Missing teeth can cause you problems in a variety of ways. They can make it difficult to bite or chew. They can also interfere with your ability to speak normally. Of course, they can cause appearance issues as well and even make some people reluctant to smile. These problems can become even worse if the natural teeth begin to shift because of the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
If you have teeth that are missing, you might want to contact the office of Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS to learn more about the use of implants over dentures. You can discuss the possibility of getting dental implants with our team of professionals. You will likely find that implants provide a more desirable option than dentures.
Dentures can be a bit troublesome to use and maintain. First, you will need to take them out at night. You will then have to take extra steps to clean them, and food particles can get trapped under them, causing discomfort. If you have partial dentures, the clasps that wrap around the natural teeth can, over time, do damage to those teeth. Plus, they can irritate the cheek or gum if the clasps become slightly bent.
Dental implants function like natural teeth. You do not have to do anything special when it comes to brushing and flossing, nor do you need to take them out. You basically forget about them being there once you have them.
Dental implants are secured into the jawbone. They are made of titanium, which is able to fuse with the bone in a way that no other material can. The crown or bridge is then attached to the implant in a way that looks natural. From that point on, you do nothing any different than you do with a mouthful of natural teeth.
In addition to the aesthetic and functional advantages provided by implants over dentures, there are other benefits also. They can help to stabilize the jawbone by maintaining its shape and bone density. The cheeks and lips are better supported, as are the gums. In general, they can help to improve and maintain overall oral health.
If you have missing teeth, it is highly likely that you are a good candidate for implants over dentures. It helps if you are in good general health before undergoing the procedure.
You can learn more about implants over dentures during an appointment at the office of Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS in Asheville. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.