There is much to consider when choosing between dentures or implants, as there are benefits to both options. It is important to consider how each option will affect you before making the decision: you want to find a solution that works for you and your life.
To determine the right option for you, start by measuring the facts. Our experts here at Vellore Woods Dentistry can advise on the best options for you. Here, we present the rundown on both dentures and implants.
Why Do You Need Implants and Dentures?
Both dentures and implants have their positives and negatives. However, they are both able to correct missing teeth. If you are experiencing tooth loss or decay due to grinding your teeth, decay, diseases, or injuries, then implants or dentures are for you.
If you are missing teeth, you are probably aware of the discomfort. It can be difficult to chew and even to speak. Teeth impact the way that we form sounds. This means that without the use of dentures or implants, oral functionality is near impossible.
Not only are missing teeth uncomfortable, but they are also a major risk factor for continued issues. Gaps and missing teeth are the perfect places for bacteria to grow. This is why it is important to find a solution—and quickly. Both implants and dentures can help rectify this issue.
What Are Dental Implants?
An implant is a more permanent, natural-feeling version of dentures. They are a form of cosmetic dentistry and are widely available. A dental implant contains an implant screw, crown, and abutment. When combined, these form a tooth that can be inserted where the previous one was.
Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone. This also means that persons who have lost all their teeth are not candidates for implants. Implants require a strong jawbone for anchoring. Implants function just like the rest of the teeth in your mouth: they bond with the bone and almost feel like a regular tooth.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are another solution to the issue of tooth loss. Unlike dental implants, dentures are not permanent. They can be taken in and out of your mouth at will. Dentures are like a removable prosthetic that fits over your gums. The top denture covers the gums and roof of the mouth, while the bottom just covers the gums.
Your dentist will take measurements of your mouth and use these to create a perfectly customized set of dentures. They fit your mouth and only your mouth.
There are several varieties of dentures to fit the condition of the user:
- A conventional full denture contains a full set of teeth. This would be for a person who does not have any teeth. Dentures should not be used until after the mouth has completely healed.
- The second type of denture is the immediate full denture. Unlike the conventional full denture, there is no period of healing time after tooth removal. It is implemented immediately after the tooth is removed. Later after the mouth heals, the immediate full denture must be recreated according to the new mouth measurements. This allows for a perfectly fitted set of teeth.
- The third type of denture is a partial denture. This refers to a set of dentures that do not include every tooth. This would be for a person who has lost some but not all of their teeth. A partial denture rests on a metal framework. It does not cover the remaining healthy teeth but fills in the gap for the ones that have been removed.
What Are the Differences Between Dentures and Implants?
Although they serve the same purpose, there are many differences between dentures and implants:
Price
As implants require placement via a procedure, they tend to be much more expensive than dentures. Dentures are a more cost-effective method. They allow you to function day-to-day with the ability to chew and communicate, without breaking the bank.
Comfort
Implants have the upper hand when it comes to comfort. They attach to the bone and feel just like real teeth. They are scientifically proven to be as strong as the rest of your teeth. They are long-lasting and fit easily into the spaces between your remaining teeth.
On the other hand, dentures often feel bulky. They can slip around in your mouth, even with the use of adhesives. While they do allow for improved chewing, they can only be used to chew certain types of foods. Foods that are excessively sticky or chewy can present difficulties for dentures.
Ease of Use
While dentures are less expensive, they are also not permanent. They can be taken in and out of the mouth at will. They do need to be cleaned. If they are immediate full dentures, they need to be replaced in a few months. This means an extra trip to the dentist.
Dentures also require adhesives and other materials to keep them in place all day. The ongoing maintenance and upkeep are what makes their ease of use less desirable than implants.
Implants are permanent and once they’re in, they don’t require extensive upkeep. Just brush and floss as normal. This means implants are a no-fuss method.
Which Is Right for You?
Evaluating the factors can take time. Hopefully, this guide helped you to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of dentures vs. implants. It is essential to look at what is important to you about price, comfort, and ease of use in order to make your decision.
Remember that implants are a more expensive, but more natural-feeling, long-lasting investment. However, they also can require you to meet qualifications of appropriate bone density and other factors. Dentures are easier and much cheaper to obtain and maintain.
A good dentist will work with you to ensure that you can meet the qualifications and get the implants or dentures that you deserve. If you struggle with tooth loss, consider these options and know that a beautiful smile is within reach!