If and when your teeth get bad to the point where they need to be replaced, you will need to discuss your options with your dental health care provider. In days long past, there was but two options - toothless or dentures. Because of the cost of dentures at that time, for many, the only option was toothless. Today, that is no longer the case.
Today, there are approximately three options when your teeth need to be replaced. You can have dentures, you can have dentures with implants, or you can have implants. There are definite differences - both in the procedures, the benefits, and of course the cost.
First, let's look at the denture option. With dentures, porcelain dentures are created after an impression of your mouth is taken. Dentures are held in place with the use of denture creams that act as glue. This 'glue' must be replaced at least once a day, and often more than once a day.
The top denture usually isn't a problem, as far as staying in place, however many people report problems with the bottom denture remaining in place, largely due to the fact that your tongue often presses against the back of your teeth. You never realize just how strong your tongue can be until you have dentures.
This leads us to dentures with implants. In this instance, small 'posts' are implanted into the bone in the back of your mouth, and the bottom denture is made more secure by fitting over these posts. This seems to be the preferred option for denture wearers.
Then, there is the other type of implants. This is where teeth constructed of porcelain are actually implanted with screws into the bone. This is a great option - if you can afford it. Most insurance will not cover this procedure, because denture are cheaper.
If you need to have replacements for your natural teeth, again, discuss the various options with your dental care provider. He or she will be able to tell you more about all of the options, as well as the cost associated with those options and problems that could arise.
