When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their own set of advantages, but for many, dental implants offer significant benefits over traditional dentures. Southern Arizona Periodontics has been helping Tucson patients with the advantages of dental implants for decades, and there are some very clear advantages to implants in your quality of life.
Improved Aesthetics and Comfort
One of the most notable benefits of dental implants over dentures is their natural appearance. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, which means they function much like real teeth. This integration with the bone helps preserve facial structure and prevent the “sunken” look often associated with denture wearers.
Dentures, on the other hand, rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place and can sometimes slip or shift, causing discomfort or embarrassment. Dental implants eliminate this problem by providing a secure, permanent fixture in the mouth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, allowing for greater comfort and confidence when eating, speaking, or smiling.
Durability and Longevity
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Made from durable materials like titanium, implants are resistant to decay and damage. In contrast, dentures typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years due to wear, changes in the mouth’s shape, or damage.
Moreover, implants integrate with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. This bond between the bone and implant makes them incredibly strong and stable, which is a significant advantage over removable dentures, which can become loose over time.
Bone Preservation
One of the most important benefits of dental implants is their ability to prevent bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dentures do not address this issue, as they simply sit on top of the gums and do not provide the necessary stimulation to the bone.
In contrast, dental implants act like natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone when chewing and preventing bone resorption. This not only preserves the structure of the jaw but also helps maintain facial integrity, preventing premature aging and the need for additional restorative work in the future.
Better Functionality
While modern dentures can be quite effective, they still come with limitations. Many wearers of dentures report difficulty with eating certain foods, particularly sticky or hard items, and can experience discomfort or irritation from prolonged wear.
Dental implants, on the other hand, provide superior bite force and functionality. Because they are anchored into the jawbone, they allow for a full range of chewing and biting functions, just like natural teeth. This means patients with dental implants can enjoy a wider variety of foods without worry. Additionally, since implants do not shift or move, speech clarity is greatly improved over dentures, which can sometimes cause slurred or muffled speech.
No Special Maintenance Required
Another key advantage of dental implants is the ease of care. Unlike dentures, which require daily removal, cleaning, and special maintenance, implants can be cared for just like natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.
Dentures often require the use of adhesives, soaks, and careful handling to avoid damage, adding time and inconvenience to a daily oral hygiene routine. Implants simplify this process, making them a more user-friendly option for most people.
When you make an appointment with Southern Arizona Periodontics, we’ll go over the entire process with you and show you first-hand how these can affect your life. If you are looking for a second opinion, have been referred by your dentist, or you’re simply doing research on what implant can mean for you, we’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have. Just contact us today to learn more about Tucson’s solution for those seeking long-term, reliable, and natural-feeling tooth replacement.
