Missing teeth are more than cosmetic issues. They can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease and makes chewing more challenging. Among the most popular solutions to this problem are dental implants and dentures. The following guide outlines each option to help determine which suits your needs.

Dentures

These removable prosthetics, which look and function like natural teeth,  come in two types. Partial dentures address gaps, but some natural teeth are still in the mouth. On the other hand, full options replace the entire top and bottom rows of your smile. The dentist uses your bite and jaw alignment to create the dental appliance, along with an impression of your gums if you require a full set.

Dentures adhere to the gums via a special adhesive. At night, you must remove them and place them in water to avoid warping. This affordable tooth replacement option is ideal for patients with missing gum and bone tissue, which dental implants require for procedure success.

Dental Implants 

These prostheses involve placing titanium screws in the jawbone, which take about six months to heal. They get attached to abutments and crowns through small incisions made in the gum tissue. Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and impervious to decay. They are the only permanent dental restoration. 

Dental implants are ideal if you only have one or a few missing teeth in an otherwise healthy mouth. A dentist can also recommend them for maintaining gum and bone tissue, as the screws function similarly to the tooth roots. As a result, implants keep both tissues from breaking down, supporting your facial structure. You might also prefer these prostheses over dentures because you do not have to take them out and clean them every night. 

For more help determining which treatment is right for your smile, schedule a consultation with Aesthetic Dentistry of Charlottesville. Since 1997, this practice has provided residents throughout Central Virginia with a full suite of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services, from dentures and implants to porcelain veneers. You can also count on them to deliver outstanding preventative care. Call (434) 984-3455 today to make an appointment, and learn more about their oral health services online.