Tag Archives: dentures

Pros and Cons of Dentures vs Dental Implants

Dentures are More Affordable

There is no real discussion to be had about how expensive dental implants are relative to dentures. Traditional dentures are much more affordable than traditional dental implants. While the price of dentures may vary based on the dentist and the type of denture used, it is generally less than dental implants. For many patients, the performance difference and long lasting quality of implants make it a better choice.

Dental Implants Last Longer

As any good dental implant dentist can tell you, dental implants are considered permanent restorations. Even if the crown on top of the dental implant chips or breaks, the actual implant itself should remain intact. A pair of dentures is expected to last between five and eight years, depending on the patient. For this reason, dental implants could be less expensive as a choice, if you figure in the long-term costs associated with replacing dentures.

Not Everyone’s a Candidate for Dental Implants

Not every patient is a good candidate for dental implants. If there isn’t enough bone material available to place the implant, it’s possible that a bone graft can help to build up the area to prepare it for an implant. However, this doesn’t always work and isn’t an option for many patients. In these cases, dentures might be the better option.

Dentures May Slip

Once placed, a dental implant will look and function like natural teeth. It could even be difficult for the untrained eye to notice that it isn’t a real tooth. Overall, patients describe dental implants as more comfortable than dentures. A pair of dentures must come out of your mouth at night and be cleaned. The dentures may slip around while you’re talking or eating. Going to the dentist regularly to have the dentures properly fitted can reduce some of this slippage. Plus, there are newer types of dentures that don’t need to be removed at night.

Dentures are Less Invasive

The process of placing a dental implant involves oral surgery. Getting dentures is a less invasive process, especially for those patients with significant bone loss or many missing teeth. Dentures can easily replace all of your teeth. If you have lost most of your teeth due to decay, gum disease, or trauma, it might make more sense to opt for dentures over individual dental implants. There are hybrid approaches where posts are placed to secure dentures that might offer a desirable compromise.

Ready to Get Started?

If you have questions about dentures or dental implants, contact Savannah Dental Solutions today at (912) 354-1366 to reach a trustworthy and experienced dental implant dentist in Savannah, GA. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will guide you through the entire process and answer all of your questions about each process.

Traditional vs Implant-Supported Dentures

When you hear the word “dentures,” you automatically think of old people, right? Visions of the horror you felt the first time you saw Grandma’s teeth in a glass run through your brain giving you chills. The truth is that there are many reasons that people of all ages need dentures. Drs. Chad and Alexandra Schnabel at Savannah Dental solutions are proficient in all of the newest dental technology and able to help you if you decide it is time for this process.

Reasons One Might Need Dentures

Although we all associate dentures with the elderly, plenty of other situations may put you in need of the procedure such as:

injury
gum disease
rotting teeth
abrasion of the enamel
and of course, age

Anything that would cause you to lose 4 or more teeth, can be a reason to talk to your dentist about the possibility of dentures.

Types of Dentures

There are two most common types of dentures (also known as “false teeth,) both with their own positive and negative aspects. It is important that you know the differences so that you make the best decision. A brief and informative consultation with your dentist will help you to decide which one is the proper choice for your mouth.

Traditional Dentures
These are the more conventional approach (like the type in the glass next to grandma’s bed.) They are formed to the shape of your mouth and rest on top of the gums and bone relying on them for structure and support. Some of the aspects of traditional dentures include:

Removable

This will allow them to be clean outside of the mouth. They will then be placed back in and held down with denture adhesive.

Affordable

Conventional method dentures are often much less expensive than other denture options.

Uncomfortable

They are known to rub against gums, creating sore spots. They also make it often difficult to chew making eating a lot of food (such as popcorn or apples) is no longer an option.

Jaw can shrink

With no teeth or implants to stimulate the jaw bone, the shape of the mouth tends to adjust. This will affect the shape of your mouth, causing you to have to have the dentures replaced.

