Are implants better than dentures? What's Right For You?

Posted by Shawlands Dental Care on January 18th, 2022

Missing teeth are not only unhealthy for your mouth. They can also affect your overall health and self-esteem. Dental implants and dentures help regain confidence in your smile and keep your mouth healthy. If you have problems making decisions, we share the strengths and weaknesses of dental implants and dentures.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances for your mouth. They replace both the missing tooth and some of the gingival tissue. The dentures are made of a pink gum-colored acrylic base. This base supports the denture.

Some dentures include a lightweight metal framework that enhances strength and support. These dentures are supported by clasps around existing teeth. The removable partial denture can also be attached with a precision attachment that are fitted to the crown.

Advantages of Dentures

• Dentures are cheaper than implants.
• Dentures can be placed by patients who have experienced bone and gum loss (unlike implants that need to be fixed to the bone).
• The procedure for wearing a denture is non-invasive. Also, dentures do not require drilling into the bone, which is part of the implant process.
• The process of making dentures is relatively fast and requires only about 4 dental visits.

Disadvantages of Dentures

• The structure of the face and gums changes with age and may need to be adjusted or replaced.
• Dentures can take some getting used to and can be uncomfortable at first. Especially the first day or two of dentures is uncomfortable. You may experience increased salivation, difficulty chewing, and difficulty speaking.
• Like normal teeth, dentures require daily care. If the dentures are not properly cared for, they can infect the mouth and around the gums.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium struts that are inserted into the jawbone. Dental implants duplicate the roots of natural teeth. This is a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.

Implant posts are bone-integrated or tightly coupled to the jawbone. This creates an anchor that is used to hold the replacement tooth. This option can be used to replace single or multiple teeth and support crowns and dentures. Implants resemble natural teeth. They need the same care and will probably last a lifetime for you.

In addition, dental implants help maintain the structure of the jaw and prevent the subduction of facial appearance that is common in patients with tooth loss.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Dental implants reduce stress on the remaining teeth by independently supporting and holding crowns, bridgework and overdentures.
• Dental implants protect natural teeth by avoiding the need to cut off adjacent teeth for traditional bridge work.
  Dental implants protect the bone, resulting in loss of jaw height and aging.
• Long-term data suggest that implants last longer than traditional bridgework.
• Implants can also be used to secure removable partial dentures and full dentures.
• Implants make it easier to chew and speak more clearly.
  Implant restorations look very natural and are easy to clean and maintain.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• When it comes to the cost of dental implants vs. dentures, dentures are the cheaper choice.
• Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant because implants require healthy bone and gums to properly secure to the jaw. (Bone and tissue transplants are possible, but that further increases the price).

Implants vs dentures

Both implants and dentures are common solutions for replacing missing teeth. A clinical evaluation by a dentist is required before receiving treatment. The dentist will evaluate your mouth and discuss your options. When it comes to choosing the right solution for you, your dentist needs to consider several factors and compare them to you. Expect to discuss pricing, preferences, and even overall dental health. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. It\'s all about finding the one that best suits you and your individual needs.