Typically, when a person is missing one or more of their teeth, they will resort to either dental implants or dentures to replace them. While both implants and dentures have their own advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to understand the difference between the two before deciding which is the better choice for you.

Your cosmetic dentist in Walnut Creek CA will be able to recommend one of the two treatments. However, the decision will be up to you. Below, Dental Care of Walnut Creek will go over the difference between the two, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Dental Implants

Dental implants consist of a metal post that is implanted and fused to your jaw bone. Then, once the implant has healed, we’ll fix a crown or overdenture to the post to give it the appearance of a natural tooth.

Because implants are connected directly to your jawbone, they are one of the most realistic replacements for missing teeth. This is because the implant mimics the root of a tooth making them better at supporting your jaw bone and keeping its structure intact. In the end, implants also make eating and speaking much easier than with traditional dentures.

Another major advantage of a dental implant is that they are designed to last your entire life. The crown may need to be replaced periodically, however, the implant itself should not require any maintenance throughout the years.

Dentures

There was a time when dentures were the only option for replacing missing teeth. Fortunately, with advancements in technology and improvements to surgical procedures, dental patients now have several alternatives to dentures.

Dentures differ from dental implants in the fact that they are molded specifically to your mouth and are held in place with a dental adhesive. And because they are not permanent, they need to be removed at night and soaked in a denture cleaning solution.

While some people like the idea of a permanent replacement for their teeth, others might enjoy having the choice to be able to remove their teeth as needed or due to comfort.

That said, it’s important to understand that the longer you have your dentures out of your mouth, the weaker your jaw structure will become.

Dentures are typically recommended when a patient’s jaw structure is too weak to support a dental implant.

Which is the better choice for you?

To decide whether implants or dentures are right for you, there are several factors that will need to be taken into consideration. This will include considering your current health, lifestyle, and budget.

For more information about replacing missing teeth, make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Walnut Creek CA, who will be able to offer you a consultation and answer any questions that you might have about the procedures. Call our office today at 925-937-9017 and schedule your consultation!