If you’re missing one or more teeth in Bluffton, you may be wondering if dental implants or dentures from Buckwalter Dental Care are right for you. What’s the difference between these treatments, anyway? Find out now as we explain the pros and cons of each treatment, and discuss who may be a good candidate for dentures or dental implants.
The Pros & Cons Of Dental Implants
Dental implants use surgically implanted metal posts to support a dental crown, a dental bridge, or even a full mouth of teeth with implant-supported dentures. Here's a quick look at the pros and cons of dental implants.
Pro
- Long lifespan – Dental implants have a lifespan of more than 30 years with proper care, making them the best option for long-term tooth replacement.
- Stable – Your dental implants will never shift or move while chewing, biting, eating, and speaking, since they are anchored to your jaw bone.
- Protects your mouth – Dental implants help protect your oral health by preventing bone resorption (loss) after you lose a tooth.
Con
- High cost – Dental implants are the most expensive way to replace your teeth, and usually are not covered by insurance.
- Long treatment time – It takes up to 6-7 months to get an implant, and that doesn’t include any necessary pre-surgery treatments like tooth extraction or bone grafting.
- You may not qualify – Not everyone is a good candidate, since you must have a strong jaw and good oral health to get dental implants.
The Pros & Cons Of Dentures
Dentures use a series of false teeth that either snap onto your remaining healthy teeth (partial dentures) or fit over your gums and replace all of your teeth (full dentures). Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of choosing dentures now.
Pro
- Inexpensive – Dentures are affordable and are usually covered at least partially by insurance, making them a solid option if you’re on a budget.
- Fast treatment – It only takes a few weeks to be fitted for dentures, so you can restore your smile and your self-confidence quickly.
- Great results – Modern dentures are more realistic and feel more natural than ever, so they will restore your bite, your smile, and your appearance.
Con
- Not as stable – Dentures can sometimes move when chewing and eating, especially if they do not fit perfectly.
- Shorter lifespan – Full dentures have a lifespan of about 5-10 years, with partial dentures having a lifespan of about 10-15 years. This is much less than dental implants.
- Needs more care – Dentures require a lot more specialized care and maintenance than dental implants, such as nightly denture removal and soaking.
Contact Us To Schedule A Consultation – See What’s Right For You In Bluffton!
Still not sure which restorative treatment is right for you? Dr. Darrah is here to help. Contact Buckwalter Dental Care online or give us a call at (843) 815-3232 to schedule an appointment now, and see whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants or dentures in Bluffton.
