“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”
This quote from the movie Annie resounds to our very existence. Having a great smile will take you places. It can improve your self-esteem and your overall confidence. It will help you express yourself more clearly and more effectively.
As a matter of fact, research studies have concluded that having a bright white smile increases your chances of having a successful professional life. This is because of the halo effect that causes people to have good impressions about people who they perceive to be attractive.
On the other hand, having a not-so-attractive smile can make it hard for people to achieve maximum confidence. They tend to be very self-conscious about smiling so they sometimes come off as a snob.
People nowadays realize this importance. That is why it is not much of a surprise that more and more people are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures, and opting for dentures and implants to improve their smile.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, there are approximately 3 million people living in the United States who have gotten dental implants. Moreover, the organisation reports that this number is growing by 500,000 each year.
Now comes the big decision you need to make. Which is better, dental implants or traditional dentures? Continue reading to find out more about the pros and cons of having dental implants, and why they may be the right choice for you.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants can be roughly defined as a surgical and cosmetic procedure done to a patient that more or less permanently supports a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge and/or false teeth.
PRO #1: Last Longer Than Traditional Dentures
With good oral hygiene and a proper care regimen, dental implants have been found to be very durable. Some can last as long as 20 years! A high-quality dental implant can be a very good investment because it is more or less permanent if well taken care off.
PRO #2: Boasts A More Secure Bond That Prevents Slipping
Dental implants draw their bond strength directly from the bone to which they are attached. This is the main reason why they are the more secure option since they are embedded in the bone. Dental implants avoid the embarrassment of slipping incidents when compared to traditional dentures.
PRO #3: Prevents Bone and Gum Deterioration
Traditional dentures usually accelerate bone loss because of their tendency to wear away at the ridges of the bone to which they are attached. Dental implants actually stimulate the bone, preventing shrinkage or deterioration.
CON #1: More Costly Than The Average Traditional Dentures
To be upfront, dental implants can indeed be more costly, because the procedure and surgery is more complicated and the materials are more expensive. However, it is undeniable that dental implants are good investments in the long run.
CON #2: Some Dental Implants Require Bone Grafts Prior To The Surgery
Since not all patients are good candidates for dental implants due to severe bone loss, dental implants sometimes cannot be made without prior bone grafts.