Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or multiple teeth, your smile—and your overall appearance—may feel incomplete. The impact of missing teeth goes beyond the superficial, however. It can also affect the way you eat and talk. It’s important to replace missing teeth, but the best way to do it depends on many different factors.

When Are Dentures Preferable?

Dentures have long been used to replace missing teeth. The history of dentures goes back thousands of years. More modern dentures using plastic and acrylic resin have been used for well over 100 years. The longevity of dentures and modern advances in manufacturing techniques still make them a great solution for people who are missing teeth.

Dentures come in two forms: complete and partial. As their names might suggest, complete dentures replace an entre row of missing teeth, top or bottom, while partial dentures are fitted to replace only a few teeth. When properly fitted, dentures can help restore your appearance and improve the way you speak and eat.

What Are the Drawbacks to Dentures?

The biggest drawback to dentures is that they aren’t permanently affixed to your gums. Instead, they are attached with an adhesive. While modern dentures and adhesives bond quickly, easily, and effectively, they still run the risk of coming loose. They also must be taken out and re-adhered daily.

Other drawbacks include the need for regular adjustments and replacements, especially as you age. When your facial structure and jaw change over time, your dentures will no longer fit properly and must be adjusted or reordered to accommodate those changes.

When Are Dental Implants Preferable?

Dental implants are ideal for people who are missing only a single tooth or just a few teeth. However, they can also be used to replace several missing teeth. Unlike dentures which are only adhered to your gums, dental implants are permanently affixed to your jaw. That means they are attached even more firmly to your mouth than your actual teeth.

People who want a permanent solution to missing teeth without the daily routine for adhering and removing dentures are ideal candidates for dental implants. Once implanted, they function exactly like natural teeth and can be brushed and flossed to keep them in tip-top shape.

What Are the Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

The biggest drawback to dental implants is their cost. They are more expensive than dentures upfront. However, depending on how long you may need dentures, you may come out ahead getting dental implants. Because dental implants can last for 20 years or more, you can go a long time without needing to replace them. Dentures require more frequent replacements, and they can be more easily damaged.

Another potential drawback to dental implants is the need for healthy gums and bones. Some people simply aren’t good candidates for dental implants due to having weakened jaw bones and gums. Because they lack strength and stability in these areas, dental implants may not be able to be implanted securely enough and instead they may need to use dentures to replace their missing teeth.

Unsure Which is Right for You? We Can Help.

At 101st Adult Dentistry, we restore patients’ smiles with both dentures and dental implants. If you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth and want to restore your smile, we can evaluate you and determine which is the right path for you to take. Better yet, we offer both types of smile replacements at our office, which means you don’t have to see a specialist or travel across town.

Request a dental appointment today to get the information, education, and dental expertise you need to restore your smile.