Should You Get Dentures or Implants?

Guiding Your Decision

I have worked in the dental field for over 20 years and have learned much from each of my employers. The Doctors all have their own ideas of what is or is not relevant in their practice. Some doctors offer only the newest, most high tech options for any type of dental work. Other doctors  start with the least expensive or least invasive options before proceeding to the more expensive alternatives. Any dental treatment comes with risks--whether it be to your mouth or your wallet!!

The most important thing to remember is that YOU have the final say. If there is a procedure you aren't comfortable with or do not understand, ASK! A good dentist will take the time to answer questions, give you options and put your fears to rest.

When we hear dentures, we think of those nasty looking "false" teeth in the little cup on grandpa's night table. Eww, little fizzy tablets that turn the water blue. Well, not much has changed! The material is generally an acrylic, pink in color. But these days, there are a variety of "teeth" to choose from. Varying colors, many shapes and sizes for your doctor to use. This can make the denture look almost like your own teeth. Making a denture can be a long process--impressions, try-ins, bite registrations. Expect several visits with a couple of weeks in between each as your "models" are usually sent to a lab unless you are dealing with a dentures only practice. But be patient. This is done to make sure you get the best fit possible. Some dentures are made after all of your teeth have been extracted and your gums have healed. Other dentures called immediate dentures, are made before your extractions and then placed in your mouth immediately following the extractions. Dentures should be removed every night and cleaned. Your tissues need to "breathe" so plot those babies in the cup with the cleaner for the night.

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