Are Your Dentures Stopping You from Getting the Most Out of Life?

A missing arch of teeth can be devastating; all of a sudden, simple tasks such as eating and talking become much more difficult. Getting dentures can help you enjoy a certain quality of life again, but they still come with plenty of limitations, like not getting to enjoy all of your favorite meals. If you’re looking for a tooth-replacement option that’s as close to your natural teeth as possible, dental implants are the restoration of choice.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that’s surgically anchored to the jaw. It essentially replaces the roots of your teeth, holding your new restoration securely in place. One implant can support one or two crowns, but if all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw are missing, it’ll just take four to six implant posts to support a full denture and replace them completely.

How are Implant Dentures Different?

One of the biggest differences between traditional dentures and implant dentures is the chewing power they provide. Because traditional dentures rest on top of the gums and rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place, certain foods become a lot more difficult to eat. For example, tough foods such as steak, sticky foods such as caramel, and hard fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots can all cause your false teeth to slip or become destabilized.

Implant dentures, by contrast, are held firmly in place in the mouth and can provide chewing power that’s almost equal to that of your natural teeth. You’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods and drinks without restriction. As such, implant dentures usually make it easier to maintain a varied, healthy diet than traditional dentures.

What are Other Benefits of Implant Dentures?

There are plenty of other reasons why patients and dentists alike consider implant dentures to be an upgrade:

• Natural Feel and Look: Many patients report that their new teeth are as comfortable as their natural teeth, and the ceramic restorations help create a beautiful smile. Most people won’t even realize that you’ve had dental work done!
• Long Lifespan: Traditional dentures usually last up to 10 years (assuming you take care of them) before needing to be replaced altogether, but dental implants can last 30 years or even longer!
• Prevent Bone Loss: Over time, the lack of teeth in your jaw will cause the bone to break down. Traditional dentures won’t do anything to stop this problem, but dental implants can prevent the deterioration altogether by providing the stimulation that the jawbone needs to stay strong.

If you’re tired of the challenges of eating with dentures or feel like they need to be replaced too often, dental implants can be an excellent solution. Call your implant dentist for a consultation to ask about first steps.

About the Practice

At Bethel Dental, we want our patients to feel welcome, relaxed, and well-informed about the care they receive. We offer top-quality implants that can replace any number of missing teeth and can help you through the entire process under one roof. If you or a loved one is facing life with extensive tooth loss, schedule an appointment with us today.