Age, trauma, and oral decay can wreak havoc on your smile, leaving you coping with tooth loss, unsightly gaps, and chewing problems. Fortunately, through the art and science of restorative dentistry, your dentist can correct your smile using dentures or dental implants. But which procedure is right for you? Here is a little more information about the difference between the techniques. 

Dentures

Designed with a base that fits directly over your gums, dentures can either be made to replace a few of your teeth or your entire upper and lower arches. Made from either resins or porcelain material, they are completely removable to allow people to easily brush them each day. Unfortunately, because dentures don’t provide the same kind of chewing stimulation as natural teeth, bone loss can occur, creating the need for a new set of teeth in the future. 

Dental Implants 

Implants, on the other hand, are permanently secured in the mouth with the help of titanium posts. Modern posts are even designed to match the porous surface of natural bone, allowing the implant to fuse with the surrounding structure more efficiently. Because they have deep roots like your natural teeth, implants help guard against bone loss, improving the health and structural stability of the mouth and teeth. Additionally, unlike dentures, implants are designed to last a lifetime, saving patients time and money in the long run. 

If you have missing teeth you’d like to replace with implants or dentures, speak with Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, in Kailua-Kona, HI. With a commitment to the best dentistry practices and a talent for aesthetics, this experienced dentist can help with everything from gum contouring and bonding to bone grafting and full smile makeovers. To learn more about how he can help your smile look and function better than ever before, visit his website or call (808) 322-0101.