Are you tired of hiding your smile and wondering if anyone has noticed your missing teeth? We can help.
Tooth replacement is vital to your long-term oral health, oral function, and emotional well-being. When teeth are missing, it leads to tooth migration and bone loss, which can mean further tooth loss in the future. Additionally, missing teeth can make chewing and speaking a challenge over time. Finally, smile gaps can make you feel unsure or insecure with friends and colleagues.
In this blog, we explore topics:
- Replacing Missing Teeth Is Vital
- 3 Benefits of Dental Implants in Cheshire, CT
- 3 Benefits of Dentures in Cheshire, CT
- Comparing Dental Implants to Dentures
- When In Doubt, Combine These Options
- Tooth Replacement Care and Upkeep: Why It Matters
- Restore Your Smile Today! Contact Your Dentist in Cheshire, CT
Replacing Missing Teeth Is Vital
Replacing missing teeth is vital long-term, but how do you choose the best option?
When considering tooth replacement, a consultation with the dentist is the best first step. This visit outlines the options, helping you better understand your suitability for dentures or implants. The dentist will also discuss costs and let you know what to expect. Of course, we always set aside plenty of time to address your questions and concerns.
Below, we explore dentures and dental implants, two standard tooth replacement methods, and their benefits.
3 Benefits of Dental Implants in Cheshire, CT
Dental implants are tooth root replacements that integrate into the bone over time. After integration, your dentist tops your implants with dental crowns or custom prosthetics.
Of course, dental implants offer a whole host of benefits, making it difficult to choose only three!
- Long-Term Tooth Replacement: Dental implants can last for decades and sometimes for life.
- Oral Health Benefits: Dental implants prevent tooth migration and protect the jawbone from loss and deterioration.
- Restored Oral Function: Dental implants mean no eating restrictions.
Other benefits include easy maintenance (brush/floss/visit the dentist) and renewed confidence.
3 Benefits of Dentures in Cheshire, CT
Dentures can be complete or partial, depending on your level of tooth loss. Complete dentures stand in when all teeth are missing. Partials take over only where teeth are lost. Both are removable and customized to look natural.
The benefits of dentures include:
- Budget Friendly: Typically, dentures are less expensive than more robust or long-lasting tooth replacement options.
- Restored Confidence: You may feel more like laughing when your smile is intact.
- Adjustable and Repairable: Dentures lose their fit over time as the jawbone deteriorates, making them feel looser. Your dentist can reline them to help restore fit.
Comparing Dental Implants to Dentures
In some cases, the choice comes down to your preference and what works best for your budget, lifestyle, and goals.
Dental implants may be ideal for patients seeking a long-term solution for tooth loss, easy maintenance, and oral health benefits. Of course, the upfront cost may be higher, but the longevity and simple maintenance may offset the initial costs over time.
Dentures may be ideal for someone looking for an inexpensive tooth replacement option, a patient who doesn’t mind soaking, adhesives, and relines over time.
Implant-Supported Dentures: When in Doubt, Combine These Options
Typically, implant-supported dentures are less expensive than full mouth implants (or an implant for every lost tooth), especially if you have total or substantial tooth loss. Your dentist often uses six or fewer implants to secure a custom arch of replacement teeth to the jaw. You can also talk to our dental implant dentist in Cheshire, CT, about an implant-retained bridge if you have a few teeth missing in succession.
Implant-supported prosthetics mean none of the tilting, shifting, relines, or adhesives associated with removable dentures and partials.
As with single dental implants and dentures, this method starts with a comprehensive consultation in our dental office.
Tooth Replacement Care and Upkeep: Why It Matters
You may think a full mouth of prosthetics means you no longer have to see the dentist. You should still visit us every six months for checkups.
It’s important to remember that prosthetics and replacement teeth do not protect you from gum disease, a progressive condition that can lead to further tooth loss, implant failure, and the inability to wear your dentures.
Gum disease isn’t limited to the mouth. Studies and strong clinical evidence now link gum disease to several general health conditions, including but not limited to:
- Heart and lung health issues
- Pregnancy complications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
Fortunately, regular dental care and at-home upkeep can help prevent gum disease.
Aside from gum disease, lack of dental care puts you at risk for oral infections, which can lead to the loss of any remaining teeth. This is especially problematic if you wear a partial denture.
Our goal is to ensure you enjoy your new smile for many years to come!
Restore Your Smile Today! Contact Your Dentist in Cheshire, CT
Are you ready to learn which is the better tooth replacement option for you?
To get started or if you have questions for us, contact a dental team member today at (203) 272-2729. You can also request an appointment online.
We accept CareCredit financing, and we encourage you to check out our in-office membership plan.