Getting up in the morning and putting in your dentures gets old quickly, especially when you have to deal with the frustrating side effects. A full set of teeth is optimal, but dentures can cause discomfort and frustration.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. So if you thought you were alone in your struggle to find a solution to the gap in your natural teeth, you are most definitely mistaken.

The Downside to Dentures

One of the most common complaints regarding dentures is their tendency to slip out of place at the most inopportune times. Wearing dentures can interfere with clear speech, or worse, can come loose mid-conversation, perhaps while you are in a restaurant or another public place where you must excuse yourself to go reaffix them.

Dentures that don’t fit also can affect your oral health. You might find the surrounding teeth develop cavities more often, and it might be difficult to keep your denture clean.

What Other Treatments Are Available?

You may not know about the long-term effects of wearing dentures, but beware: You could suffer bone loss in your jaw if you are missing multiple teeth. This is the primary reason many patients choose implants, which help prevent bone loss.

The two main alternatives to dentures both offer specific advantages, but also differ in their costs and benefits.

What Do Implants Have to Offer?

Dental implants are option No. 1. Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone and given time to take root. Then, a permanent crown is slipped over the implant and blends in perfectly with the rest of your remaining teeth. Your jawbone and surrounding teeth stay intact and healthy, and most implants last for decades with no need for adjustment or replacement.

Could a Bridge Be the Answer?

Placing a fixed bridge in your mouth in place of missing teeth is a less expensive option, and is quicker and easier to get than implants. The oral surgeon or dentist files down the teeth on either side of the gap, and a custom-made bridge is then cemented firmly into place. A bridge fills the gap in your smile and does not need to be removed for cleaning.

No matter which option you choose, make sure you take your oral health seriously and invest in quality solutions that will last for years to come. Talk to the team at Northeast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for more advice on how to select an alternative to dentures that meets your present and future needs, and fits within your budget.