Trying to Decide Between Dentures and Dental Implants?

If you are trying to decide between dentures and dental implants, call or click and schedule an appointment with Orange County Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Jack Ringer. Dr. Ringer will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and the overall structure of your mouth to determine what cosmetic dentistry procedures would be best for you.

Dr. Jack Ringer is an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry who can access your dental situation when it comes to deciding between dentures and dental implants.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

• Comfort
• Low maintenance
• Security
• They are permanent
• Look and feel like your natural teeth
• Help preserve the bone
• Dental implants help prevent jawbone recession, facial collapse and gum and bone deterioration

The Disadvantages of Dentures

• Slippage and movement
• Discomfort
• Problems talking and chewing
• Mouth sores
• Facial collapse
• Jawbone recession
• Irritation
• Cost
• Must be replaced from time to time

What are Dentures?

Dentures are false teeth that replace missing teeth. Dentures are made from cast metal, acrylic, or porcelain and are removable. Dr. Ringer will evaluate your needs, and if dentures are the only solution, your teeth will be extracted with your new dentures being fitted on the same day. Dr. Ringer will do his best to preserve and save your teeth.

To make the dentures, impressions of your mouth will be made and sent to a lab for manufacture. Dr. Ringer will decide what color, size and shape fits and suits the best.

When your dentures are ready, you will come back to the dental practice in Anaheim Hills for fitting and possible adjustments, as it is imperative that your dentures are as comfortable as they can possibly be.

Depending on your situation, Dr. Ringer may have you come back in three to four months for realignment.

Denture Pros:

• Initially more cost effective
• Simple and quick if same day dentures are recommended
• Perfect for dental patients who have jawbone recession of a lack of gum tissue
• Provides some support for a natural look

Denture Cons:

• Ongoing maintenance
• Takes some getting used to
• Periodical replacements
• Dentures can last from five to 7 years. Wearing your old dentures can cause TMD, a sunken appearance and cause problems with chewing and talking
• Dentures will not prevent deterioration
• Social problems with dentures

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the alternative to dentures and are perfect for patients who can’t or do not want to wear dentures. Implants are made from titanium with the implant acting as an artificial tooth root.

Before treatment, your medical history will be taken into account to determine if you are a good candidate. Scans and digital photos will be taken to assess the quality and quantity of your bone so that Dr. Ringer can plan for dental implant placement. Computerized-aided surgical guides are now used for accurate dental implant placement.

Before surgery, you will be given an anesthetic. The dental implant post will then be placed in your bone socket and jaw. It will take about three to four months for the post to fuse to the implant. This process is known as osseointegration.

Once your jawbone has healed, a replacement tooth will be crafted that will be attached to your implant to support a fixed denture, bridge or crown. With dental implants, you can chew, talk, and be comfortable knowing that your implants are a permanent fixture in your mouth. With proper oral hygiene, dental implants can last for the rest of your life.

Dental Implant Advantages

• Look and feel like natural teeth
• No risk of dislodging or moving
• Less maintenance
• Oral Hygiene, including regular checkups, is all that is needed with dental implants
• Protects the jawbone from deteriorating any further
• Less chance of cavities

Dental Implant Disadvantages

• More time and consultation with your dentist and implant team
• More money upfront
• Not recommended for unsuitable jaws or gums
• Complications and risk during surgery
• Postoperative pain
• Dental implant rejection
• Not recommended for people who smoke

Cost Factor

Dental implants will cost you more upfront; however, there is additional maintenance with dentures that include cleaning solutions, fixatives, and eventual replacement. You may also need adjustments, which will mean additional dental appointments.

If you would like help deciding between dentures and dental implants, call or click and schedule a consultation with Dr. Jack Ringer. Fixing the problem now is your best defense against missing teeth.

Call or click today.