If you have missing teeth, the dentist probably recommended dental implants or dentures to restore your smile. These two prostheses are very different, even though they provide similar results. Use this guide to get more informed so that you can choose between them.

Dental Implants

These titanium posts can replace one or several missing teeth. To qualify, patients must be in good oral health and free of gum disease or other complications that can prevent bone and gum tissue from grafting around the post.

The post is secured to the jawbone and extends above the gumline. Your dentist will take a mold of the empty socket, and a dental lab will create a prosthetic tooth that fits perfectly into place. An abutment is attached to the implant in a second procedure and secures the prosthetic crown on top of it.

Dental implants are extremely durable and natural-looking. They’re made of porcelain and fit comfortably with the surrounding teeth and opposing bite pattern. You can eat and drink regularly and only need to maintain a normal oral hygiene routine to care for the implant.

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic plates used to replace large sections or an entire row of teeth. A dental lab creates a plate that comfortably fits your mouth and contains rows of natural-looking prosthetic teeth. An adhesive holds the dentures in place, and they’re removed once or twice a day to be cleaned.

Although talking and eating with dentures may take some getting used to, they’ll provide you with a complete, natural-looking smile. If you opt for dentures, soak them regularly with a special solution to ensure they continue fitting comfortably and don’t accumulate bacteria.

If you want to get implants or dentures to complete your smile, turn to Stephanie ML Wong, DMD, in Honolulu, HI. This experienced dentist and her team will assess your teeth to determine which solution suits your needs. They’ll answer any questions you have about the two options and talk you through the potential lifestyle changes that come with them. For more information about their services, visit them online or call (808) 732-3072.