As you age, you may find your teeth begin to get loose and fall out. While this can be a natural result of aging, it can also be frustrating. Having fewer or even no teeth creates a lot of challenges. You also may have had a recent accident that knocked out a significant portion of your teeth. Whatever the reason, once you’ve lost teeth, you’ll want to look into replacement options. One popular option is dentures.
How Long Do Printed Dentures Last?
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are dental appliances that are used to replace some or all of a patient’s teeth. They are custom-made to fit the mouth of the patient. There are a few different types of dentures, which include traditional, 3D printed, and implant dentures.
Why Dentures?
There are quite a few benefits to dentures that you’ll want to consider. Some of these include:
- The ability to bite and chew. Dentures allow a patient to continue to eat a lot of the food that they love.
- Appearance. No one likes having missing teeth! Dentures allow you to smile wide without feeling self-conscious. This can help to boost your mood and confidence.
- Cost. Compared to other replacement options, dentures are often a more affordable choice.
Traditional Versus Printed Dentures
Depending on the office you visit, you may have the option between traditional and 3D printed dentures. But what are they? And which is better?
Traditional dentures involve impressions being made, which are then sent to a lab for the dentures to be fabricated. This can take some time. Once the dentures are ready, your dentist will do a fitting. If the dentures don’t fit properly, they will need to be adjusted by the lab.
3D printed dentures, on the other hand, are 3D printed quickly and easily. Many patients receive their dentures in as little as a week! 3D impressions are made of your mouth and software is used to design the perfect dentures. They are then custom printed.
How Long Do Printed Dentures Last?
Some patients worry that—because the process of 3D printing dentures is so easy—they won’t get the same results. You don’t have to worry! 3D printed dentures last just as long as traditional dentures. If you take good care of your 3D printed dentures, you can expect them to last around 10-15 years.
Which Type of Dentures is Right for Me?
Speak with your dentist about the pros and cons of 3D printed dentures and which option is right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Another tooth or teeth replacement option is dental implants. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium rod that is used to hold a false tooth in place. These are an excellent option for a long-term replacement and may be an alternative to dentures. With that said, there are pros and cons to dental implants.
Dentures or Implants?
There are a few things to consider when choosing between dental implants and dentures. Some of the considerations include:
- Cost. Dentures are going to cost less than dental implants—at least in the short-term. With that said, if dental implants are well taken care of, they can last a lifetime. The dental crowns will need to eventually be swapped out, but the implants themselves are permanent.
- Strength. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than dentures. Implants allow patients to continue to bite and chew their favorite foods. While dentures help with biting and chewing, there are some foods that aren’t practical to eat with dentures.
- Insurance. If you have dental insurance, this may be a major factor in the choice between dental implants and dentures. Insurance companies tend to prefer paying for dentures over implants.
To learn more about implants, dentures, and which choice is right for you, schedule an appointment with Smile in Shelby. We’ll discuss the two options with you, and which would be a good match.
Other Dentistry Services Provided by Smiles in Shelby
Along with dentures and dental implants, Smile in Shelby provides a variety of other dental services. These include:
General Dentistry
One of the best ways to avoid dentures in the first place is to take good care of your oral health. This includes trips to the dentist for cleanings and checkups. Smiles in Shelby provides general dentistry services to ensure your ongoing oral health. If you don’t already have a cleaning and checkup in the books, reach out today and get one booked!
Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have teeth that are stained, chipped, or cracked, you may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. We offer teeth whitening and dental veneer services. With our whitening or veneer services, you’ll have a full, white smile again.
Oral Surgery
There are times when oral surgery is the best option to resolve the issues you are having. If you decide dental implants are the best option for you but you have jawbone deterioration, you will need a bone graft before the implants are placed. If you need an extraction but the tooth is below the gumline, you may need oral surgery to get to the tooth. Your dentist will let you know if oral surgery is required for your repair.
Orthodontics
For patients with crooked teeth, crowding, or other issues with teeth placement, braces may be the best option to resolve the issue. Smiles in Shelby provides top-quality orthodontics services for patients with crooked or otherwise misaligned teeth.
Others
Along with the services above, Smiles in Shelby provides a variety of other oral healthcare services. These include pediatric dentistry, laser dentistry, sedation dentistry, fillings, and more. Let us know what oral health issues you are having, and we will point you in the right direction!
Contact Smiles in Shelby Today!
For more information about printed dentures and other tooth replacement options, contact Smiles in Shelby today! We’d be happy to answer any questions and get you booked for an appointment to see an outstanding dentist!
What Makes Us Different
Latest
Technology
Our digital x-rays and impressions are designed for our patients’ comfort.
Flexible
FINANCING
Dental care is affordable with our interest-free financing options.
Digital
SCANS
Our digital scans eliminate unpleasant, goopy impression material while increasing accuracy.
Same-Day
TREATMENT
We respect your time, and we offer same-day crowns and other treatments.
Electronic
Records
Your records are safe at our digital, paperless and eco-friendly dental office.
Weekend
APPOINTMENTS
Friday evening and Saturday appointments are available because we care about convenience.
Printed
DENTURES
Invisalign
Braces
Dental
IMPLANTS
Emergency
DENTISTRY