Tooth loss is common among American adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 adults age 65 and older have lost all of their teeth.1 Adults age 75 and older are twice as likely to have complete tooth loss as adults age 65-74. Missing teeth may cause you to feel less confident when you smile, and tooth loss makes it difficult to eat the full range of foods your body needs.
Dentures and dental implants are two widely used tooth replacement options today. Both have their own advantages, which our experienced dentists would love to discuss with you. To arrange a consultation in Aurora, Colorado, please call Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center at 303-751-3321.
Tooth Loss among U.S. Adults
Gum disease, cavities, injuries – these culprits are the primary causes of adult tooth loss. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.2 They also say 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth.
Advantages of Tooth Implants
Dental implants have a wide array of benefits for patients, including the following qualities:
- Durable
- Lifelike
- Replace the visible portion of missing tooth (called the "crown" of the tooth)
- Replace the portion of the tooth below the gums (called the "root" of the tooth)
- Protect against bone loss because of its presence in the jawbone
- You can continue to eat and drink whatever you choose
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports 3 million people currently have dental implants, and that number grows each year.3 Dental implants do not require any special care. You will brush, floss and visit the dentist to maintain your dental implants, just like you do with all your teeth. You may forget you have them at all because they look, feel and function just like your natural teeth.
Advantages of Dentures
Dentures are another popular option for replacing teeth. Here are some of the benefits:
- Can replace multiple missing teeth or all of your teeth
- Conveniently removable
- Secure, customized fit
- Stable chewing surface
- Natural-looking smile
At Aspenwood Dental Associates, we design dentures to fit your mouth perfectly. Their fit is customized using impressions of your mouth and jaw. Once your dentures are made, our dentists can fine-tune the fit if necessary. With missing teeth gaps eliminated, you will be able to smile confidently once again.
The dentures used at our practice create a youthful facial contour. As we age, our mid-face and cheeks lose fat beneath the skin, causing hollows and shadows. These dentures help to fill the mid-face, providing support where fat has naturally diminished.
Comparing Your Options
No matter how many teeth you are missing, our experienced dentists look forward to helping you restore your smile. During a consultation at our Aurora, CO, dental practice, the dentist will help you weigh your options, including dental implants and dentures. To arrange your visit at Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center, please call 303-751-3321.
1https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm
2https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf