You may be missing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. Nevertheless, you have options when it comes to restoring your smile in St. Johns, MI. Many adults work with their dental providers to decide whether removable dentures or full arch dental implants make more sense. Below are some questions to ask yourself to help you determine which solution best fits your personal and healthcare goals.
Do I Want the Hassle of Caring for Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures require a lot of upkeep. In addition to removing them every night, you must keep them sanitized. Over time, you can expect to spend money on denture creams. Plus, your dentures will need to be replaced about every 5-10 years as the shape of your jaw changes due to progressive bone loss.
In contrast, full-arch dental implants are permanently secured in your mouth. You will need to brush and, if desired, floss them. However, they do not need any special daily attention. And you get to sleep with a full set of replacement teeth!
Am I Willing to Risk Bone Loss?
When you lose a tooth, your body immediately begins to lose bone density. Eventually, this changes the way your jaw and gum line look. Have you ever noticed that many people without teeth get a “sunken in” appearance around their cheeks and lips? This is due to bone loss.
Traditional dentures cannot stop bone loss but full-mouth dental implants can. The implants are surgically placed in your jaw, allowing them to encourage continued bone health. Being able to keep a fuller, more natural jawline is not just great for your body. It is great for your confidence, too. Plenty of people are amazed at how much younger they look after receiving full-arch dental implants.
Do I Want to Keep Paying for Dentures?
Investing in dental implants costs more upfront than investing in dentures. With that being said, dental implants pay for themselves in the long run. Dentures require constant attention and can be easier to break or lose. And remember that if you experience extensive bone loss, you may require future surgeries to restore the form and function of your jaw.
You may not have to pay for your dental implants all at once, either. Some dental insurance or medical coverage plans will pay for a part of the procedure. Plus, you could work with your provider on a financing arrangement that works with your budget. That way, you can get all the benefits of dental implants without worrying about the immediate cost.
Is It Time to Talk With a Dental Provider About Implants?
Dental implants have arisen as the top choice for tooth replacement. If you want to know how you can get the advantages that come from the latest implant technology, contact our doctor, Dr. Mark Connelly and schedule your consultation in our office by St. Johns, MI today!
