Are you missing teeth and finding that it is impacting your ability to eat and speak normally?
At My Perfect Smile DDS in Farmington Hills, we help patients understand the benefits of dental implants over dentures to help them choose the best tooth replacement option for their needs.
What Are Dental Implants and Traditional Dentures?
When you get dental implants, the surgical process involves placing titanium posts into your jawbone to replace the roots of your teeth. You’ll go through a healing period, where the posts fully assimilate into your jawbone. Then, custom crowns will be attached that look and function like your natural teeth.
Traditional dentures, which sit directly on your gums, require adhesives and regular adjustments and can cause many patients to worry about their dentures slipping during conversations or meals.
Key Benefits of Dental Implants
Natural Look and Feel
We design each implant crown to match your teeth perfectly. Our patients sometimes forget which teeth are implants because their implants feel so natural. Our goal is to help you have the most comfortable smile possible, which is one of the key benefits of tooth implant treatments compared to removable options.
Bone Preservation
The benefits of tooth implant placement extend beyond just replacing missing teeth. Implants act like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure better compared to dentures, which can cause a sunken appearance with long-term use.
Superior Stability
Unlike dentures, which just sit on your gums, dental implants fuse directly with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This creates rock-solid stability that allows you to bite apples, enjoy corn on the cob, and speak clearly without worrying about your implant coming out.
Longevity
If you have good dental hygiene habits, dental implants can last 25 years or even your entire lifetime. Compare that to dentures, which need replacement every 5-8 years. These long-term benefits of dental implants over dentures make them a smart investment in your oral health.
Better Oral Health
Unlike bridges that require grinding your adjacent teeth, implants stand by themselves, which limits any impact they might have on the rest of your teeth. Just brush and floss normally to maintain excellent oral health.
Why Traditional Dentures Fall Short
Dentures come with significant drawbacks. They can slip or click when you talk or eat, which can be embarrassing. They can cause painful sore spots, too, from the friction against your gums as you move your mouth. The daily routine of removing, cleaning, and soaking them can become annoying and interfere with your daily schedule.
Dentures can also accelerate jawbone loss since they don’t stimulate the bone. This can change your facial appearance and cause a poor fit over time, which means you’ll likely need to get refitted for new ones. The most frustrating thing about dentures? They limit your diet! Sticky, hard, or chewy foods become off-limits.
By understanding the benefits of dental implants over dentures, you can make an informed choice based on what you want and need for your lifestyle.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
If you’re a healthy adult with missing teeth, you’ll probably qualify for implants. We evaluate the density of your jawbone, your gum health, and your overall medical condition to determine if you’re a good candidate. Even if you have insufficient bone, grafting often makes implants possible.
Good candidates maintain decent oral hygiene and aren’t heavy smokers. If you have a medical condition (like diabetes), we’ll work with your physician before we place the implants to make sure your healing process goes smoothly. Age isn’t a barrier, either —we’ve placed implants in patients well into their 80s who now enjoy the benefits of tooth implant stability.
The long-term benefits of dental implants outweigh initial costs for most patients who want permanent, natural-feeling teeth. Our patients consistently report that the benefits of dental implants over dentures include better quality of life and increased confidence.
Making Your Decision
Consider how tooth replacement affects daily life. Do you want to eat without restrictions? Speak confidently? Smile freely in photos? These quality-of-life factors often make implants the preferred choice.
Every situation is unique. Some start with dentures and transition to implants later. Others choose implants immediately after tooth loss. We’ll discuss your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle to find the best solution.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Perfect Smile
Choosing between dental implants and dentures impacts your daily life significantly. At My Perfect Smile DDS, we believe everyone deserves to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Our implant solutions offer permanent, natural results that preserve oral health for years.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment with My Perfect Smile DDS today. We offer flexible hours, including select Saturdays, to fit your busy life. Contact us now or call (248) 626-0772.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to eat with implants than dentures?
Yes. Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing normal biting and chewing. Dentures can slip and limit food choices.
Is it better to have dentures or implants?
Implants offer superior stability, comfort, and long-term value. They will preserve your jawbone and last a lifetime with proper care. Dentures require more maintenance and can have an unwanted impact on your lifestyle and food choices.
Can you eat normally with dental implants?
Absolutely. Once healed, enjoy all your favorite foods—from apples to steak. Implants restore full chewing power, and this is one of the most appreciated benefits of dental implants among our patients.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage varies. Many policies provide partial coverage. Our staff can verify your benefits and discuss payment options.
Should I get dentures or implants?
Consider lifestyle, budget, and goals. Implants cost more initially but last longer and feel natural.