When to Choose Dental Implants Over Dentures

Most American adults have some oral issues. Approximately 70% of those between ages 35 and 44 are missing at least one tooth, and many are missing more than one. Age only sees these numbers rise. What’s the best option when you need to replace one or more teeth? 

Dr. Ana Chester and her team at Chester Family Dentistry in Warren, Ohio, offer dental implants and fixed and removable dentures as two options for replacing missing teeth. 

Dr. Chester always invests time discussing the pros and cons of each in a restorative dentistry consultation with each patient. What works best for you may not be the best option for others. 

There are many reasons why dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. Let’s explore a few of the main reasons implants may be a better solution for you than dentures.

Superior stability

Dental implants feature a titanium post that integrates with your jawbone. The implant becomes a permanent oral fixture, just like a natural tooth. This new tooth root functions like a real tooth, stimulating your jawbone for better bone health and keeping your artificial tooth rigid and functional. 

Dentures only attach to your surrounding teeth and can be unstable. They don’t stimulate your jawbone, which can lead to bone loss and facial changes. 

A great alternative is implant-supported dentures. A few dental implants secure these dental appliances so they don’t move. You also get the benefit of jawbone stimulation from the few implants used. 

Replace one or more teeth 

Many consider dentures a good option for replacing several teeth, but dental implants make this option even better. Instead of several single implants in a row to replace several teeth, which can be costly, implant-secured dentures are a wonderful option. 

Depending on how many teeth need replacing, just a few dental implants can secure a few or an entire arch of dentures. 

Dr. Chester and her team can design a custom solution to replace any number of missing teeth in any location with implant-supported dentures. 

Easy care and maintenance 

Traditional dentures require removal and specialized care to keep them clean. They also typically require some form of adhesive to keep them in place. 

Conversely, dental implants and implant-supported dentures require no special cleaning procedures. Simply brush and floss regularly and properly and see your dentist twice yearly for checkups. This is all you need to do to keep your new smile healthy and bright. 

Customized fit

Dentures can often have problems fitting snugly and comfortably in your mouth. You may have to return to the dentist a few times for adjustments. Over time, changes in your mouth and jawbone structure can cause them to fit poorly. 

Dental implants fuse with your jawbone and become permanent. Dr. Chester and her team custom-design your implants and implant-secured dentures for a perfect fit using advanced imaging technology. Your new teeth fit securely and snugly, function normally, and look great. 

Let us help you decide

Finding the best teeth replacement option is a personal choice. Dr. Chester and the team at Chester Family Dentistry can discuss the pros and cons of every option to help you decide what is best for you. 

Contact our office in Warren, Ohio, and schedule a restorative dentistry consultation to discuss tooth replacement options. We also have financing options to help you fit a new smile into your budget.