If you have one or more missing teeth, you have a choice to make. Do you want implants or dentures? While other tooth replacement options like dental bridges exist, these two dental prosthetics are the most versatile and the most used.

There are many similarities between these two types of prosthetics, but most patients will prefer one based on cost, comfort, the health of their jawbone, and other important factors. Our guide will help you decide which of these two options is the best choice to replace your missing tooth.

Purpose of Dentures vs. Implants

It can be hard to choose between dentures and implants because they serve the same purposes. Both work to:

However, there are significant differences between implants and dentures regarding the procedure, maintenance, and how well they perform these functions.

The Procedure

To receive a dental implant, you will need to have a small titanium screw surgically inserted into your jawbone. This screw anchors the implant and allows it to mimic the function of a real tooth exceptionally well. You will need to recover from this surgery before the implant crown can be placed to complete the prosthetic. Depending on the state of your jawbone, you may also need a bone graft before the tooth implant procedure can begin.

After the screw has been implanted in your jaw and your bone has had a few weeks to heal around it, your dentist will place your custom-made crown on top of the screw. This crown is usually made of porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal and will look and function just like a real tooth.

Getting dentures made is a much less invasive process. First, your dentist will study your bite and the alignment of your teeth in the area where you are missing teeth. They may also take impressions of the site to help them make a prosthesis tailored to your unique dental arrangement. They will then create a design for your dentures and send them off to a lab for fabrication.

This first set of dentures is only temporary and will be made with lower-quality materials than your final set. Its purpose is to give your dentist a chance to make adjustments to their design based on real-world feedback. Your dentist will examine your temporary dentures and mark any places where the length or alignment of the teeth must be changed. They will then send the final design out for fabrication. You will usually receive your completed permanent dentures a few weeks later.

Maintenance of Dentures vs. Implants

Caring for dental implants is easy: just follow your usual oral health routine. This will keep the area around the implant clean and prevent the bone beneath it from degrading due to gum disease.

Dentures require more daily care. Ideally, you should rinse your dentures every time you eat. You must also clean your mouth with a soft toothbrush or wet cloth at least once a day and soak your dentures in a cleaning solution overnight.

Dentures also need to be refitted periodically to accommodate changes in your bite and jawbone. On the other hand, implants only need to be replaced if they crack or break, which rarely happens.

Making a Decision

There are four primary factors to consider when deciding between Implants and dentures.

Age

The younger you are, the longer you will be using the dental prosthetic you choose. Therefore, it makes sense to choose dental implants over dentures, even with their associated surgeries and higher cost.

Bone Density

You cannot receive dental implants if you do not have enough healthy jawbone to anchor the implant screws. It is possible to graft some extra bone to the implant site to strengthen it, but dentures might be a better fit for you if you have lost a significant amount of bone due to age, gum disease, tooth loss, or other factors.

Function and Feel

While dentures are a serviceable replacement for lost teeth, there is no question that tooth implants are superior in terms of comfort and function. However, implant-supported dentures can provide a good middle ground between the two. Think about how important it is to you that your replacement tooth looks and feels like a natural tooth. If this matters to you, it is strongly recommended that you choose implants over dentures.

Hygiene

Wearing dentures requires diligent home care and excellent oral hygiene. If you are not prepared to thoroughly clean your mouth and dentures several times a day, implants may be a better option. While you still need to brush and floss around them to keep the area free of gum disease, they typically require much less maintenance than dentures do.

Get Quality Tooth Replacements at Trillium Smile Dentistry

Both implants and dentures are excellent choices for replacing your missing teeth. Ask your dentist which of these two options they would recommend as they have a detailed understanding of your oral health status and may bring up points that you had not considered.

Whichever dental prostheses you choose will be with you for many years. Choose a dental office that can give you confidence in your decision and craft a long-lasting, lifelike tooth replacement that you will love. Our staff at Trillium Smile Dentistry will guide you through this process and ensure that you end up with a prosthetic you are happy with. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or fill out our online appointment request form to inquire about denture or tooth implant costs or seek expert advice to help you make this critical dental decision.

Also Read:

• A Complete Guide to Dental Implants
• Who Should Get a Dental Implant?

Cosmetic dentistry may sound superficial, but it has significant benefits for your oral and general health. These additional incentives are part of the reason cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening and Invisalign treatment have become so popular among people of all ages. A beautiful smile is just one of the many things you will receive when seeking cosmetic dentistry in Mississauga.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry services that you may not have considered and get a whole new perspective on why these treatments are worth inquiring about.

Top 10 Advantages of Cosmetic Dentistry

Getting treatment from your cosmetic dentist:

Enhances Your Smile

If you have always wanted to change something about your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help you do it. This branch of dentistry is a wide-ranging field that encompasses a multitude of different treatments. Your cosmetic dentist can use it to address any concerns you have about your smile and get you looking and feeling your best.

Improves Your Oral Health

Getting cosmetic dentistry treatments can also help improve your oral health. Straight, uniformly-shaped teeth are easier to brush and floss properly and have fewer tight or awkward spaces where plaque can become trapped. This helps to reduce your risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other common oral health problems.

