Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile? While people who still have all of their teeth can remedy the problem with orthodontic work and teeth-whitening, if you're missing teeth it isn't as easy. 

Whether your teeth are already gone or you know that you need to remove them, you have some tough decisions to make if you want to maintain the aesthetic of your smile. 

The biggest decision is between dental implants versus dentures.

Both of these options balance out the appearance of your mouth when you're missing teeth, but how do you choose which one is right for you? We're here to offer advice. 

Keep reading to learn all about dental implants, dentures, and why you might choose one over the other. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a solution for missing teeth. You can get a single dental implant or a full mouth of dental implants depending on your situation. 

When you get dental implants, your dental health professional will implant titanium posts (or a single titanium post if you're only getting one) into your mouth where the tooth once was.

Once the posts are stable and you've gone through a brief healing period, they'll create "fake" teeth that resemble your real teeth. They'll screw the new teeth into the posts to give you the appearance of a full and healthy smile. 

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Let's get this out of the way: dental implants aren't cheap. They're definitely the more expensive option between the two, and for some people, this is a dealbreaker.

That said, the cost is worthwhile. 

Dental implants have a natural appearance. If you have a good dentist, they'll resemble your natural teeth so closely that the average person won't be able to tell that the implants are there at all. 

Dental implants last for a long time as long as you take good care of them (and taking care of them is as simple as taking care of your natural teeth). While they're expensive, this is an investment that lasts a lifetime. 

Dental implants will also protect the integrity of your jaw and the surrounding teeth. They can also help the overall appearance of your face. 

They feel natural and you're able to eat all of your normal foods.

With this in mind, dental implants have a healing period that may feel long and uncomfortable to someone who wants quick results. 

Who Should Get Dental Implants?

Almost anyone who needs a new tooth can benefit from dental implants. 

Most people who get dental implants are missing one or two teeth. While it's still not cheap, this is affordable for something that will last a lifetime. 

Dental implants are also popular for people who are missing all of their teeth (especially if they're young). Because the implants last for a long time, they'll be able to completely rehabilitate their smile and keep it in good condition forever. 

Young people often resist dentures because of the idea that they're only for older people. 

That said, dental implants are not the best choice for someone who has significant gum recession. Talk to a dentist if you have this problem. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are another valid option for replacing missing teeth. They're useful for people who are missing multiple teeth or all of their teeth.

When you get dentures, your dental health professional will conduct an exam to make sure that your gums and surrounding teeth are in good condition. After this, they'll take a mold of your mouth so they can start creating your new dentures. 

You can take dentures out to clean them or sleep. They resemble your natural teeth but they aren't permanent. 

Pros and Cons of Dentures

While dental implants have a lot of benefits, there are plenty of reasons to consider dentures instead.

Dentures are removable. The permanent nature of dental implants is tempting to many people (and you can still remove these implants if you need to), but being able to take your dentures out and clean them is tempting. 

The process to get dentures isn't painful unless you need extractions (and even then, the discomfort is mild). 

Dentures are often more affordable than dental implants so they're a more accessible option for someone who is in need. That said, that affordability comes at a cost. Dentures don't last as long as dental implants. 

You can eat most of your favorite foods with dentures but there may be limitations and you have to be careful with your denture adhesives. 

Dentures don't feel as natural as dental implants but they're still comfortable enough to eat and speak with them in. They're also unnoticeable. 

Who Should Get Dentures?

Dentures are suitable for anyone who has multiple missing teeth or no teeth at all. You can get full dentures or partial dentures. They're also suitable for people who have gum disease (though again, talk to your dentist first before making this commitment). 

If you feel insecure about your smile or you've been experiencing discomfort due to your missing teeth, dentures are the more cost-effective option. 

Dental Implants Versus Dentures: Which Will You Choose?

When you have missing teeth, it's hard to feel confident with your smile. You may have trouble eating or speaking and you're putting your surrounding teeth at risk. 

It's time to find a solution and get your smile back. So between dental implants versus dentures, which is the right option for you? 

If you're ready to fix your smile, we want to help you. Our experienced team at All Smiles Dental Spa is ready to restore the smiles of all patients in and around Long Island, New York. Contact us to set up an appointment today.