According to the American College of Prosthodontics, more than 178 million people living in the United States are missing at least one tooth. However, an estimated 40 million Americans are missing not just one but all of their teeth.

Yet, whether tooth loss is due to tooth decay, gum disease, an accident, etc., it doesn’t mean you should have to live without your smile. Our team at Shelby Dental Center is here to help you get your smile back, which might mean deciding between dental implants and dentures.

Why Choose Between Dental Implants and Dentures?

We only have one life. Why would you want to spend it without your smile? When you suffer from tooth loss, you have the risk of also experiencing anxiety and depression. In addition to mental health effects, tooth loss can also cause physical issues, including:

● A change in facial structure

● Jaw deterioration

● Shifting of teeth

As a result, deciding between dental implants and dentures won’t only help to improve your mental health, but your physical health will be benefited, as well.

How Do You Decide the Right Option for You?

The main thing to know before deciding on dental implants or dentures is that both options can create a fantastic smile and a new zest on life! But, you do want to learn all you can about both options so that you can feel the most comfortable with your choice.

Should I Go With Dentures…

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry states there will be more than 37 million Americans wearing dentures by 2020. Therefore, if you do choose dentures, you will definitely not be alone.

When some people think about dentures, they instantly picture growing up and seeing their elderly loved one’s teeth in a glass by their bed, sitting in cleaning solution. This image can make anyone uncomfortable with dentures.

However, dentures are not what they were 20 years ago. In fact, nowadays, dentures are hand-crafted and designed using your own measurements. Therefore, you can feel as though your teeth are your own, not someone else’s.

In addition, before a patient leaves, we always ensure the fit is perfect. This way you can be yourself and not have to worry about your dentures slipping or causing you not to be able to speak clearly.

There are so many in things in life you need to stress about. Your dentures should not be one of them!

Or Dental Implants?

While dentures are a wonderful option, some people do not like the idea of being able to take their teeth in and out of their mouth. If this sounds like you, then dental implants might be a better choice.

However, the process of getting dental implants is more invasive than dentures. So, it is best to be as prepared as possible if you do consider to go this route.

For starters, since dental implants use titanium screws to secure a good fit in your jaw, you need to undergo a medical evaluation to ensure you have enough bone to support the implant. If you don’t, you might need to have a bone graft first.

Also, the recovery period to let the bone and screw fuse together is usually around three to six months. During this time, you will be wearing a denture until you are able to come back and have a crown or bridge placed above the implant. However, after that time, you will have your permanent smile!

So, when it comes to dentures versus dental implants, which one are you leaning towards? To schedule an appointment at Shelby Dental Center to discuss whether dentures or implants would be best for you, call (205) 664-1190. Our office is open Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.