Missing teeth are unhealthy for your mouth and impact your overall health and self-esteem. You don’t need to be ashamed if you’re missing teeth because tooth loss is fairly common for not just the elderly but also younger individuals. Our forefathers replaced dentures made from rare hippopotamus ivory, human bone, and metal fasteners, according to the History Channel. Fortunately, we are blessed to have better options available today. Dental implants vs dentures which one can help restore confidence in your smile and keep your mouth healthy.
Read on if you’re having trouble deciding which one is better for you, dental implants or dentures.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
Both dental implants & dentures serve the same purposes of helping you chew food, improve your speech, support your facial muscles, and help you feel confident; however, there are some differences between them. Let’s look at dental implants vs. dentures in more detail to find which solution is better.
1. Dental Implants
A metal prosthetic root is used to fix dental implants in the jawbone, and the top is fitted with a crown that looks identical to a tooth. Because dental implants are not removable, you can think of them as permanent teeth replacements.
Pros of Dental Implants
- Dental implants are much more natural-looking than dentures.
- You don’t need to remove them for regular cleaning.
- If you take proper care of your dental implants, they can last more than 20 years.
- They are very helpful in maintaining the original structure of your jawbone.
Cons of Dental Implants
- The cost of dental implants is more than dentures because of the level of expertise required and the additional costs of the surgery.
- Sometimes getting dental implants requires additional bone grafting procedures. Implants may not be an option for everyone because they need a sufficient amount of bone.
2. Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic teeth that can be fitted to your mouth. You can get different dentures, like those that only replace a few missing teeth or replace the teeth entirely on the upper or lower jaw.
Pros of Dentures
- They are removable.
- It is the best option for people whose gums and jaws are weak and unhealthy.
- Their cost is less than dental implants.
- Any damage on the dentures can easily be fixed or modified.
- Unlike dental implants, dentures can be trial-tested.
- You don’t need to get anesthetized and have a dentist drill into the bone while getting dentures because they are noninvasive.
- Dentures allow time for your mouth to heal after tooth extraction.
Cons of Dentures
- Dentures without adhesive might slip out while eating.
- Sometimes dentures can make your gums sore and cause the bone underneath them to deteriorate.
- You need to remove them for regular cleaning.
- Dentures may affect the taste of food and your speech.
- They are less comfortable and sturdy than implants.
- Partial dentures can create gum problems and make adjacent teeth vulnerable to decay.
The main differences between dentures vs. implants are their cost and how long they usually last before you need to replace them.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Dental Implants vs. Dentures?
You can measure the pros and cons of dental implants vs. dentures, but the right choice varies depending on the individual. Here are a few other factors you should consider when deciding which is better for you- dental implants vs. dentures:
- Oral Hygiene: You need to clean dentures meticulously every day. However, you can maintain implants simply by brushing & flossing regularly, as you do with original teeth.
- Improved Appearance: If you compare the appearance of implants to dentures, you’ll realize dental implants look and function very naturally and similarly to your teeth, whereas dentures can feel bulky.
- Insurance Coverage: As dental implants are often classified as a cosmetic procedure, insurance usually covers their costs. On the other hand, dentures are typically covered by most dental insurance plans.
- Durability: If you take proper care of your dental implants, they can last years, sometimes even for a lifetime! This also means that its costs can be lower in the long term since dentures, in comparison, require relatively frequent replacements.
- Long-term Oral Health: Dental implants help preserve bone and prevent gum tissue from shrinking if you stimulate them with the forces produced by chewing. This will also reduce the risk of losing your teeth. On the other hand, Dentures that don’t have this effect and, in some cases, can even cause an ill-fitting restoration and accelerate bone loss.
Can’t Decide Which One Be Better for You Dental Implants Vs. Dentures? Contact RiverRock Dental Now!
Dental implants are a more popular choice than a denture for patients with one or two teeth missing, and patients who choose dentures generally have very few teeth remaining or do not have any teeth. Most dental implants are a better alternative if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. Even though both options look realistic, a dental implant may still be slightly more attractive, and you will have no concern about moving out of place.
Now that you know more about dental implants vs. dentures, feel free to contact RiverRock Dental office, Shakopee, MN, to learn which choice is best for your dental replacements.
