Are you missing all of your teeth and tired of the instability of traditional dentures? Implant-retained dentures in Gorham eliminate the issue of slipping and shifting restorations because they’re attached to a firm, strong, and stable foundation. As the closest restorative solution to your natural teeth, you’ll be impressed by how comfortable and easy to care for they are. You can determine which restorative solution is best for you by reading on to learn the difference between the two.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jaw to replace the roots of your missing teeth. They are able to naturally fuse with your bone to provide a stable and sturdy foundation for a custom restoration to be placed on top of. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or many, implants can restore the entire structure of each tooth without altering your existing ones.
The process starts out with an initial consultation with your dentist in Gorham to determine whether you’re a good candidate. They’ll take images of your mouth and let you know if any preparatory procedures like bone grafting, tooth extractions, or gum disease therapy are needed before your implants can be placed.
Implant-Retained Dentures vs. Traditional Ones
Traditional dentures replace only the biting surface of your missing teeth. By relying on natural suction to remain in place, they can often slip and shift in your mouth as your facial structure begins to change over time. This often results in difficulty eating and speaking. While they’re a cost-effective restorative solution for many people, sometimes they’re not the best option, depending on your needs.
Dental implants are bonded with your jaw through a natural process call osseointegration. This allows them to provide an unwavering platform for your dentures to be secured to. Because they replace the missing root of your tooth, unlike dentures, they’re able to continue stimulating your oral tissues, keeping your jawbone from deteriorating and altering your facial structure.
Longevity and Key Benefits of Dental Implants
While dentures need to be replaced every seven to 10 years, implants can last over 35 years when they’re properly cared for. Because they so closely resemble your natural teeth, you can care for them in the same way. By brushing twice each day, flossing daily, and attending routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist, you’ll be able to keep them looking healthy and bright for decades. Some additional benefits you can enjoy include:
- No messy denture adhesive necessary.
- You can confidently speak and eat without worrying about them moving.
- More bite force restored.
- No need for frequent adjustments or re-lining.
You can learn whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants by scheduling a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, they can answer any questions you may have so you feel confident that you’re making the best decision for your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Kelsey Hill became a dentist because she has a strong desire to help improve her patients’ quality of life by easing their suffering from oral health problems like tooth loss. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her dental school class at Boston University. She also completed advanced training in specialties such as Invisalign, Botox and dermal fillers, CEREC, and Osteoready dental implants. She also keeps up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry by being an active member of several professional organizations. For questions or to schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit Morgan-Hill Dental Care’s website or call 207-839-2655.