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Dentures vs Implants

Dentures are removeable false teeth with both advantages and disadvantages. Implants are permanent artificial teeth that can replace one tooth or an entire arc of teeth. If you’re trying to decide between implants vs. dentures, get a professional opinion. Talk to Dr. Alex Shalman in Lower Manhattan in his boutique dentistry practice. Not only is he an accomplished family dentist, but he’s also a trained cosmetic dentist. No matter what choice you make, he makes sure you have functional teeth that look great. Call today for an appointment.

Dentures most often replace all of your upper teeth, all of your lower teeth or both. If you need to replace one tooth or several teeth, especially if they’re all in a row, your NYC dentist may recommend a dental bridge. Dental bridges are anchored to the adjacent teeth. Like dentures, bridges aren’t connected to your gums.

For all your dental needs, refer to an expert like Dr. Alex Shalman. At his boutique dentistry practice in Downtown Manhattan, Dr. Shalman offers general or family dentistry procedures as well as cosmetic dentistry procedures. Additionally, he has vast experience in implant technology and orthodontics.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dentures?

Your Downtown NYC dentist may recommend dentures to replace multiple teeth or even all your teeth — never for just a single missing tooth. While dentures have been in use for many years, there are actually a slew of drawbacks to traditional dentures, including:

• They can be physically uncomfortable to have in your mouth.
• Your gums become sore after prolonged use.
• They can interfere with your ability to eat certain foods.
• Dentures sometimes get in the way when you try to speak clearly.
• When you open your mouth for any reason — such as eating, yawning or coughing — they may slide around or make a clicking sound.
• Denture replacements are progressively more expensive than the initial set you purchased.
• Dentures need to be removed daily for thorough cleaning.
• Dentures do not prevent bone deterioration over time, which impacts your smile and the structure of your face.
• Dentures require your dentist to take a mold of your mouth and send it off for fabrication. You have to wait to get them.

While the denture device is capable of lasting 10 years or more with proper care, you need to have them evaluated every three to five years. Your Downtown Manhattan dentist, Dr. Shalman, can do that for you. If the fit has changed enough, you need to get a new mold for a new set of dentures.

What Are My Alternatives to Dentures?

In place of traditional dentures, you can now get denture implants or implant overdentures. These dental devices can be permanent or removeable, although they’re usually permanent. Implants are now used as an alternative for multi-tooth and single tooth replacements. Some advantages of using implants vs. dentures include:

• Implants can replace just a single tooth or every tooth in your mouth.
• Dental implants are drilled directly into your jawbone, so stability is assured.
• Your jaw bone grows around the implant, which stimulates bone growth.
• Neighboring teeth aren’t damaged.
• Implants act the same as your natural teeth.
• You don’t experience the disadvantages of dentures.
• Implants are virtually indistinguishable when placed properly in your mouth.

Your dentist may need to perform other dental work before he can put in your implants. In particular, you may need bone grafts if you don’t have sufficient bone mass in your jaw to hold the implants. Implants have a high rate of success, and Dr. Shalman is an expert in single tooth implants and implant dentures.

Do Dentures and Implants Work Together?

The choice between dentures vs. implants doesn’t have to be absolute. Dentures and implants often work well together. Implants make excellent anchors for partial or full overdentures. Dentures that are affixed with implanted posts:

• Are the most natural-looking artificial teeth
• Can be permanent or removeable
• Don’t need adhesives
• Feel secure on the implants, so you have no problems speaking or eating
• Come in full or partial dentures

You have to take good care of your denture implants, but the good news is that they’re easy to maintain. Dr. Shalman recommends that you treat your new dentures like your natural teeth. Follow simple guidelines, including:

• Keep your teeth clean by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and using dentist-approved mouthwash.
• Visit your Downtown NYC boutique dentist on a regular schedule to have your teeth cleaned.
• Do not chew on ice cubes, hard candy or writing implements.
• Get treatment if you grind your teeth to avoid damaging your dentures.
• Report any pain in your gums, jaw or remaining teeth to Dr. Shalman as soon as possible.
• Avoid consuming anything that can stain your dentures, including red wine, coffee, black tea or tobacco products. If you do have these products, clean your teeth immediately afterward.