Missing teeth prevent some individuals from smiling, speaking, and even laughing. But, tooth loss is probably more common than you think, affecting millions of people in the United States. If you’re shy about how your smile looks and seek change, meet with a restoration dentist.

Dr. Abbey J. Lee helps patients decide which natural-looking tooth replacements suit their needs. If you need guidance when deciding between dentures, dental implants, or any other aspect of restorative dentistry, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our Atlanta, GA, office. Our restoration dentist defines the differences between dentures and dental implants in this blog.

Treatment Technique

For starters, dentures are less invasive and faster to install than dental implants. Our restoration dentist embeds titanium or zirconium dental implants into the jawbone during dental implant surgery. As you heal, the implant fuses with the natural bone (a process that can take several months). Eventually, Dr. Lee caps the implant with a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture so that you can smile with confidence again.

On the other hand, Dr. Lee designs traditional and partial dentures as a removable appliances to mimic natural teeth and gums. Generally, they can be designed, created, and fitted in a short amount of time and only a few appointments.

Aesthetics

If you think of the words “goofy,” “fake,” or “awkward” when someone says “dentures,” think again. Contemporary dentures are meticulously crafted to replicate a brand-new smile—from the ceramic teeth to the veins painted on the gums.

Famously, dental implants provide the most natural-looking aesthetics for tooth replacement. Structurally, they are similar to natural teeth (from the top of the dental prosthetic down to the artificial tooth roots).

All in all, it will be challenging to tell the difference between your God-given and restoration dentist-given teeth with both options.

Function, Performance, and Feel

Both types of restorations perform similarly to natural teeth. However, dentures have a notorious reputation for slipping or affecting speech at the worst moments, which can be unpleasant and humiliating. Eventually, this may lead to mouth sores (ulcers).

When applied correctly, dental implants are associated with stability and comfort. Dental implants are fused to the jaw, so they can help you chew and speak (without slipping). Furthermore, researchers discovered that people who had implant-supported overdentures recounted more satisfaction with comfort and chewing efficiency than rivaled conventional dentures.

Bone Health

Since dentures rest on top of the gums, your jawbone begins to erode in the spots where the teeth are missing. In contrast, dental implants imitate the tooth root, which helps maintain jawbone mass. Thus, the jawbone can be stimulated, maintaining your natural face shape.

Maintenance

Generally, dentures require more maintenance than dental implants. If you choose dentures, you must remove them daily for special cleaning and before bed, which may inconvenience some. Also, dentures must be refit, relined, or replaced as your mouth changes over time.

Alternatively, implant-supported denture wearers brush and floss their teeth as they would with natural teeth. Although the implant itself is designed to be permanent, it’s highly probable that the tooth on top might need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.

Our Atlanta Restoration Dentist is Ready to Answer All Your Questions

In conclusion, dentures and dental implants are great options for people who are missing some or all of their teeth. Still, dental implants are championed as the gold standard in tooth replacement methods.

For more information on dentures and dental implant-supported restorations, call 404-328-7177 or message us online to schedule your appointment with our Grant Park restoration dentist, Dr. Lee. We are always happy to hear from you.