Are Dentures More Affordable than Implants?

Dentures and implants are two ways to replace missing teeth, though the procedures and overall costs can vary considerably. If you’re primarily concerned about your budget, it helps to look at the problem from a few key angles.

Cost of Dentures vs. Implants

At a glance, dentures are the more affordable option, sometimes costing less for a full arch of teeth than to replace a single tooth with an implant. However, implants are also the best way to protect your teeth and jaw, which can lead to fewer long-term health complications. Please note that to be eligible for implants, your bone and gum need to be in relatively strong shape. If you need a bone or gum graft before you’re ready, you can discuss options with your dentist.

Are Implants Better than Dentures?

Dentists in Windermere, FL will typically recommend implants over dentures because implants are similar to your natural teeth. With an implant, the metal post fuses to the jawbone, cementing the artificial tooth to the body. This stimulates and strengthens your gum and bone similar to the original tooth.

Once the permanent tooth is installed, you can treat implants the same way you do your natural teeth. There’s no need to follow a cleaning regimen beyond standard brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. By contrast, dentures sit outside the gum line and they’ll need to be cleaned regularly to avoid bacterial build-up.

Restorative Dentistry in Windermere

If you’re looking for either dentures or implants in Windermere, FL, the team at Inspired Dental can navigate you to the right treatment plan. While dentures are certainly a responsible and effective way to improve your oral health, implants may be the more economical long-term choice.

A Closer Look at Partial Dentures and How They Work

Partial dentures can be used in place of full dentures, so you preserve your natural teeth and avoid any number of unfortunate oral events from occurring, such as your permanent teeth shifting over to fill the gaps. If you’re wondering what they are and how they work, we’ll look at what to know.

Partial Dentures in Windermere

Partial dentures in Windermere, FL refer to a plastic base attached to an artificial tooth or teeth. They’re most often used to replace clusters of missing teeth, with clamps on the side of the artificial tooth to grip onto your remaining permanent teeth. However, it is possible to get a partial denture to replace just one tooth.

Why Get Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures don’t just give you a full smile, they can protect the gum and the jawbone below the artificial tooth. A gap in your teeth is an invitation for plaque and bacteria to gather, and partial dentures can protect your mouth from infection or decay. In addition, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost, partial dentures can also support your facial structure, allowing you to retain your natural appearance.

Find a Dentist in Windermere

The fit of your partial dentures are important, and not just because they’ll be easier to remove and clean. The snugger it is, the less you’ll have to worry about the foods you eat or about losing the rest of your teeth if you fall.

Keep in mind that even the best-fitting partial dentures are not as strong as bridges or implants. If you’re eligible for either of these procedures, they’re worth looking into. If you have questions about partial dentures, contact Inspired Dental to schedule an evaluation with a dentist in Windermere, FL.

What to Do If Your Dentures Break

If your dentures break, you might just think you can run to the drugstore for a repair kit. However, when your dentures are the key to everything from dinner to your standard speech patterns, this may not always be the best solution. Here, we’ll look at a few steps that you can take, and when it’s time to call an emergency dentist in Windermere, FL.

Steps to Take

Here are a few things you can do immediately after breaking your dentures:

  • Collect the parts: Not all dentures can be repaired, but it’s worth collecting all of the broken pieces just in case.
  • Try a denture adhesive: A denture adhesive is specifically formulated for denture material, and can potentially provide a stopgap (in some cases, a lengthy stopgap) for minor breaks.
  • Avoid extended wear: Even small breaks can create rough spots that irritate healthy gum tissues (which are already vulnerable without having the tooth roots to nourish them).

When to Call the Dentist

While it ultimately depends on the severity of the break, you should call your dentist if your dentures in Windermere, FL break. If you have a severe break, adhesive may not work — or may not work for very long. A quality dentist can not only assess whether you need new dentures, they can also assess whether the break was caused by a preventable issue, such as a bad fit.

When your mouth changes over time, it’s important to give your oral health the best chance of success. At Inspired Dental, we can’t prevent all accidents, but we can ensure that you get a quality pair of dentures that are worth the investment. Plus, our staff offers emergency services for you if your dentures unexpectedly break — even if it happens on Sunday morning.