Tooth loss can affect the look and confidence of any person. Some people might be trying to avoid a smile and hide the missing tooth. However, now you can correct the condition and restore your look and confidence with tooth restoration treatments. Currently, dentures and dental implants are the most popular options. Both options have their benefits, but some patients will find that one choice will be a better option for their situation. With all of the differences when examining dentures vs dental implants, it can be difficult to make a decision. This guide will look at the basics of each method and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Patients who suffer from missing or damaged dentition often have a lot of questions about their oral health. At Ridgeview Dental, we want to help all of our clients understand the importance of their treatment. If you’re in the Centennial, CO area, contact our offices today. Our staff is ready to answer any questions you may have to help get your dental hygiene, and brilliant smile, back on track!
What Are Dentures?
False teeth have been in use for millennia. From George Washington to Carrie Fisher, patients who are looking for dentures as a solution are in good company. False teeth and gums are fashioned by a professional and fit by your dentist specifically for your mouth. These are a great low-impact solution that can be removed for comfort or safety.
The full or complete denture will replace all your teeth in the lower or upper jaw and may include pieces for both as well. These types of dentures rest on your gums directly. Partial dentures fill the gaps, which are more popular since one can use partial dentures when some parts of the natural tooth are still there. These types do not demand complete replacement, and clasps are used to support and secure these dentures.
Pros of Dentures
- You can use dentures for tooth replacement or gum treatment
- These are affordable compared to implants
- The procedure is non-invasive with no drilling or complex surgery required
- A less time-consuming process than implants
- Demands fewer medical visits
- Dentures are easy to modify
Cons of Dentures
- Replacements might be needed as you age
- Make you feel uncomfortable initially
- Demand regular care
- Do not appear natural like implants
While many patients have issues with dentures falling out, others prefer the temporary option of choosing surgical methods. Make sure you discuss these issues with your dentist, since they may have additional reasons why less permanent solutions may be advantageous.
What Are Implants?
Dental implants work as artificial roots using titanium rods that become fused to the jawbone. Implants serve as the base for replacing permanent teeth which mimic the feel and look of your natural teeth. First, your dentist will secure the titanium rod and then a clinician attaches a crown to the secured rod. With proper tinting and coloring, the replacement will look just like your natural teeth.
Choosing dental implants gives you the option of replacing single or multiple teeth. They can even be used as anchor points for dentures, too. The key benefit of implants is that they look like natural teeth. With the right care, you can use them for a long time. More importantly, others might not realize that you have dental implants in your mouth. Also, they can be helpful to maintain the jaw structure because implants prevent the sunken face that some clients normally experience after losing dentition. The downside is that surgical procedure is required for this restoration.
Pros of Implants
- They look, work, and feel like natural teeth
- Implants have more than ninety-five percent of success rate
- Last long up to twenty years or lifetime
- Easy care like natural teeth
- Maintain the integrity of jawbones and facial structure
- They will not affect your speaking ability
Cons of Implants
- Implants are expensive compared to dentures
- Requires healthy bone for implant seating
- Longer time investment than dentures
Dental implants are definitely the more permanent solution. Unlike dentures, implants are intended to allow the bone to grow around them, making them much more secure. This means they will look and feel just like your natural teeth, giving them an edge overdentures in that category.
Dental Implants & Dentures: A Fair Comparison
There are a number of factors that contribute to patients choosing implants over dentures or vice versa. Since no two cases are exactly the same, it behooves patients to see a direct comparison between the two. The following is a list of different facets to the dentures vs dental implants debate that may help you make an educated decision.
Durability
Dental implants will not only look natural, but they will also work like your natural teeth. You can use them for a long time by following some easy care tips. Even with the best care, many implants need their crowns replaced after around seven years. However, dentures will not last more than five to eight years. You will have to replace them. Also, they might not work the best after a few years when your facial structures will start to change with age.
Functionality
The strength and performance of implants will be similar to your natural teeth since they are constructed with titanium. Implants will not affect your chewing and speaking ability. However, the same cannot be said about dentures. They can slide and slip in the mouth and may affect your speaking and eating ability. Even if you use modern dentures, they may still fall out. Implants have an advantage when it comes to performance and appearance.
Appearance
Dental implants are most appreciated for their appearance. Even if they are expensive, people consider them due to the natural look and feel. Many patients report that no one could tell they had gotten implants, to begin with. Even so, quality dentures might offer comparable benefits. If you want a natural look, you consider custom-made dentures. But still, they cannot replace dental implants. The custom-made options are certainly better since they can offer a natural look.
Comfort Level
The initial surgery for implants is much more uncomfortable than preparing for dentures. The time it takes between installing the implant and seating the crown can take up to six months. Afterward, implants will not cause discomfort after wearing them for a couple of weeks. On the other hand, dentures will be a bit uncomfortable. Excessive saliva, bulkiness, irritation, and soreness can cause a lot of discomforts. It might take more than months to be comfortable with dentures.
Price
Cost is another big factor since many patients today are on a budget. Dental implants are expensive, and the price will vary depending on the procedure. It is also worth mentioning that your insurance company might cover fifty percent of your dentures cost, but implants are less likely to be covered by a dental insurance plan. So, you will have to pay the entire treatment cost. Dentures are much more affordable. However, you may have to replace them eventually, and that is going to impact the end cost. The appearance and inconvenience cannot be ignored as well.
Age
Dental implants help with a lasting or permanent solution. Therefore, people in their fifties or sixties may prefer implants. They can use their restoration for a long time with a little care. If they go with dentures, they will have to replace them. Older adults who do not want to go through the invasive procedure and time-consuming process might go with dentures. The solution will be affordable, and they can also easily modify the dentures whenever needed.
Bone Density
For dental implants, you will need a healthy jawbone to support the posts. If you have lost some jawbone density due to gum disease, age, or tooth loss, dentures may be more appropriate. You can also consider dental bone grafting to restore the jaw density, but that is an expensive procedure as well. Because dentures sit atop the gums themselves, bone density is much less of a problem.
Hygiene
Dentures will demand more care than implants. If cleaning and maintaining dentures is going to be an issue, implants might serve your case better. The procedure might be expensive, but it will support you for a long time without demanding a lot of care. Dentures will demand daily care. So, you can decide the process depending on your convenience.
Conclusions
While it may seem that dental implants have an edge over dentures, remember that the procedures for both methods are drastically different. Many patients do not wish to go through the major discomfort of surgery and would rather deal with the minor issues associated with dentures. You should bring all of your concerns to your dentist before making any final decisions.
Your smile is the first thing many people notice. At Ridgeview Dental we know how important it is to make a great first impression. When looking at the choice of dentures vs dental implants, you can count on our knowledgeable clinicians to help you make the right choice. Call our Centennial, CO offices for a consultation today, and let us help you make the right choice for your future!
