Missing teeth are both a functional and aesthetic issue. People with missing teeth suffer from reduced jaw stimulation and unsatisfactory smiles. While dentures have long been the solution for this issue, they have numerous pitfalls that make them less than ideal. With modern technology, there is a better alternative to dentures.
Disadvantages of Dentures
Most people are familiar with dentures because many of our parents or grandparents used them. Dentures can provide some superficial benefit in taking the place of teeth but are not ideal.
Some of the disadvantages of dentures include:
- Dentures don’t look as natural as dental implants
- They have to be taken out and thoroughly cleaned regularly
- Patients don’t like the cleaning process or the adhesives because they’re messy and expensive
- Dentures can’t be worn overnight
- Dentures can move around in the mouth and make it difficult to speak and eat
- Certain foods can’t be eaten with dentures, such as oatmeal, applesauce, and pudding
- An increased risk of gum disease
- Frequency of replacements
Replace Missing Teeth
When someone is missing a tooth, adjacent teeth will eventually slide into that place. When this shift happens, it can alter the strength and alignment of a person’s bite. People can experience uneven tooth wear or jaw collapse by not replacing missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures
Why should patients opt for dental implants over dentures? Dental implants benefit proper bite relation, jaw stimulation, and look and function like natural teeth. Another drawback of wearing dentures is if they’re ill-fitting, they can exacerbate TMJ disorder symptoms.
Other benefits of dental implants include:
- Ease of care – Implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth
- Implants look and feel like natural teeth since the root and tooth is replaced
- Implants allow you to eat any food, including things that are sticky and crunchy
- Dental implants don’t affect speech
- Bones and adjacent teeth are preserved
- Dental implants can last for decades
Dental Implants as a Better Alternative to Dentures
A great smile can shift your entire perception of your appearance. Smiles affect how people see you and can impact what they think about you. For a better alternative to dentures, call Dr. Marzban’s office at 703-323-8200.