Boosts Your Self-Confidence

It can be hard to feel confident and capable when you are self-conscious about your smile. You may find yourself constantly trying to suppress or hide your smile or even stop yourself from laughing so no one will see your teeth. Correcting the things that you are worried others will see can help you let go of your fears and embrace the moment. You will be able to smile, laugh, and live freely on your own terms.

Offers Long-Lasting Results

Cosmetic dentistry’s results are immediately visible, but they will also stand the test of time. Some treatments will keep your smile looking beautiful for a decade or more without the need for retreatment. If you are looking for results that require little maintenance, ask your dentist for advice. You might be surprised by how hassle-free many cosmetic dentistry treatments can be.

Gives You a Youthful Smile

Cosmetic treatments like whitening and veneers give you a lighter, brighter smile that is commonly associated with youth. You can also lengthen your teeth with bonding, crowns, or veneers to make them look less worn, which can also help you look more youthful. All told, you may come out of your dentist’s office after a cosmetic dental treatment looking several years younger than before you walked in.

Improves Your Bite

Getting Invisalign treatment will straighten your teeth, make your smile more attractive, and correct any problems with your bite. A poor bite can cause serious quality of life issues like recurring headaches, aches and stiffness in your jaw joint, and uneven tooth wear. Treating yours as soon as possible will help you avoid these negative consequences, keeping you comfortable and extending the lifespan of your teeth.

Treats Stained Teeth

Although gleaming white teeth are highly desirable, many people’s teeth have accumulated a layer of surface stains that have left them discoloured. There are many cosmetic dentistry treatments that can be used to restore teeth to their original shade, including professional in-office whitening and veneers. Veneers are especially helpful in this regard because they can disguise intrinsic stains that no cleaning or whitening treatment could remove. If you choose this type of treatment, you could have a full mouth of gleaming white teeth in just one office visit.

Improves the Shape of Your Teeth

If you have found yourself feeling dissatisfied with your smile without knowing exactly why, the shape of your teeth may be to blame. Long, slightly rounded teeth are generally considered more attractive than short, flattened, or pointy ones. Cosmetic dentists can visually lengthen your teeth by surgically paring back some of your gums, shaving away some of your tooth to smooth out pointed segments, restoring flattened teeth with dental crowns or veneers, and much more.

Treats Chipped Teeth

Chipping a tooth alters its shape and may make it more vulnerable to future decay. Cosmetic dentistry services can fill in the parts of your tooth that chipped off and restore it to its natural shape, making it look as if the damage never happened. If the chip is large, they may even recommend covering the entire tooth with a porcelain crown. The vulnerable interior of the tooth will also be protected from the bacteria in your mouth, giving these treatments an additional oral health benefit that makes them even more worthwhile.

Replaces Missing Teeth

A missing tooth is not just a cosmetic concern – it is a serious dental problem that can impact your ability to speak and chew properly or smile with confidence. Your dentist can replace your missing tooth with a prosthetic version that will mimic the appearance of your original tooth almost perfectly. With a premium dental bridge or implant in place, you may forget you were ever missing a tooth in the first place.

Top 5 Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs Answered

1. Is Cosmetic Dentistry Painful?

No. Cosmetic dentistry does not hurt and may even help strengthen treated teeth. Some people experience mild tooth sensitivity after cosmetic dentistry procedures, but this usually goes away in a few days.

2. Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?

Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dentistry. However, some cosmetic dental procedures may be covered when they offer structural and functional benefits, too, such as applying a crown to a broken tooth.

If your insurance does not cover the cosmetic dentistry procedures you want, ask your dentist if they offer any financing options. Many cosmetic dentists will allow you to pay for your procedure in smaller monthly installments instead of all at once.

3. Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It?

Yes. Cosmetic dentistry can significantly improve the esthetics of your teeth, improving your self-esteem and self-confidence. In addition, it can also enhance your oral health and your quality of life.

Choosing a good cosmetic dentist is key to getting your money’s worth. Do not just search for “cosmetic dentistry near me:” look for the best cosmetic dentist in your area to ensure that you get the best possible results.

4. What are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentist Services?

Cosmetic dentist services can give you the confidence you need to smile freely and live your life to the fullest. They can correct any aesthetic problems with your teeth, including their size, shape, and positioning. They can even whiten your teeth and disguise stains from food, drink, and enamel defects. Some procedures may also make it easier for you to eat and speak properly.

5. What are the Risks Involved in Esthetic Dental Procedures?

Cosmetic dental procedures are very safe, but there are some minor risks involved.

Many people experience temporary sensitivity after cosmetic family dentistry procedures, especially teeth whitening treatments. This usually goes away over time.

Some people who undergo these treatments may also develop gum recession or tooth discolouration. These outcomes are rare and can often be fixed with a simple procedure.

Talk to Our Qualified Cosmetic Dentists in Mississauga Today

Getting cosmetic dentistry treatments for your smile could change your life. Trillium Smile Dentistry can help you find the right combination of cosmetic dental treatments to achieve the results you have always dreamed of.

Dr. Tousi is Mississauga’s best dentist for porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental treatments. You can trust her to deliver high-quality, long-lasting results that you will be proud to show off. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or request an appointment using our online contact form. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon!