If you are missing one or all of your teeth, there are several treatment options that can restore your smile. Here at ProDental Dallas, we specialize in dentures, crowns, implants, and any prosthetics used in the mouth to replace teeth. If you do need a full or partial set of dentures, one of our prosthodontists will work with you to determine if you are a candidate for implants.
What is The Difference Between Dentures and Implants?
Dentures are the prosthetics that are made to look like your teeth and gum line. There are two types of dentures, partial and complete. Partial dentures are used to replace some teeth when you have healthy teeth remaining. Complete dentures replace all of your teeth on the top or bottom.
The biggest distinction between dentures and fixed dentures/hybrids are that dentures are a removable option. This means you will take the teeth out of your mouth to sleep at night and for cleaning. Implants offer a more stable solution. Implants may simply keep the denture from moving around or fix them in your mouth, meaning it stays in your mouth at all times. The only way fixed dentures/hybrids are removed is by your dentist.
Implants are the posts that are surgically placed in the jaw bone under the gums. The posts are used to hold the teeth in place.
Why Do People Get Dentures Instead of Dental Implants?
The top reasons that someone would choose dentures over dental implants include:
- Not enough bone – depending on the bone loss a patient may be experiencing, they may not be a good candidate for implants.
- Unable to have surgery – if a patient is in poor health and not able to withstand surgery, implants are not a good option.
- Cost – implants require additional costs because of the surgery involved. It’s a much longer process than getting dentures alone.
- Time- implants usually take 4-8 months to complete the treatment based on several factors. Not all patients have the time for the additional office visits.
Why Do People Get Hybrids Instead of Dentures?
Dental implants can be a great option for those that are in good health and want a longer-term option. Dentures will have to be realigned over time because the shape of your gums will change due to age. When that happens, dentures have to be re-fitted. Hybrids or fixed dentures, on the other hand, will not have to be re-fitted.
Another reason that people like fixed dentures or hybrids over traditional dentures is that it feels more like their natural teeth. They don’t have to worry about taking them out at night or having them break when eating.
Who is Not Eligible For Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Patients that have poor health and are unable to undergo surgery would not be eligible for implants. Also, if a patient has too much bone loss that can’t be restored, this will disqualify them from the procedure.
Is There a Way to Restore Bone?
Yes, there is a way for our dentist to restore bone loss in the jaw. If we determine that you don’t have enough bone for an implant, we can do a bone graft. This procedure adds on more time to the full implant treatment plan. After the bone graft, a patient will need to wait for three months before the implant surgery. It can be well worth the time and additional procedure to have a bone graft if it means you will become a suitable candidate for implants.
Can You Start With a Denture and Add Dental Implants Later?
Yes, here at ProDental Dallas, we have the ability to convert a denture into an implant-retained denture or fixed denture/hybrid later on. If you have a denture that is in good shape, we can even use your existing prosthetic and convert it. Some patients prefer to go this route so they can save up money for the implant procedure or get to a point in life where they have the time for the additional appointments needed for their body to heal from the implants.
Contact Us Today For an Appointment
Would you like more information about dentures, implant-retained dentures, fixed dentures/hybrids, or dental implants? Contact us today for an appointment and we’ll be happy to have one of our prosthodontists do an examination and provide you with the best treatment options for your health. Schedule through our online booking system here or call us at 972-931-1777. We look forward to hearing from you!
