You have missing teeth, which prompts you to cover your mouth when you smile and hope no one notices. Perhaps tooth loss has begun to impact your speech and ability to chew food. We think you deserve a smile do-over!
Modern tooth replacement options can achieve the following:
- Boost your self-confidence
- Contribute to better oral health
- Improve your speech
- Restore your chewing function
However, with all the options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
This blog explores dentures, dental implants, and other tooth replacement options to help you make an informed choice for your smile.
About Dentures and Partial Dentures
What Are Dentures and Partial Dentures?
Modern dentures and partials have improved compared to previous-generation prosthetics. They can help your bite force to a degree and even your smile aesthetics. They may be complete or partial.
Complete dentures are gum-colored prosthetics that feature artificial teeth embedded in their base. They fit over the gum and depend on gravity and suction for support.
Partial dentures are similar to complete dentures, but they are used for partial tooth loss. They use clips and neighboring teeth for support.
The Traditional Denture Experience: Common Challenges
While traditional dentures and partial dentures are practical and affordable, they do come with challenges. Some patients find it difficult to acclimate to these types of prosthetics.
- Instability: Dentures tend to slip, tilt, or rock when you’re chewing or speaking, which can lead to embarrassing situations.
- Bite Force Issues: Because dentures are not wholly stable, they improve your bite force but don’t restore it in full. You may still have chewing challenges.
- Maintenance and Upkeep: Dentures and partial dentures require relines, adhesives (eventually), and a denture bath for disinfection. You should never use toothpaste on these prosthetics; only denture polish is recommended.
- Deteriorating Jawbone: Without dental implants or biological tooth roots, your jawbone will deteriorate, leading to a sunken appearance in the lower face. Dentures can accelerate the process.
- More Frequent Replacement: Dental implants can last for decades and even a lifetime. Dentures and partials require more frequent replacement throughout your lifetime.
- Discomfort: Ill-fitting dentures can rub against your jaws and cause sores and pain.
- Denture Stomatitis: This is a common bacterial or fungal inflammation that occurs under dentures.
- Assimilation: It can take weeks to get accustomed to wearing dentures!
About Dental Implants in Fort Collins, CO
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace lost tooth roots. Your Fort Collins dentist, Dr. Ryan Rush, surgically implants these tooth roots into the jawbone where they integrate over time, protecting the jaw from deterioration.
Eventually, your dentist crowns the implants with replacement teeth (dental crowns) or a prosthetic (implant-supported denture or bridge).
The Superior Advantage of Dental Implants Over Other Options
Dental implants, which may have a higher up-front cost compared to other options, are the gold standard for several reasons:
- They protect your jawbone from deterioration.
- They restore your bite force in full.
- They guard against tooth migration.
- They require no additional upkeep or maintenance.
- They look and feel natural.
- They can last forever in some cases.
Why Dr. Ryan Rush Is Your Partner for Dental Implants in Fort Collins
Dr. Rush is a graduate of Bingham Young University and received his DDS from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is the recipient of the Henry B. Schwartz award for his work in prosthodontics.
He is committed to ongoing education to ensure his patients receive the latest and best dental implant care in Fort Collins.
Dr. Rush runs periodic dental specials and accepts CareCredit financing. For your convenience, we also offer early morning appointments.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
Aside from dentures, partial dentures, and dental implants, you might consider the dental bridge. This is a prosthetic consisting of two dental crowns and restoration teeth. The crowns cap healthy teeth on either side of your smile gap, allowing the bridge teeth to complete your smile.
The bridge guards against tooth migration, but it does not protect the jawbone like the implant. We also remove a bit of healthy tooth enamel on supporting teeth to anchor your traditional dental bridge.
Alternatively, you can talk to the dentist about an implant bridge.
Am I a Candidate for Tooth Replacement?
Before we approve you for tooth replacement, you will come in for an oral health assessment and conversation with your Fort Collins dentist. This visit determines your costs, candidacy, and whether you’ll need pretreatments before tooth replacement.
Pretreatments may include extractions, bone grafting, a sinus lift, or general dentistry maintenance.
This appointment offers you the opportunity to discuss all tooth replacement options with your dentist and make an informed decision.
Caring for Your New Smile in Fort Collins
After tooth replacement, we provide instructions on how to best care for your restored smile. A dental bridge requires a special threader or water floss and a small cleaning brush.
Dental implants need only the care you afford natural teeth:
- Brush and floss at least twice daily.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism).
- Report all oral changes or concerns to the dentist.
Dental Implants Are Still the Gold Standard
Dental implants in Fort Collins are far superior to other tooth replacement options. Even if the initial costs are higher, this can be offset over time due to the ease of care, oral health benefits, and increased longevity.
To schedule your tooth replacement consultation with the dentist or for more information about our treatments and services, contact a dental team member today at (970) 223-5393.