Dentures and dental implants are both popular ways to replace missing teeth. But what are the differences between the two? Which option is the best option for your needs? As a Baltimore dentist, we provide both of these options in our office. Our experienced staff will make sure you get the restoration that’s right for you.

All About Dentures

Dentures typically replace a full arch of missing teeth. Traditionally, they’re a metal and resin base that supports plastic or ceramic false teeth. They use suction to stay in your mouth. An adhesive is sometimes necessary to ensure that the dentures stay in your mouth properly.

Today’s dentures are a lot less bulky and more comfortable than they were in the past. But even so, they feel more awkward in your mouth. Dentures take more time to get used to. You have to learn how to eat and speak with them. They need to be relined or replaced in the future. Your jawbone will continue to deteriorate and change, and your dentures will need to change as well.

Dentures only give you back around 30% of your bite function. Certain foods will have to be eliminated from your diet. Biting into certain things can make your dentures slip or even fall out. In public, you don’t want to have to go to the bathroom and get more adhesive to make sure your dentures stay in your mouth.

Dentures have an edge over implants in that they’re more affordable and more people are eligible to get them. Implants require a certain amount of healthy bone structure to be successful. Patients also have to be in decent oral and overall health to get through the surgical placement process.

All About Dental Implants

A dental implant is comprised of a titanium implant post, abutment, and final restoration. The final restoration is most commonly a dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture. At our office, we also offer an option called All-On-Four. We can place a minimum number of implants to support a full fixed denture.

We recommend implants whenever possible. They’re the only restoration that completely replaces the tooth root as well as the crown. This stops the jawbone deterioration that occurs when you’re missing teeth. You never have to get your implants adjusted or replaced because they’re actually in your jawbone.

Implants give you back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to eliminate anything from your diet when you have implants. You can be comfortable in public and don’t have to worry about your restoration slipping or falling out.

Lastly, implants don’t require as much maintenance. Not only don’t they have to be readjusted, but you also don’t have to take any extra steps to clean them. You just have to brush and floss them like you would your normal teeth. Dentures require special cleansing brushes to get the adhesive off. They require soaking to keep them fresh.

Schedule a Consultation

Are you missing teeth? Do you think dentures or implants are the right choices for you? Call our Baltimore, MD dentist office or schedule an appointment online. Horizon Family Dental Care can help you determine the best restoration for your unique case.