Dentures were long considered the treatment of choice to replace missing or failing teeth. Today, though, dental implants are the new gold standard. While dentures rest on the gums and are prone to slipping and pinching, dental implants actually replace the tooth roots. This prevents jawbone loss and provides a stable, secure foundation for high-quality replacement teeth. Here are the top 5 benefits of dental implants.
Long-Term Costs
It is true that dentures cost less up front, but over a lifetime, dental implants are far less expensive. Dentures must be relined every year, and typically need to be replaced in just 5 to 10 years. Dental implants can last for the rest of your life with proper care. If you are concerned about the initial investment, just 2 to 4 implants can stabilize your existing removable upper or lower denture.
Aesthetics
Although today’s high-end dentures are highly aesthetic, they tend to shift when laughing, chewing, or talking. A partial denture has a metal clasp or precision attachments that may be visible, while a full upper denture has hard plastic covering the roof of the mouth. Dental implants remove these limitations, making them a more aesthetic choice.
Comfort
Dentures can be quite uncomfortable, as they tend to slip, rub, and pinch the gums. Eating tough, crunchy, or chewy foods can worsen these problems. Since dental implants fuse with the jawbone, they stabilize the replacement teeth, eliminating these issues.
Strength and Stability
Dentures replace only about 25% of natural bite strength, making it difficult or impossible to enjoy such foods as steak and corn on the cob. Dental implants replace more than 90% of bite strength, making it easy to eat even these tough foods.
Future Oral Health
When teeth are lost, the body begins a natural process of resorbing the gum tissue and jawbone. Over time, this can lead to wrinkles, premature aging, and a sunken, hollow appearance. This resorption can cause even the best-made dentures to start to feel loose.
In addition, dentures can cause chronic sores and inflammation in the mouth from their constant movement. Not only is this painful, but it can increase your risk for gum disease. Dental implants replace the tooth roots, remedying these conditions by stabilizing the replacement teeth.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to start your journey to better oral health with Dr. Richard Champagne and a truly collaborative and compassionate dental team, contact Champagne Smiles in Morganville, NJ today to schedule your first appointment.
