Should I Choose Dentures or Dental Implants?

Have you recently lost one or more teeth? If so, it's time to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Michael Nichols offers several tooth replacement options, including dentures and dental implants.

No matter what you choose, it's important that you replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Your teeth are held in place by the gums, the jawbone, and adjacent teeth. Once you lose one tooth, you increase your risk of losing more.

Here's what you need to know.

Dentures

A denture is an oral appliance that sits on top of your gums. It contains prosthetic teeth to replace the ones you've lost. Dentures will also have a metal framework or pink acrylic base to match your gums.

Depending on the extent of tooth loss, Dr. Nichols may recommend either a full or partial denture. A full denture replaces the entire lower and/or upper arch of teeth. A partial denture replaces only a few teeth.

Unlike dental implants, dentures are removable. In fact, you'll need to remove your dentures before going to sleep so your gums have a chance to rest. Always submerge your dentures in a glass of water so they don't dry out, crack, and warp.

Your dentures should fit well, regardless of whether you use denture adhesive. But many patients choose to use denture adhesive for peace of mind and extra stability. That being said, please schedule an appointment with our dentist if you notice your dentures slipping more than usual.

Related: How to Get Used to Wearing New Dentures ?

Dental Implants

You may be a better candidate for a dental implant if you're only missing one tooth. This is because a dental implant is much less invasive than a dental bridge on natural teeth.

To prepare your teeth to support a bridge, we would have to file down and shape your teeth for the crowns. But for dental implants, we don't have to touch the teeth on either side of the empty socket.

Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They also exert pressure on your jawbone, which tricks the body into thinking the tooth root is still there. This helps you avoid bone loss in the jaw caused by tooth loss, as well as facial collapse.

Compared to dentures, dental implants have far better stability because they are fused to the jawbone. This means that you'll be able to eat, talk, laugh, and smile with confidence. While dentures can slip when you make an abrupt movement, dental implants are anchored firmly in place like natural teeth.

Request an Appointment with Us

Dr. Michael Nichols is an experienced family dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He's also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our dental practice. To request an appointment, please call Nichols Family Dentistry at (616) 333-8496. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon. We'd be more than happy to help!