You might be at a point in your life that you need to begin looking at tooth replacement options. Or maybe you had an accident that requires replacing a few teeth. Our Novi MI dental office – Dr. James Ross, Family, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry – is well-versed in helping dental patients overcome their issues with missing teeth.

We know what a struggle it is to have missing teeth, and so we have offer a variety of ways to replace teeth. You probably don’t know that not every tooth replacement option doesn’t provide the same function of your natural teeth. Your natural teeth are your best teeth, but there are great replacement options out there.

Our restorations are lifelike and will fit your smile goals! Give us a call today at 248-697-2487 or fill out the online form to schedule a visit.

Today, we want to discuss two ways to help people with extensive tooth loose: dentures and dental implants. These two tools are different in how they help your smile and your functionality.

Things You Need to Know About Dentures

Dentures have been used in dentistry for hundreds of years. Of course, the aesthetics have improved over the years, and the material is more comfortable than ever before. But the basic principle of dentures remains the same. Dentures rest on the gums. The upper dentures rely on fit, and suction — or adhesives to stay in the mouth — while the lower dentures rely almost entirely on fit. Here are some points about dentures you need to know:

  • Dentures only provide a fraction of the biting force of natural teeth, between 25 or 50 percent.
  • Dentures may change over time. Dentures can warp or change shape with age or improper care. It’s best to have your dentist reline your dentures to ensure a good fit.
  • Denture fit often change overtime because the jawbone changes shape. When you lose the teeth, the jawbone loses its chief function and begins to recede. Jawbone recession changes the shape of the face. This is the reason people without teeth often develop wrinkles around their mouth and see the distance between their nose and chin draw closer together.

Things You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are much newer than dentures. Dentists have used dental implants for the last few decades. Now these implants can be placed to replace single missing, sections of missing teeth, or even total tooth loss. While traditional removable dentures are still the most common way to treat rampant tooth loss, more and more people are turning to dental implants for the improve stability. Here’s a few things about dental implants.

  • They are the strongest tooth replacement option in dentistry. Implants nearly match the power of your natural teeth, whereas removable dentures can only match about half the biting force of natural teeth.
  • Implant surgery is not risky and is completed with a 98 percent success rate. Candidates must be in good health and have enough jawbone to support the implant(s).
  • Implants are made from titanium, a metal that fuses to bone. So once the implant is placed and heals, it literally becomes part of your body.
  • Implants preserve your jawbone, giving you a fuller smile and more youthful appearance.
  • With good oral care, your implants can last a lifetime.

Our office works with a specialist to place your implants, and we can design any restoration you might need in our office.

It’s important to know that dental implants are more expensive than traditional dentures or bridges. But there is a difference between cost and value. Dental implants may cost more, but you’ll have more value. You’ll get to eat more foods than you would with traditional dentures, and you’ll have peace of mind that your teeth will never fall our of your mouth again.

Find the Right Tooth Replacement Option Today

There is a big difference between dentures and dental implants, and the options depends on your smile goods. There is no wrong option if you love the results and feel great about your smile. We’d love to see you and discuss your smile goals. Give us a call today at 248-697-2487 or fill out the online form.