Kiefer Family Dental offers every dental service under the rainbow. We provide these services to those young and old. One thing that patients have to figure out as they get older, is which dental procedure should they go with as they start to lose their teeth? The choice is dentures vs. dental implants. So we are here are the pros and cons?
Most know that there are thirty-two teeth in an adult full set. But because losing one’s teeth is a common problem for adults of all ages, American adults between the ages of 20 – 64 have an average of just under twenty-five remaining teeth according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Losing your teeth presents more than a simple aesthetic problem of having a crooked smile or a bruised ego. Your teeth actually play an important role in your speech, ability to eat, your facial appearance, and even quality of life.
Even having one-single missing tooth puts you at an elevated risk of gum disease as well as oral bone and tissue loss. The problems multiply for patients that suffer with multiple missing teeth. When tooth loss affects what you’re able to eat, you may also develop nutritional deficiencies which can lead to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Those missing multiple teeth are also much less likely to participate in social activities out of self-consciousness, have difficulty speaking & communicating, and be more likely to isolate themselves from social interaction.
The good news is that Kiefer Family Dental can help. If you are suffering from missing teeth, dentures or dental implants can be your answer. Kiefer Family Dental offer people the chance to replace missing teeth, allowing them to renew their smiles, their health, and their self-confidence.
What are the Facts?
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures typically offer complete tooth replacement for people missing all of their teeth on their top and/or bottom jaw. These dentures consist of what one might traditionally imagine when they think of dentures. And that is a removable prosthetic structure of teeth which can allow the wearer to chew, smile and communicate. Dental insurance companies may cover some or all of the cost of dentures. These dentures are the most common form that people on budgets get. Typically your elderly have these style of dentures.
Denture wearers tend to report more issues with lower dentures than upper dentures as the tongue may push against lower dentures, loosening them or popping them out of place. Some wearers may find it helpful to use a small amount of denture adhesive to keep the dentures in place. It is recommended that one use no more than three or four pea-sized dabs of adhesive on each denture. If problems persist, make an appointment with your dentist for an adjustment. As your gums and jawbone shrink with time, new dentures may be required for a good fit.
Snap-On Dentures
There is actually a middle ground between traditional dentures and a full set of dental implants. This is the snap-on denture option. These dentures offer better tooth stability than traditional dentures.
Snap-ons are dentures that rest on the gums but are held in place by either a mini or full-sized implant on each side. Wearers tend to experience less slippage when talking, laughing or chewing with snap-on dentures. However, snap-on dentures should still be removed for cleaning and sleeping and may need adjusting over time as the gums and bone recede.
Dental Implants
If one can afford it, the most popular choice and the most realistic is the dental implant. It is a durable, natural-looking, long-term solution for people missing one or more teeth. Teeth can be replaced individually or with bridges that replace multiple teeth at once.
Your dentist can help you decide whether implants are the best tooth restoration option for you. Qualifying patients are those who practice good oral hygiene, are in good health, are free from gum disease, and have sufficient bone density. During your consultation, your dentist will take scans and x-rays to determine whether your bones are healthy enough for implants and where the implant posts should be placed. This is the most important step and will decide if you even qualify.
We at Kiefer Family Dental hope that this list is helpful. Perhaps you learned something you didn’t know that was detrimental to your oral health. The office of Kiefer Family Dental provides the best in modern dentistry for individuals and families should you have any problems from the list.
Our highly-qualified dentists and gentle hygienists work hard to combine knowledge and skill with the latest in technology to give our patients the best possible dental outcomes. With services ranging from periodontal therapy, oral surgery. dental implants, dentures and even being set up for Invisalign clear braces, Kiefer Family Dental is your Evansville, Indiana A+ dental choice. Call (812) 424-9506 or use the website to book an appointment online.
