Dr. Balling and his staff are wonderful. I was in an emergent situation with an abscess tooth and not able to get into my own dentist office. He and his staff were able to squeeze me in during their lunch time & able to help save my tooth. He was very patient & caring, took the time to explain everything to me. He took 3D images and x-rays of my tooth and deemed it savable!! (After being told there was no chance to save my took from an emergency dental association in Center City Philadelphia who wanted to extract my tooth) I am eternally grateful to Dr. Balling and his staff for their professional expertise and compassion for my situation. Thank you all at Stratford Dental Center. I found my new Dental practice and I love it! <3
If you want to replace missing teeth, you’re not alone. Many people are in the same situation and want to know the best options for restoring their smiles. You may wonder if dentures or dental implant dentures are best for you.
The good news is, we can help you decide. Call Stratford Dental Center at 856-595-0059 today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your teeth replacement options with you and help you find the one that will work best for you.
When it comes to dentures, you can consider traditional, removable dentures or dental implant dentures (including All-on-4 implants). Both have their benefits, but they also have key differences that can affect your overall experience. Let’s look at six factors you should consider when choosing between these two options.
Your Dental Condition
Your current dental health plays a big role in determining which option might be best for you. Traditional dentures are often recommended for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth and have a healthy gum structure but may not have sufficient bone density for implants.
Dental implant dentures, including All-on-4, are ideal if you have a strong jaw or are open to the possibility of bone grafts. All-on-4 implants require fewer implants (usually four) to support a full set of teeth, and the implants are placed directly into the jawbone, stimulating bone growth over time. This helps prevent the bone loss that occurs over time with traditional dentures.
Cost
Cost is often a top concern when making a decision about dentures. Traditional removable dentures are typically more affordable upfront than implant-supported dentures. They don’t require surgery, which makes your initial investment lower.
Dental implant dentures come with a higher price tag. However, many patients find that the long-term benefits – like improved comfort and durability – make the investment worthwhile. It’s important to think of the long-term costs as well. Implants are designed to last decades, while traditional dentures may need to be replaced or relined more frequently.
One of the most affordable ways to replace a full arch of teeth with implants is with a procedure called an All-on-4. Your dentist will use as few as four implants to support your new teeth, instead of the eight or more implants used for other kinds of implant dentures.
Chewing Strength
If you’ve had traditional dentures before, you may have noticed that chewing can feel less secure, especially when eating tough or sticky foods. Standard dentures rest on your gums and can sometimes shift or move out of place. This affects your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods.
Dental implant dentures, on the other hand, are anchored directly to the jawbone, providing superior stability and strength. With implants, you’ll have more confidence when foods, from steak to crunchy vegetables. This added strength makes implant dentures a popular choice for restoring more natural oral function.
Confidence
There’s no doubt that the way you look and feel about your smile affects your confidence. Traditional dentures, while functional, can sometimes look bulky or feel insecure, especially if they shift during speech or eating. This can leave you feeling self-conscious.
Implant dentures, including All-on-4, are more natural-looking because they are securely anchored to the jaw, much like your natural teeth. They won’t slip and, because they’re custom-designed to fit perfectly, they provide a more comfortable, natural-looking result. You’ll be able to smile, laugh, and talk with greater confidence.
Maintenance
Traditional dentures require consistent care and maintenance. You’ll need to remove them for cleaning every day. Occasionally, they may need relining or adjustments to keep them fitting comfortably.
Dental implant dentures, however, are easier to care for in the long run. If you choose teeth that stay fixed in place, there’s no need to remove them for cleaning. You can care for them just like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. While the initial process of getting implants is more involved, the long-term maintenance is simpler and more convenient.
Long-Term Oral Health
Finally, it’s important to consider the impact on your overall oral health. Traditional dentures, while effective, don’t address the issue of bone loss. When teeth are missing, your jawbone can begin to shrink, leading to further bone loss and changes in facial structure over time. This can result in a sunken appearance and the need for more dental work down the line.
Dental implant dentures, including All-on-4, not only replace missing teeth but also help preserve bone health. Because implants stimulate the jawbone, they prevent the bone loss that occurs with traditional dentures. This helps maintain your facial structure and ensures better long-term oral health.
Making the Right Choice for You
Ultimately, the choice between traditional dentures or dental implant dentures comes down to your unique needs and preferences. We know this decision isn’t easy, and we’re here to help guide you through it. Call Stratford Dental Center at 856-595-0059 to schedule a consultation in Stratford, NJ. You can also schedule online.