Missing teeth can take a toll on your health and self-esteem. Whether you’ve lost one or more teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or genetics, you can replace them with dentures or dental implants. Both options offer several advantages and disadvantages. To help you make the right choice for your smile, here are the main differences between the two.

Dentures

How They Work

Dentures are removable, artificial teeth that are custom-made for your mouth. Full dentures replace all the teeth on your top or bottom jawline and stay in place via suction or oral adhesive. Partial dentures, which replace just a few missing teeth, are fitted to your gumline and fastened to adjacent natural teeth to prevent slipping.

Pros

Since dental implants require surgery, dentures are wise for people with weak or unhealthy jaws or gums. In addition, it usually only takes a few weeks to create them, meaning you won’t have to wait long to enjoy your new smile.

Cons

Dentures often look less natural than dental implants. Also, if they’re not well-secured, they could fall out as you speak or eat and contribute to decay or infection in nearby teeth. That’s why you should find an experienced dentist who knows how to fit them properly.

Dental Implants

How They Work

Dental implants are replacement teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. After your dentist inserts the artificial root, you’ll need to wait a few months for it to unite with your jawbone and form a strong base for an artificial tooth. Your dentist will then attach the artificial tooth to the post.

Pros

Most patients find that dental implants look and feel almost exactly like natural teeth. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about them falling out. If you take care of implants, they can last for 20 years or more before it’s time for a replacement.

Cons

If you want your missing teeth replaced immediately, an implant may not be for you because you must wait a few months for the jawbone to fuse with the implant. Also, as stated above, you might not be able to get an implant if you have jaw or gum issues.

If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, or if you need more help deciding which method is right for you, turn to Arrow Dental Care in Ellisville, MO. Dr. Matt Howard and his caring team have been restoring smiles with high-quality dentures and dental implants for more than a decade. They also offer a variety of other general and cosmetic dentistry services, such as cleanings, teeth whitening, and Invisalign®. Learn more about the practice online, and call (636) 441-6999 to schedule your appointment.