Patients with missing teeth have a variety of options available to them to restore their smiles’ function and aesthetic. At Tempe Smile Design, Dr. Roxane Huber and Dr. Stacy Tracy provide traditional dentures as well as fixed-hybrid dentures. Having the right dental prosthetic is essential to your lifelong comfort. Below we’ve highlighted the pros and cons of each treatment.
Aesthetics
Traditional dentures are a tried-and-true option for patients who have lost a full arch of teeth. These prosthetics are fabricated using quality materials such as porcelain and acrylic to look and feel like natural teeth.
Fixed-hybrid dentures are of equal quality in aesthetics as traditional dentures. They replace missing teeth with ones that mimic the appearance and overall function of natural teeth. Fixed hybrid dentures are attached to dental implants, which replace missing teeth roots.
Tooth roots are essential to the jaw structure, and if they are missing patients may see their face and smile take on an aged appearance. Adults in their 20’s with missing teeth can look significantly older compared to older patients who have opted for dental implant support dentures.
Durability and Comfort
Dentures, whether they are implant retained or not, require maintenance over time. Traditional dentures, especially those worn on the bottom arch, can slip out of place even with adhesives. This makes daily activities such as speaking and eating difficult.
Fixed hybrid dentures are recommended for patients having trouble keeping their prosthetics in place. Since they utilize dental implants for support, this tooth replacement option allows you to comfortably chew and laugh without worrying that your dentures will fall out. Dental implant posts are designed to last and are a reliable alternative to using adhesives to keep your prosthetic in place.
Impact on Overall Health
Ill-fitting dentures can result in difficulty eating, impacting nutrition for the entire body. An effective dental prosthetic should restore function after tooth extraction.
Fixed hybrid dentures ensure that you not only eat comfortably but also your jawbone is restored. Missing teeth impact surrounding structures such as your jawbone density, which holds teeth roots in place. Healthy bone results in a healthy facial aesthetic and overall comfortable function of your smile. Dental implants replace these missing roots and integrate with jawbone to restore its integrity, keeping patients from looking older than they really are.
Cost Effective
Patients in their late 20’s may be deterred by the long process and costs of dental implants. However, the benefits of a full and lasting smile, requiring maintenance only for the prosthetic, make the costs seem easier to manage over time. Implants last forever, but traditional dentures require more assistance. Allow yourself to have a refreshed smile, one that is permanent and reliable.
At Tempe Smile Design, Drs. Roxane Huber and Stacy Tracy provide quality cosmetic work as well as dental implant restorations and treatment. Schedule an appointment today!