Jake watched impatiently as a pink substance was added to his broken denture. “I need to make a presentation in 30 minutes,” he said, “I can’t afford to stand in front of the boardroom with my two front teeth missing!”
Dr. Ngozi carefully inspected the denture, which had a crack at the edge. She remembered telling her patient about the need to consider a better option to replace his teeth, since maintaining his denture seemed to be a problem.
She had spent most of the last session educating him and listing available replacement options. While she explained, he either complained about the option being “too expensive” or “he didn’t have enough time” for the procedure.
“Please sir, you’ll have to be patient” Dr. Ngozi muttered, as she gently tried to fit his denture in his mouth for the fourth time within the year.
Why should I replace my missing tooth?
Aside from the impact of losing a tooth on your self-esteem, there are health issues that could result from it. These include:
Should you use dentures?
Dentures are teeth replacement options that can be removed and replaced when you want. They can be used to replace some or all missing teeth. Some advantages dentures have over implants are:
-They are generally less expensive than implants.
-They do not require any surgery or invasive treatment to have them placed in your mouth, compared with implants
-It is the preferred option for people who do not have strong bones for implant placement.
-Making a denture for you is faster and easier than an implant and does not require any healing period.
What about Dental Implants?
Dental Implants on the other hand are more natural-looking dental prostheses that are surgically inserted into the gum. Compared to dentures, implants are:
-Longer-lasting and can remain in place for over 20 years if maintained properly.
-Taking care of your implant is just like caring for your teeth.
-They allow the surrounding bone to grow.
-They help to maintain your facial profile and structure.
Choosing between dentures and dental Implants will vary between different people. Some factors which you should consider before deciding are:
Aesthetics
This is particularly important when replacing the front teeth because they are conspicuous when we speak. Dental Implants are identical to your teeth and are a better option for a natural look.
If you are on a budget and cannot afford to spend much, dentures would be preferable. Most dental insurance plans cover dentures but not dental implants, which are considered to be cosmetic procedures.
If taken care of properly, dental implants are more durable than dentures. Their cost is validated by their ability to last for decades compared to dentures which may need to be repaired or replaced periodically.
Dental Implants not only look but act like natural teeth, which improve the integrity of your bone and prevents gum disease. Dentures, however, transfer the stress from chewing directly onto the bone.
Caring for your dentures daily is more time-consuming and stressful than dental implants that are maintained through your usual oral hygiene practices like brushing.
A bright smile radiates confidence and can boost your self-esteem. You should therefore ensure that you choose the option which is best for you and your oral health.
