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Should I get dental implants or dentures in Virginia Beach?

If you’re missing teeth, figuring out the best replacement can feel overwhelming. Compare your options to find what’s right for you. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley are here to guide you through this decision. At our Virginia Beach dental office, we offer both dentures and dental implants for patients who need to replace one or more teeth.

For years, dentures have been a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. However, dental implants have become the top solution for many patients, no matter how many teeth are missing.

Our dentists are committed to finding the best fit for each patient. We use the latest technology, including advanced 3D imaging software, to plan and place implants with precision. Read on to learn more about our tooth loss services.

Implant-supported dentures

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth. A technician creates them in a dental lab using impressions of your mouth and teeth. Our dentist offers complete dentures for patients missing all their teeth and partial dentures for those missing some teeth in a row.

Complete dentures have a plastic base that matches your gum color, and the artificial teeth attach to this base. The base creates suction and seals against your gums to stay in place.

Partial dentures can have either a plastic base or a metal framework. They stay in place with clasps that rest around your remaining teeth. However, partial dentures are not a long-term solution for replacing teeth.

Dental implants are metal posts that a dentist or oral surgeon surgically places into the jawbone. Made from titanium, a material well accepted by the body, these implants sit permanently just below your gum line.

The implant posts act as replacement tooth roots, supporting your jawbone structure. They provide a strong foundation for implant-supported dentures, something regular dentures can’t do.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dentures?

Dentures have long been a trusted way to replace missing teeth, and they offer several benefits. One of the biggest advantages is that they help maintain your facial shape, preventing the sunken look that can happen when teeth are lost.

Dentures also make it easier to eat and speak than having no teeth or only a few teeth. Another plus is that dentures are usually more affordable than dental implants, which makes them a good option for many people. Getting dentures is also fairly quick and doesn’t require surgery, which is a big relief for those who want to avoid invasive procedures.

On the other hand, dentures do have some drawbacks. Unlike dental implants, dentures don’t replace teeth at the root, so you might experience bone loss over time. Dentures also need adjustment, rebasing, or replacement as your mouth changes. If they don’t fit well, they can cause infections.

Dentures can also limit your diet, making it harder to eat a balanced diet. Adjusting to dentures can take some time, and they can sometimes slip in your mouth, making it hard to speak clearly or eat comfortably. Some people may even need adhesive to keep their dentures in place.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer numerous advantages that clearly outweigh any drawbacks. Some of the top benefits include:

  • High success rate
  • Prevent bone loss because they replace teeth at the root
  • Will permanently hold the shape of the face, avoiding the sunken-in look
  • Durable and stable
  • Will not slip around in the mouth
  • Only a few food restrictions
  • Allow for better speech
  • Implant restorations look and feel like natural teeth
  • If cared for properly, they can last a lifetime
  • Much more convenient and easier to care for
  • Gives the patient an overall higher self-esteem

Although some potential drawbacks may exist, the benefits make them a worthwhile investment. Dental implants can have a few small risks. Some of the drawbacks are:

  • Involves one or more surgical procedures
  • Implants come with a high price tag
  • Treatment time can take four to nine months, sometimes longer

Dentures are often a cheaper alternative to implant restorations. However, they usually don’t last as long and can be uncomfortable. Dentures can also cause speech impediments, while dental implants do not.

Dental implants cost more than dentures, but they can last a lifetime and improve oral health. They also improve chewing function and can help with speech impediments.

To learn more about our dental implant services, visit: