Having a healthy and intact smile is a priority for many people and with good reason. Not only do teeth play an important functional use, they are also good for cosmetic reasons as well. Unfortunately, we all have a chance of losing teeth as we age.
If you are missing a tooth, the most common options for replacement include dentures or implants. While dentures were often considered the standard for tooth replacement in the past, considering implants may be your best option.
Below are 4 reasons to consider dental implants instead of dentures and how they will positively impact your life.
1. Long lasting
Dentures are difficult to maintain over time. They require constant cleaning and will eventually break down. Even a good pair of dentures can only be expected to last 10 to 15 years. Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for any missing teeth.
Consisting of a titanium root capped with a real-looking artificial tooth, dental implants can last for up to 20 years as long as they are cared for properly. They are more cost-effective than other solutions for tooth loss and if you are concerned about replacements in the future, you are going to have the best solution with implants over the alternatives.
2. More natural and functional
At the end of the day, you want replacements that are as close to your normal teeth as possible. Dental implants look natural and they are fully functional. Dentures, on the other hand, are bulky and removable. They can cause sores over time and they will also require adhesive and a lot of time to keep up with their care. In contrast, dental implants are comfortable and permanent fixtures in your mouth. They will not interfere with eating or speaking.
Additionally, since they apply pressure to your jaw bone when eating, chewing with them in place will feel the same as if you are chewing with your natural teeth. Most people forget they even have had implants placed, which makes them a great choice in regards to a better quality of life.
3. Save your jawbone
It is a well-known fact that if you have dentures, your jawbone will eventually begin to deteriorate due to a lack of pressure on the bone. Chewing with dentures does not apply the same pressure as your normal teeth and this causes your body to break down the bone that is not being used.
Implants provide this stimulation and will keep your jaw healthier over time. Since dental implants work similarly to a normal tooth, you will be feeling the same pressure in the area as you would with a natural tooth. The benefit of this is that you will not see the same negative effects over time.
4. Improved appearance
People with dentures who start to experience bone loss in their jawbone will notice that their appearance changes. When your jawbone stars to deteriorate because of missing teeth, your face will start to look sunken in. This change is not appealing to most people but difficult to prevent with dentures. You’ll start to notice thin lips and sunken cheeks over time.
Due to the stimulation they provide, dental implants will help you to maintain a healthy appearance. If you want your face to continue looking full and healthy, dental implants are the best choice. Dentures do not look as natural because the gums on them are acrylic. Implants allow a person to show their actual gum tissue, making this option more regular in appearance. Most people who meet someone with dental implants cannot even tell that they are not their natural teeth.
