Missing teeth? If you have missing teeth, you’ll know only too well the impact that those gaps in your smile can have on your self-confidence as well as your health. Whether you’re missing teeth due to an oral infection, an accident or a medical diagnosis, there’s no reason why you have to tolerate those gaps, as dental solutions like dentures and dental implants are available at your local dentist in Templestowe.

What’s The Difference Between Dentures And Dental Implants?

Dentures and dental implants both treat the gaps in your smile, but they’re actually very different solutions. Dentures replace missing teeth and can be removed and reinserted, whereas dental implants replace both the roots of your teeth and your teeth and are permanent. Essentially, dentures are temporary substitutions for missing teeth that need to be removed for cleaning and maintenance, while dental implants are permanently fixed in position and are designed to act like natural teeth.

Dentures

Commonly known as ‘false teeth’, dentures are a dental prosthetic that replaces missing teeth, usually a single tooth or several teeth in a row, but in many cases, they replace an entire row or both rows of teeth. As they’re removable, they’re not fixed and are supported and held in place by the gum. A wide range of dentures are available, including partial dentures, overdentures, upper dentures, snap-in dentures and implant-supported dentures.

Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal, which are screw-shaped and implanted into the jawbone, and subperiosteal, which are placed under the gum above the jawbone. Endosteal dental implants are made of titanium to provide long-term strength and stability and are the most common of the two. They’re used for patients with a wide, strong jawbone, whereas subperiosteal dental implants are used for patients with a shallow jawbone that may not support an endosteal dental implant.

Which One Is Right For You?

Your dentist will advise you on whether dentures or dental implants are the best solution for your missing teeth, or in some cases, you may have a choice. You’ll generally find that:

Dentures may be the best choice for:

  • A single missing tooth or a missing tooth on both jaws.
  • Patients with weak or unhealthy jaws that may not support a dental implant.
  • Patients who may struggle to afford (more expensive) dental implants.

Dental implants may be the best choice for:

  • Patients looking for a long-term solution to missing teeth.
  • Those who want a more comfortable and natural looking solution than dentures.
  • Multiple missing teeth (not necessarily in a row) across the upper or lower jaw.

Your local dental specialist will advise on the pros and cons of each, as well as suitability for your situation. It’s important to note that dental implants may not be suitable for all patients and that dentures may be a better solution due to your gums and jawbone structure than a permanent tooth implant.

To learn more about the denture and dental implant solutions we offer at King Street Dental Group in Templestowe, book a checkup online or contact us on (03) 8842 4506 today.