Whether you are living with one or multiple missing teeth, daily life can be a challenge! Eating and chewing are difficult, which means your nutrition may suffer. Talking and smiling at others feels embarrassing, which takes a toll on your confidence. You may not even realize that your missing teeth are also affecting your oral health. The good news is there are solutions for you, and Dr. Chris Devlin can help! Your State College dentist compares dental implants and dentures and how they can each benefit your health.
Missing Teeth and Oral Health
It’s important to understand what’s happening to your oral health when you’re missing teeth. First, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate without any roots to support it. This eliminates support for your remaining teeth and can lead to more tooth loss. It also changes the appearance of your face, giving you a sunken look.
Next, your remaining teeth will start to move or shift into the open space, which puts those teeth at risk for fractures and other damage. It also causes bite misalignment that can contribute to headaches, clenching, grinding, and other jaw joint issues. When you’re missing a tooth, it’s a good idea to think about replacing it as soon as you can.
What is a Denture?
Dentures are an ideal option for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. It’s a removable appliance that is typically made of acrylic and is designed to restore an entire arch of teeth. Removable dentures rely on a snug fit and suction to stay in place, and there’s often a learning curve when you’re first getting used to eating and talking with them.
Dr. Devlin takes into account your facial shape and structure when creating your denture so that it not only restores your teeth, but also your entire appearance.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants in State College are by far the best option that dentistry has to offer when it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth. This is because they restore both your root and your tooth. A biocompatible titanium post is surgically positioned into your jawbone, and given ample time to heal and integrate with your bone. This creates a firm foundation for your new tooth; while also keeping your jawbone stimulated so it doesn’t deteriorate.
Dr. Devlin will customize your new tooth, which is a high quality porcelain crown, so that it matches your existing teeth and complements your smile. With your dental implant, you’ll enjoy all the function you had with your natural tooth, which means you’ll be eating, talking, and smiling with ease once again.
Dental implants can also be used to support dental prosthetics such as a bridge or denture to restore multiple missing teeth. Implants offer denture wearers a more secure fit that ensures there’s no movement or slippage when you talk or eat.
Dental implants are an excellent option for restoring one or more teeth, while dental implants restore and entire arch of teeth. When deciding the best treatment for your needs it’s also important to consider that dental implants also protect the health of your bone, while dentures often compromise it. Implant supported dentures offer the best of both worlds by keeping your bone healthy.
Want to learn more about your options? Contact Dr. Devlin today to schedule your consultation.