Tooth loss has an undeniable impact on many aspects of your life. Not only do missing teeth affect the appearance of your smile, but you also have trouble eating and speaking. Tooth loss takes a toll on self-esteem and confidence. If you need to have tooth extractions, then it’s essential to talk to your dentist about restoration options – such as implant-supported dentures.
Types of Dental Restorations
Many years ago, patients had to suffer from gaps in their mouths and shifting teeth after dental extraction. We didn’t have the technology at the time to replace these missing teeth.
Now, dental treatments are available to replace the missing teeth and restore the function of your smile. There’s no reason for you to live your life without a full smile. Instead, talk to our team at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas to learn more about potential treatment options.
The recommended treatment for your dental restoration depends on the number of teeth you are missing, your goals, and your budget. Here is a quick overview of the most common types of tooth replacement treatments:
- Dental Implant: The combination of a titanium post and a dental crown mimics the natural tooth’s structure. Choosing an implant is an excellent option for replacing one missing tooth. Or, it can be part of a larger restoration treatment using bridges or implant-supported dentures.
- Dental Bridge: This treatment is effective for replacing one or multiple missing teeth. Bridges connect to nearby supporting teeth. Or, a dental implant can hold the bridge if there isn’t a solid neighboring tooth available to use.
- Traditional Dentures: When it’s necessary to remove multiple teeth, traditional dentures offer a fast and effective way to quickly restore the smile. Adhesive holds these dentures in place, with a personalized seal that forms to your gums’ shape.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Another option is to use implants as the foundation that holds dentures in place. This treatment eliminates common complaints about traditional dentures.
What Kind of Dentures Do You Need?
Dentures replace your missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. If you need dentures, then our team will provide information on your options. The recommended treatment always varies depending on the number of teeth you are missing and your overall goals.
If you are only missing one or two teeth, then dentures aren’t necessary. Instead, we will talk about other treatments listed above, such as dental implants or bridges. When many teeth are missing, we need to look at more extensive treatment solutions, such as dentures.
- Partial Dentures: When you are missing multiple teeth in the same area of the mouth, then partial dentures can help fill in that space. This treatment leaves healthy teeth in place, with custom-designed clasps that fit around the natural teeth. A metal framework provides the foundation with natural-looking materials (such as porcelain and plastic) to create the teeth and gum replacements.
- Complete Dentures: Do you need a full set of teeth? Then it’s necessary to remove all teeth on the jaw and create a full denture. This treatment is available for one or both jaws, depending on your level of tooth loss.
Both complete and partial dentures are available using the traditional style that forms to your gums. Or, you can choose implant-supported dentures if you prefer.
Differences Between Traditional and Implant-Supported Dentures
Both traditional and implant-supported dentures are removable appliances to replace your missing teeth. The design includes a pink or reddish base with natural-looking teeth to recreate the smile.
The main difference between the traditional design and implants is the way you secure the dentures in your mouth. With a traditional design, the denture base uses adhesive and suction to hold the dentures in place.
On the other hand, implant-supported dentures have posts that anchor into the jawbone directly. Then, the denture connects to the top of these implants to hold the prosthetic in place.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Look at the price tag for implant-supported dentures and traditional dentures, and you’ll see that the traditional design is cheaper. But there are undeniable benefits to choosing implant-supported dentures instead of the conventional style.
Here are a few benefits you can expect if you choose implants to support your dentures:
- Stability: The implant posts are secured into the jaw to create a strong foundation. One of the most common problems with traditional dentures is that they move around in the mouth. When you are talking and eating, it can be difficult if your teeth aren’t staying in place. On the other hand, implants are available to hold the dentures in place, allowing you to live normally without worrying about your teeth shifting.
- Bone Strength: The placement of a post in the jawbone helps to create stimulation that maintains a strong bone. When a tooth extraction happens, the gap in the area often leads to a disintegration of the bone. This atrophy can lead to more significant problems in the future. For example, traditional dentures require ongoing adjustments to accommodate changes in the jaw. On the other hand, implant-supported dentures prevent bone atrophy by preventing bone loss.
- Speaking: When your dentures are held in place securely, then you can talk confidently without concern about your teeth moving around. The tongue and lips can move as needed, allowing natural conversation.
- Eating: Implant-supported dentures make it possible for you to enjoy your favorite food. You can bite into an apple or eat a sticky treat without worrying about the function of the dentures. The implant posts hold the teeth securely, so you have a natural experience when eating.
Are implant-supported dentures right for you? If you need dental restorations, then schedule a consultation with our experienced team for information. We offer a variety of cosmetic dental treatments, helping you create a beautiful, functional smile. Contact us at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas to talk to a dentist about dentures or other dental restorations.
