Choosing the best solution for missing teeth can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is the first step toward securing a confident smile. Making the right choice for your treatment can significantly affect your comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we know every smile has a unique story, and we’re committed to helping patients understand the pros and cons of dental implants and dentures.
Whether you’re curious about how each option feels, how long they last, or how the Charlotte dental implant cost compares to other treatments, this blog is designed to give you the knowledge you need to make your choice confidently.
What are dentures and dental implants?
We’re all familiar with losing teeth as kids, but it’s not uncommon to lose teeth as an adult as well. About 178 million adults in the U.S. have missing teeth, whether due to dental decay, gum disease, trauma, or genetics.
If you’ve found that you need to replace one or more teeth, you have options. There are two primary treatments for missing teeth replacement: dental implants and dentures. Choosing the right option for your oral needs depends on several factors, including preference, the health of your jawbone and remaining teeth, and price range.
A discussion with a trusted dentist like Dr. Jeffrey Kleinheinz is the best way to determine what treatment option will be best for you and align with your oral health history. Before we dive into the benefits of each treatment or the Charlotte dental implant cost, here are some of the basics on dentures and dental implants.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that are fitted to your mouth. Dentists make them in complete sets to replace all teeth on the upper or lower jaw. They can also create “partial dentures” which are designed to replace just a few missing teeth.
Dental professionals design dentures to look like your natural teeth and gums and secure them in place using a special adhesive that bonds them to your gums. This adhesive requires daily application, and dentures need to be taken out overnight.
They require daily maintenance to remain in good condition for a long period of time and need to be removed after eating with them so you can properly brush them.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a non-removable restoration option that behaves, looks, and feels like your natural teeth. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they provide stability and support to the surrounding teeth and your jawbone.
Dental implants involve surgically implanting an artificial tooth root that is made of titanium into the jawbone. These artificial roots serve as a replacement tooth that mimics the natural teeth around it comfortably.
This treatment has the bonus of maintaining the integrity of the jawbone, helping prevent bone deterioration, and preserving your facial structure. With proper care and dental check-ups, dental implants can last a lifetime. This provides stability and functionality that is unparalleled in the dental health field.
Tooth Replacement 101: Dentures vs. Implants
Both dentures and dental implants have their own unique considerations and advantages. Though you should consult with Dr. Kleinheinz at Kleinheinz Dentistry, you should also think about what suits you best.
From comfort to maintenance to the Charlotte dental implant cost—let’s take a closer look at how dentures and dental implants compare.
Comfort & Functionality
When replacing missing teeth, people look for an option that is both functionally identical to their natural teeth and fits comfortably into their smile. Often, dental implants offer more comfort and functionality when compared to dentures.
Dentures have some drawbacks for maintaining a comfortable fit while also mimicking the way your normal teeth behave. Dentures are a removable solution for tooth loss.They need to be taken out frequently for cleaning and require special adhesives to stay in place when you are wearing them. They can shift and slip while we’re eating or speaking, which can be as frustrating as it is uncomfortable.
Dental implants, however, offer a comfortable and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Because the faux-crowns attach to a surgically placed implant, dental implants mimic the feel and function of natural teeth. They are both stable and strong, preventing slippage or shifting.
Maintenance & Daily Care
A dental hygiene routine is crucial for taking care of your teeth—real or false—no matter what kind of replacement option you choose. We recommend that you be aware of the maintenance level of dentures and dental implants.
Dentures require more daily care and maintenance than dental implants. You need to remove them after eating to properly clean them, and you should brush away excess gum adhesive each time you take them out.
Dentures also need to be soaked overnight in a cleaning solution to be properly disinfected.
Dental implants, on the other hand, you take care of like your natural teeth: brush and floss twice daily to maintain good oral hygiene. You don’t need to remove them after eating or soak them overnight to maintain their integrity.
Dental implants require minimal maintenance beyond the dental cleanings you see your dentist for every six months. The best part of dental implants is that they feel natural, so they require very little additional care.
Upfront Cost & Long-Term Value
The cost of treatment is always an important element to consider. However, there is more than just the upfront cost to think about. It’s also about the value of the treatment in the long term.
The cost of dentures is more affordable than the Charlotte dental implant cost initially, but it often costs more over time. Those with dentures need to buy gum adhesive as well as cleaning solutions while using their dentures.
Along with cost, most sets of dentures need replacing every 5 years, along with professional cleaning and realigning when required.
Dental implants may seem to be more pricey, but they require much less maintenance. There is no special adhesive required, and, when taken proper care of, the crowns can last decades without replacement.
Less maintenance means a lower long-term cost for your replacement teeth. At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we understand the importance of advanced treatments that are also affordable. We have frequent, rotating discounts on specific treatments. Subscribe to our newsletter to get specials sent directly to your inbox, or contact us directly to learn which specials are active right now.
Which treatment is right for you?
Outside of the pros and cons that each treatment presents, there are additional considerations to make when determining which option is right for you. Your dentist will consider both your age and bone health before deciding on a solution for your missing teeth.
Dentures may be ideal if you are looking for a temporary or transitional solution for missing teeth. For patients looking for durability, confidence, and a natural feel, dentists consider dental implants the “gold standard.”
At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we provide an in-depth, personalized consultation to help our patients choose what treatment is right for them. During the consultation, we get to know you and your dental history and discuss the Charlotte dental implant cost of treatment.
The Dental Implant Process
If you’re leaning towards dental implants, you may be wondering what the process is actually like.
The first stage involves extracting the damaged tooth or teeth (if still present).
From there, the titanium “root” of the implant is surgically implanted into the jawbone where the tooth is missing.
After the implanting process, an important stage known as “osseointegration” happens. Osseointegration is when the implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a firm foundation for the replacement crown and supporting the overall health of the jawbone.
Finally, your dentist places the custom-made crown onto the dental implant. Our team at Kleinheinz crafts these crowns to look just like your natural teeth, in size, shape, and color.
If you want more in-depth information about the treatment process, read our blog on dental implants as a missing molar treatment for further information.
Find Your Perfect Fit With Us
Your smile is part of who you are, and choosing between dental implants and dentures is a decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. Both treatments offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your individual needs and goals.
At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we’re dedicated to helping you understand every aspect of your treatment, from daily comfort and appearance to long-term maintenance and the Charlotte dental implant cost.
If you’re ready to explore the best solution for your smile, contact our team and schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to find an option that fits you best and restores your smile with both care and confidence.
