If you are missing some or all of your teeth, chances are you’re also missing out on some things like enjoying the food you love, or feeling confident about your smile. But did you know that those missing teeth also cause your jawbone to shrink, leading to your face looking prematurely aged? Bone loss can seem frightening, but your dental professional can work with you to develop the best approach for a treatment solution. Let’s look at some options:
1) Traditional dentures: Traditional dentures can be an economical treatment option to restore your smile, allowing you to receive a set of artificial teeth that fit over your jawbone using temporary adhesives. Since dentures are not fixed in place, they may slide around in your mouth, not allowing you to speak confidently or eat the foods you want. Overtime your jawbone will continue to shrink with traditional dentures, making them a short-term solution.
2) Implant-supported denture: A more stable option to replace your missing teeth is a denture that is secured to the jaw with dental implants – sometime referred to as an ‘implant overdenture’. When performed by trained and experienced dental implant dentist, implants are one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry – the strength and stability achieved by securing the denture to your jaw with implants instead of denture adhesive, which prevents slipping from occurring and allows for your new teeth to feel, look and function like your own natural teeth. They even restore proper chewing ability, allowing for a better diet and improved health. Dental implants also prevent bone loss, so you no longer have to worry about your missing teeth causing premature aging, or replacing your dentures continuously over time to put the changing shape of your jaw.
You may be wondering what the process is like. To get an implant overdenture, it’s actually pretty simple. First, your dentist will evaluate your individual case. Together you will come up with a treatment plan to give you the results you want in your smile. Then you will set a date for the procedure. On the day of your procedure anesthetic will be used for placing the implants to prevent you from feeling any discomfort. Ultimately the implant overdenture will be attached to the implants for a secure non-slip fit and a worry-free teeth. Over-the-counter medication is usually all that is needed afterwards. With proper care, implant overdentures are a great value that can last a lifetime!
Talk to your dental professional today to find out which option is best for you . . . to receive the smile that you deserve!
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