Until the last few decades and the implementation of widespread fluoridation, it was fairly common for older adults to lose their teeth. As a result, they often had to be fitted for partial or complete dentures, but old-fashioned dentures were always an imperfect solution, often limiting what the user could eat and leaving wearers self-conscious about their fit. They filled a need, but today, those with missing or damaged teeth have better options: dental implants.

Dental implants come in many varieties, including crowns, which are meant to repair a damaged tooth, implant supported bridges, and even complete sets of teeth. And although they can take a significant amount of time to create and properly place, implants are widely preferred for several reasons.

Confidence Boosters

One of the most common complaints about older denture styles is that, even when fit to the individual, they often didn’t fit well and appeared fake. They could even slip out, creating awkward situations, and if they were damaged at all, the individual had to go without half or all of their teeth while their dentures are repaired. By opting for implants instead, patients can be sure they always have a complete, natural smile, which both improves their appearance and makes them feel more confident.

Ensure Face Shape

Another major benefit to choosing dental implants is that, when an individual loses their teeth, it can cause the jaw bone to lose density and, over time, that can cause the face to lose its shape. Sometimes referred to as bite collapse, most people have seen this in seniors with missing teeth and traditional dentures don’t do a good job at preventing this. Dental implants, on the other hand, are set into the jaw and this manner of placement actually stimulates the jaw and supports blood flow, keeping the jaw bone healthy.

Nutritional Support

As noted above, one common complaint users have about wearing dentures is that, because dentures aren’t firmly affixed, they often limit what the wearer can eat. This isn’t always a serious problem, especially if the wearer doesn’t have any other health problems that limit their ability to eat, and it’s certainly better than not having any teeth, but some people do find that typical dentures still lead to nutritional deficiencies. Dental implants, on the other hand, are so securely placed that wearers can eat whatever they want.

Ease Of Use

Ultimately, especially for younger wearers who will need a long-term solution for their tooth loss or damage, implants – though more expensive – are often the preferred option because they are more convenient and easier to care for. Unlike dentures, which need to be removed, brushed, and soaked in special solutions each day, implants can be cared for like normal teeth and last a long time with limited added intervention. Dentures, on the other hand, often need to be re-fitted or they can cause sores on the gums, difficulty eating, and other complaints.

Some people are comfortable with the more temporary placement of dentures and other oral health supports, but for long-term use and function, implants are generally a better option. Though your dentist can help you understand the choices available to you, if you’re concerned about your oral health, it’s worth exploring how implants could fit into your treatment plan.