678) 551-6864