Implant-Supported Dentures
This is a dental prosthesis which is supported by four or more
dental implants that are embedded in the bone. Since they do not rest on your gums but are instead adhered to actual bone and/or teeth, there is no need for glue. A few elements to consider include:

Long-lasting

This type of denture draws strength for the bone, which prevents slipping and allows for the preservation of the existing bone.

Less maintenance

Because they are not removable, only the dentist can take them out for occasional cleaning and upkeep. Otherwise, they are there for life.

Long Term Investment

Although implant-supported dentures can be more expensive than the traditional counterpart, they tend to last longer requiring fewer adjustments or replacements.

Dental implants

(or styles of implant-supported dentures) have become commonly used in modern dentistry as a solution to the problems found with a traditional denture. Most can be done in just a few visits, if not a single day.

All on 4

(also known as “Teeth In a Day”) can replace the upper or lower quadrants of your teeth by using 4 specifically placed implants.

Immediate Load Implants

are also popular to replace smaller amounts of teeth than the entire upper or lower half by only needing as little as two teeth for placement.

The benefits over traditional dentures make both options popular due to the fact that these styles of dentures are realistic looking, comfortable and allow you to eat difficult foods such as corn on the cob, apples , and steak.

If you think that dentures may be right for you, contact Savannah Dental Solutions today at 912/354-1366 for a consultation. Or click herehere for more information. Dedicated to helping people in Savannah and the surrounding areas, this team of skilled professionals is ready to get you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Getting Used to Dentures: Tips and Tricks

Ways to Help You Get Used to Your New Dentures

When you first get your new dentures, it can be exciting. Dentures can dramatically improve your smile, giving you straight, white teeth free from decay or missing teeth. However, wearing dentures can take some time to get used to. Here are some tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Cut Food into Small Pieces

When you first start wearing dentures, it will take time to adjust to chewing with dentures instead of your natural teeth. Over time, you’ll adjust. In the beginning, it is best to cut food into small pieces so it is easier to chew. If you need help deciding what size is most appropriate, it’s okay to discuss your concerns with your dentist who can give you additional advice.

Wear Only as Much as Recommended

It can be tempting to wear your dentures all day and night to show off your new smile. However, this isn’t recommended, as it doesn’t give your mouth time to heal and adjust. For most patients, wearing dentures for 8 to 10 hours a day is what your dentist will recommend, especially in the beginning.

Stay Hydrated

You may find that your new dentures cause your mouth to be drier than normal or that the dentures are more uncomfortable if you have dry mouth. To prevent discomfort, make sure to stay well hydrated to improve your comfort level. Drinking a lot of water can also help to keep your dentures free from tiny debris that could also cause discomfort.

Practice Talking and Singing

With your natural teeth, you were an expert in how to maneuver your mouth to talk. You had many years to practice. With your dentures, it’s going to take time to once again learn how to speak with dentures in your mouth. Speed up the process by spending a lot of time talking and singing while wearing your dentures.

Use a Dental Adhesive

A dental adhesive is an over the counter product that’s readily available to help keep dentures in their place. You can ask your dentist how to use a dental adhesive, which brand they’d recommend, and whether it’s a good idea for you to use in your particular case. When you first get your dentures, it’s possible that your dentist will go over this information with you anyway. If you have a lot of trouble with keeping your dentures in place after a period of time and your dentist doesn’t recommend dental adhesive, it’s worth checking in with them to ask about it.

Over the years, dentures have come a long way to be more comfortable and to have a better fit. If your dentist recommends dentures to you as a way to improve your oral health, it’s normal to have some questions and concerns. Many patients find that, after a period of adjustment, they actually like their dentures.

Want to Learn More?

If you have questions about dentures or other dental procedures, contact us today at (912) 354-1366 to learn how we can help.

I Have Really Bad Teeth – What Are My Options?

