Your decision might be based on whether you are missing one or two teeth, or need a whole new set of teeth. The answer might depend on your age and how long you believe you have to use them.
Most people think about teeth and the way they look being so important, but in reality, your ability to chew properly can affect choking and your overall digestive health.
More than Half of All Adults Need Tooth Replacement
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, about 70% of adults ages 35-44, in the United States have at least one missing tooth. Many are missing 3 or more teeth, and their teeth have decades of use ahead of them. Older adults are missing even more teeth and lose them at a faster rate, especially if proper oral care and dental check-ups have not been part of their routine.
Which Option is Better – Dental Implants or Dentures?
Dentures and tooth implants can both be great options, depending on the situation.
Longevity – Implants can last a lifetime, and while they are a bigger price investment they will never need replacing with proper care. Dentures will need replacing every five to 10 years
Aesthetics – Dental implants typically look more natural than dentures, partially because they are set in place better than dentures and partially because they are created to be shaped more like your original teeth.
Chewing Ability - Dentures will help you chew, but dental implants will offer the same ability to chew as your original set of teeth did, because they are set in place with a screw that acts as the root.
Bone Health – Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that will help keep the integrity of your jaw bone. Other methods may allow your face shape to change.
Price – Dentures will probably win on price, especially if they will only need to be purchased once.
Why You Should Get Your Teeth Replaced
Getting teeth replaced with either dentures or dental implants is a necessity to keep the integrity of the teeth next to it. When you lose a tooth, you lose the ability to chew your food as efficiently and effectively as intended, and that can cause problems with your jaw from not using both sides of your mouth in a balanced way. The extra space between teeth can cause surrounding teeth to shift and deteriorate as well, and the bone that once supported those teeth can become soft and decay prematurely.
Missing multiple teeth may even cause digestive problems from your stomach doing more of the work that your teeth were meant to do. A few missing teeth can seem like a minor problem, but may create health challenges.
Consider Your Options Carefully
In the end, the decision is yours. Both dental implants and dentures are quality options for tooth replacement and you may be happy with either option, but think about the foods you enjoy and how long you plan to be needing your teeth.
If you are missing teeth and trying to make a decision on the best tooth replacement option, call Family SmileCare Center today.
