Dentures in Lethbridge have restored tooth function and appearance for many patients, but at the cost of constant concern about those dentures slipping, shifting, or coming loose. To a large extent, though, a lot of those concerns may be outdated. Today’s modern dentures are made of materials and offer performance and comfort that your grandparents could only have dreamt of. Don’t rely on old news; ask a dentist in Lethbridge whether modern dentures might help meet your needs.
Dental bridges in Lethbridge are an effective cosmetic dentistry option that must be connected to healthy teeth in your jaw. For patients who would rather not alter their existing natural teeth, bridges are a less ideal solution than implants.
Implants are permanent, artificial roots made of titanium that are planted into your jaw bone, where they are accepted as new roots and trigger new bone growth. For people looking for the most permanent, natural and effective solution for replacing both teeth and roots, ask a dentist near you if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
Which alternative is best for you?
All of dentures, bridges, and implants have advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at these factors and discuss the ones that relate to your circumstances with a dentist in Lethbridge.
You’ll be able to chew more easily and effectively
Removable dentures improve your ability to chew, but some foods may still be out of reach. Certainly, you’ll be able to eat more of your favourite meals than with dentures of days gone but dentures may still involve some sacrifices. On the other hand, getting dental implants near you can restore 90 percent of your naturally chewing ability.
You’ll be able to speak more clearly and even eat more satisfyingly
Your teeth play an essential role in helping you to pronounce sounds and to speak persuasively. They also contribute to your ability to taste and experience foods fully. Poorly fitting, loose, or badly maintained dentures do not solve the speaking problems related to tooth loss but can make them worse. Paying attention to the fit and performance of dentures is essential to ensuring they perform successfully for as long as possible. Your dentist is committed to ensuring your dentures are comfortable and effective at all times.
Implants are maintenance-free (other than keeping up good daily habits!)
Preserving the lifespan of removable dentures requires daily maintenance. They also need to be re-lined every few years. That’s in addition to your ongoing oral hygiene and dental care. Maintaining implants is simply a matter of good oral hygiene habits (brushing, flossing, and mouthwash) and regular dental visits. They are otherwise maintenance-free.
With implants, you won’t need to have other teeth altered
Creating a bridge to replace one tooth means attaching it to — and removing existing and healthy material — from teeth on either side of that gap. Implants are tooth-specific, meaning your remaining healthy teeth do not need to be altered to accommodate them.
Implants may be the most cost-effective alternative
Even in the best-case scenario, a well-maintained bridge needs to be replaced approximately every 15 years (and perhaps after five years). That involves a recurring cost in terms of time, disruption, and money. Implants are significantly more cost-effective on all those fronts since they are permanent solutions that will never need replacing.
To find out which alternative is right for your needs, circumstances and budget — dentures, bridges, or implants — contact a denture clinic near you to arrange a consultation to get answers to all your questions.