There are several options available when it comes to replacing missing teeth, but none quite as revolutionary as dental implants. Traditional dentures may have been the go-to solution for many years, but dental implants have increasingly become the preferred choice for those seeking a long-lasting, natural-looking solution. At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, VA, we offer expert dental implant procedures designed to restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Let’s explore the benefits of dental implants over traditional dentures, and why we think implants are often the better choice.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant. This restores both the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth by resting on the gums. They can be full dentures (replacing all teeth) or partial dentures (replacing some teeth). While dentures are a tried-and-true solution for tooth loss, they come with certain drawbacks that dental implants can address. Dentures are generally held in place by natural suction or adhesives, which can be uncomfortable and unreliable.
Key Benefits of Dental Implants Over Traditional Dentures
1. Improved Comfort and Stability
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants over traditional dentures is the improved comfort and stability that they offer. Although dentures can be functional, they have a tendency to slip and shift while you’re talking or eating. This can be uncomfortable and even cause embarrassment. Conversely, dental implants are securely anchored into the jawbone, which means they won’t be moving around. This allows you to eat, speak, and smile without having to worry about your teeth shifting.
- No adhesives needed: Unlike dentures that require adhesives to stay in place, dental implants are self-supporting and fully integrated with your jaw.
- Better fit: Implants mimic the natural tooth root, providing a more secure fit and reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
2. Long-Term Durability
Dental implants are known for lasting decades when cared for properly, and provide a stable and permanent foundation for replacement teeth. Traditional dentures, on the other hand, often need to be replaced or adjusted over time due to wear and tear, changes in your jaw’s structure, or ill-fitting materials.
- Durability: Dental implants are made of titanium, a highly durable material. They offer long-term functionality, often lasting 20 years or more.
- Reduced need for replacement: While dentures may need to be replaced or relined every few years, dental implants are a permanent solution that requires minimal maintenance.
3. Improved Speech
Traditional dentures can sometimes affect how you enunciate, as they may slip or move around in the mouth. This can lead to difficulty pronouncing certain words clearly. Dental implants do not move, which allows for normal speech patterns and eliminates any potential embarrassment related to slipping or clicking.
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Clear, confident speech: Talk naturally and without hesitation, as your new teeth won’t shift or slip.
4. Preservation of Jawbone Health
One of the key differences between dental implants and traditional dentures is the impact on jawbone health. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone can begin to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants are the only solution that stimulates the jawbone like natural tooth roots to promote bone growth and prevent resorption.
- Preventing bone loss: Dental implants integrate with the jawbone, while dentures sit on top of the gums and do not stimulate the bone.
- Maintaining facial structure: By preserving the jawbone, dental implants can maintain the natural structure of your face and smile, reducing the sunken appearance often associated with long-term denture use.
5. Enhanced Aesthetics and a Natural Look
Dental implants provide a more natural look and feel than traditional dentures. The custom-made crowns or bridges placed on the implants are designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, so that you maintain a seamless, beautiful smile. Traditional dentures may look bulky or unnatural and can be prone to slipping or clicking when eating or talking.
- Customized appearance: Implants are tailored to fit your mouth, ensuring that your new teeth blend perfectly.
- No slipping or clicking: Implants avoid the clicking or shifting that you can experience from less-secure dentures.
6. Better Oral Health
Dental implants are a better option for maintaining long-term oral health. Dentures can make it harder to clean your gums and remaining teeth, whereas implants are the opposite — allowing you to brush and floss like normal to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- No special cleaning routines: Dental implants do not require special cleaning routines or adhesives, making daily oral hygiene simpler and more effective.
- Easier to maintain: Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t have to be removed at night, making them more convenient.
7. No Dietary Restrictions
Another common drawback of traditional dentures is that they can limit what you can eat. Dentures may slip or cause discomfort when chewing certain foods, such as hard, sticky, or crunchy items. Dental implants don’t have these limitations because they’re anchored securely in the jawbone, functioning like natural teeth to provide the same strength and durability for biting and chewing.
- Eat confidently: You can bite into an apple, enjoy steak, or chew corn on the cob without any fear of discomfort or slippage.
- No limitations: Implants restore full chewing function, which is a significant advantage over traditional dentures.
Why Choose The Foleck Center in Norfolk for Your Dental Implants?
We specialize in dental implants and offer expert care to patients in Norfolk, VA, and the surrounding Hampton Roads area. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or need full arch replacement, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We use the latest technology and advanced techniques to make sure that your implant procedure is comfortable, efficient, and successful.
If you have questions about the material above, or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or give us a call at 800-800-8000!
