Today we take a look at dental implants and dentures, what they are, and the differences between the two. While both are designed to do the same thing- replace missing teeth- one option may be more suited to your situation.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are basically replacements for real teeth, designed to look natural. A natural tooth has two parts; the crown, which is the visible part we all know as teeth, and the root, which is hidden underneath the gum.
When a dental implant is constructed, the crown part is made to look like a natural tooth so that it will fit in seamlessly alongside your other teeth. Apart from aesthetics, it’s also made to feel like a real tooth, so that it will also function naturally.
An implant replaces the root of a tooth with a titanium thread (or more recent advances with ceramic), which is then placed into the jaw. This stimulates the bone to attach to the titanium/ceramic, in a process known as osseointegration. It’s this process which gives dental implants the longevity that they’re famous for, and if taken care of, dental implants can last a lifetime.
What are dentures?
Dentures, also known as false teeth, are slightly different. While both dentures and dental implants are replacements for teeth, dentures can be removed if necessary. Made of acrylic plastic, or sometimes plastic and metal, dentures are a prosthetic that fit over your gums and are usually held in place with dental adhesive to prevent slippage and movement.
What’s the difference?
While it may not seem like there is much of a difference between the two, dental implants do offer significant advantages over dentures in most cases.
Implants tend to last much longer than dentures, and once the procedure is over, that’s usually it. Implants are a life-long solution, whereas over a period of time, dentures need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Dentures tend to loosen over time, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums.
When you have missing teeth there is a continual shrinkage that takes place in your jawbone that results in a face that looks much older than it should. With dental implants you preserve facial contours by stimulating and preserving existing bone, helping your face stay more natural looking, as if you had your original teeth.
People fitted with normal dentures will eat at about 20% of their normal efficiency. With properly fitted dental implants you can eat a wider range of food as you normally would. They leave the gums free and don’t cover up your palate, freeing you to taste and eat food as you normally would.
Dental implants won’t slip, move around or fall out like traditional dentures and will eliminate the pain of exposed ulcers, the hassle of food trapping under the denture and the discomfort of wearing removable dentures.
And because they don’t slide around, facial muscles don’t become tired and strained from holding the replacement teeth in. With dental implants, you can speak naturally and free from slurs, mumbling or unwanted clicking.
How we can help
Sydney Dental Aesthetics and Implants can help you move on from the many embarrassing inconveniences dentures add to your life. You can be free from the use of messy dental adhesives and the need for constant maintenance. Dental implants allow you the confidence to laugh or smile free from the fear that teeth will pop out or fall down, and they’ll last a lifetime.
Why choose SDAI
Whilst there are many implant systems available, at Sydney Dental Aesthetics and Implants, we only use Premium European, scientifically approved and rigorously tested implant systems as they prove to be extremely successful, boasting a greater than 98% success rate.
Patients who have excellent oral hygiene and take care of their teeth and gums can enjoy dental implants which last a lifetime. Hundreds of patients have used our highly reputable services to get rid of uncomfortable, unhygienic and unstable dentures forever, allowing them to enjoy the simple pleasures of eating, laughing and living with confidence.
Contact us today if you have any questions about dental implants, or how to make the change over from dentures. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.