When it comes to restorative dentistry, you have several options for replacing damaged or missing teeth. Both dental implants and dentures have their drawbacks and advantages, but the dentists at Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, AK, will ensure you choose the approach that is best for your particular lifestyle, needs, and budget.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Dentures

Dentures are the less invasive approach to replacing missing teeth. You can use them to replace some or all of your teeth, and they can be customized in such a way that they match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth.

Dentures are more affordable than implants, and it is easy to modify them to accommodate future tooth loss. The two main drawbacks of dentures are their durability and their adhesion. Since they are not permanently implanted in your mouth, they can shift when you eat or talk, and they wear down over time, so you will need multiple pairs over the course of your life.  

Dental Implants

Dental implants are more expensive than dentures, and the implantation procedure requires an invasive surgery; however, they are permanent, and they tend to look more natural than dentures. Additionally, dental implants do not require any care beyond the standard brushing and flossing, whereas dentures need to be soaked in a cleaning solution every night.

Dental implants are also the only restorative option that prevents the natural deterioration of the jawbone. When you are missing teeth and the jaw is no longer stimulated, it starts resorbing itself, resulting in a sunken smile. Since the dental implant is inserted directly into the jawbone, this deterioration does not occur.

If you are missing one or more teeth and you’re interested in getting dentures or dental implants, head to Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, AK. Visit their website to learn more about the services they provide, including veneers and teeth whitening, and call (907) 622-7874 to make an appointment today.