If you are missing a lot of teeth, you may be considering getting dentures. This will work well but you also have the option of getting dental implants. Below is information on each of these to help you decide.
Choosing Dentures
Dentures are used to replace the upper, lower, or upper and lower teeth. They can be removed and must be removed at night to clean the dentures. If you do not, you can get an infection in your mouth and it can lead to something much worse over time like heart disease. To clean dentures, purchase cleaning solution at a store. This solution is generally a tablet that you drop in water. You then place your dentures in the water for a certain amount of time.
One negative about dentures is that over time, they will not fit well as your mouth and gums change in size as you age. Once this happens, the dentures will slip in your mouth and may even fall out. This will make it very hard to eat your favorite foods. When this does happen, you could get a new set of dentures made if you would like to keep dentures.
Having to purchase new dentures will result in you spending more money over time if you choose dentures.
Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to replace one or several teeth in your mouth. Even if you are losing all your, teeth dental implants can be used. The main benefit of dental implants is that once they are in your gums the implants act like your normal teeth. This is because the implant is fused to the bone. You must have enough bone in order to have implants, however. Your dentist will do an X-ray to determine how much bone you have.
You should use the same dental health care practice for your real teeth and dental implants. You also do not have to worry about ever taking the dental implants out as they will not come out. They also generally last you a lifetime so you will not have to spend money replacing dentures, which can get expensive.
Dental implants are much more expensive than dentures, but all these benefits make this extra cost worth it. Your dental insurance may also cover some or much of the charge of getting these implants.
Your dentist can give you much more information about dentures and dental implants if you need a second opinion.