Dentures vs. Repairing Bad Teeth

If your teeth are failing, it is only natural to start to wonder whether they are worth saving. After all, root canals, crowns, fillings, and other procedures are time-consuming, pricey, and often frustrating. The idea of having them all pulled and paying once for a set of dentures can start to sound pretty attractive. Unfortunately, as is often true in life, this is truly a case of wishful thinking.

The difficult truth about dentures is that they are not a one-time investment of time and money. They represent a lifelong commitment to coping with other issues instead. Trading in your teeth for dentures means trading one set of problems for another. Here is the harsh reality.

Dentures vs. Real Teeth

Although they were the gold standard for replacing missing teeth until recently, dentures have never been remotely the same thing as actual teeth. Resting on your gums, even the best-fitted dentures tend to slip, pinch, and irritate the mouth. They restore only a fraction of your bite strength, making it nearly impossible to eat tough meat, sticky candy, and many other foods. Their tendency to slip can cause embarrassment when talking or laughing, and can make it tough to eat foods like corn on the cob and ribs.

Bone Loss Is Inevitable

Your teeth have roots that extend into your jawbone. When they are pulled, your body thinks that some of that bone is no longer required, and it begins to resorb into the body. Over time, this inevitably leads to premature aging and a sunken, drawn look around the mouth.

Regular Adjustments Are Required

Due to this bone loss, one set of dentures will not continue to fit properly for a lifetime. Instead, you must have your dentures relined, which means adding extra soft material along the inside of the denture plate, on a regular basis. Exactly how often depends on your individual oral anatomy and rate of bone loss. Failure to keep up with relining will cause problems in fit and retention, making it more likely that your dentures will slip or even fall out.

Dental Implants Are a Solution

While they are still not as good as your natural teeth, dental implants have become the new gold standard in tooth replacement. The implant takes the place of the tooth root, osseointegrating with the jawbone. This prevents bone loss and provides a strong, stable anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can replace up to 99% of bite strength, allowing you to eat difficult foods with ease. They will not slip or fall out, allowing your self-confidence to be restored. One dental implant can replace a single tooth, and just a handful of implants can secure even a full arch of replacement teeth.

Should I Save My Teeth or Get Dentures?

Nothing beats your own natural teeth. If they can be saved, they certainly should be. However, if your teeth are truly starting to fail, dental implants may be the best solution. Ask your dentist what is best for you.

Married dentists Chad and Alexandra Schnabel welcome you to Savannah Dental Solutions. From caring children’s dentistry to high-tech cosmetic procedures and even full-mouth reconstruction, we blend the latest technology with traditional customer-oriented values. To start your journey to better oral health, call us today at (912) 354-1366.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to replace missing teeth?

Yes, you should always replace missing teeth. Not only will it impact your ability to gain proper nutrition, but missing teeth can also cause bone loss, as well as leave any remaining teeth vulnerable to shifting. Whether your teeth have fallen out or have been extracted, you should always discuss your options with your dentist.

What is the difference between dentures and a dental bridge?

Dentures and dental bridges are both options for replacing missing teeth – and they can both be secured using dental implants, too. Dentures are used to replace all the teeth in your mouth, either top, bottom, or both. A dental bridge is used to replace a few teeth that are missing consecutively.

How bad are dentures?

Dentures work great for some people. And, while they are not bad, they are certainly not the most effective tooth replacement on the market. Options like dental implants – or dentures that are secure by dental implants – are a much more comfortable and functional solution.

Are dentures better than real teeth?

There is nothing better than real, natural teeth – including dentures. When fitted properly, dentures can be a cost-effective tooth replacement, but they are not a one-time permanent solution. Dentures can shift, lead to bone loss, impact chewing and speech, and be uncomfortable at times.

Do dental implants cost more than dentures?

Yes – initially. A full mouth of dental implants will cost more than dentures. However, dental implants are a more permanent solution for tooth replacement. Over time, dentures require regular adjustments and may even need to be replaced. Depending on a few factors, this could mean that dentures will ultimately cost more in the long run.