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If you’ve lost teeth or had them extracted, the decision of how best to replace them can be confusing. Between dental implants, dentures, and partial dentures, the choices seem overwhelming. However, there are clear differences, and once you’re aware of them, it’s easier to pick the one that works best for you.

See what the dentists at Alaska’s Anchorage Dental Center, providing dentistry for the whole family, have to say about the differences between dental implants, dentures, and partial dentures:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are posts (usually made of titanium) that are inserted into the jawbone and topped with crowns as replacements for real teeth. Because they are essentially screwed into place, implants are durable, don’t move around within your jaw, and are easily maintained with the same brushing and flossing routine you’d use on any other teeth.

If proper care is taken, dental implants can not only last a lifetime, but they can also help keep the jawbone and facial structure from eroding. However, implants are invasive, requiring some surgery; since getting implants is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, insurance may not cover it.

Dentures

Dental ImplantsFull dentures are removable teeth replacements with acrylic bases that rest on the gums. Dentures, like implants, are also made to look like natural teeth, and the acrylic can be color-matched to your real gums. Dentures require no surgery and can support facial structure by rebalancing the upper and lower jaws.

Dentures do require more maintenance than implants; they must be removed and cleaned regularly. Since they aren’t secured into place, dentures also come with the risk of moving around in the gums. This can cause difficulty speaking and eating and limits the types of food that can be eaten.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable and fill in the gaps between some natural teeth that remain in the mouth. Partial dentures are inserted with clasps that fit around the natural teeth, or they are held in place with attachments. Partial dentures offer similar benefits as full implants; however, partial dentures also have the potential to weaken the natural teeth around them, requiring those teeth to be re-shaped.

While there are various pros and cons to dental implants, dentures, and partials, your dentist can help you decide which option might work best for your circumstances. For a professional consultation, contact Anchorage Dental Center at (907) 278-2521 or visit their website.

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