Replacing missing teeth isn’t just about improving your appearance. If you’ve lost your teeth, filling the gap will prevent any oral health issues and support your healthy teeth, so they don’t become crooked.
And fortunately, you don’t have to go through life with missing teeth anymore. Today, you have countless options available – Dentures & Dental Implants being the popular ones.
But while both treatments ultimately serve the same purpose, choosing the right solution depends on several factors, including your age, bone density, cost, and preferences.
So, What is the better option – Dentures or Dental Implants?
Here are a few significant differences you ought to consider before deciding on either of the treatments.
Dentures Vs. Dental Implants – Understanding The Basics
Dentures are oral appliances used to replace missing teeth. And depending on the extent of your tooth loss, your dentist can recommend a full or partial denture. Unlike a full denture that can replace your entire arch of teeth, partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth.
Dentures sit on top of your gums and need to be removed at night so your gums can recover. And when you aren’t wearing your dentures, you need to place them in a glass of water or a special denture cleaning solution to avoid any cracking.
On the other hand, Dental Implants are a permanent solution to your missing teeth. Typically made of titanium, it is placed in your jaw to support a crown on top. As opposed to dentures, implants look and function like your natural teeth.
So, you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about any slippage or cracks. However, you still need to care for your dental implants just as you would for your natural teeth, i.e., brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular dental checkups.
Dentures Vs. Implant – Which Works Better?
Maintenance
When it comes to dental implants, the care is similar to as you would for natural teeth. Meaning you need to brush twice daily with a soft bristle brush, floss, and have regular dental checkups.
As for dentures, greater maintenance is required. For starters, you shouldn’t wear them overnight. Instead, you should soak them in water or a special cleaning solution at night.
Your next step in denture maintenance should be brushing them. And this should be ideally done daily, especially after eating. You may also need to remove any adhesive that remains on your gums.
Suppose your dentures come loose in the long run. It doesn’t mean they’ve become useless. Because your bite changes over time, your dentures will need to be refitted from time to time. Comparatively, dental impacts are permanent fixtures that don’t come loose. But they may require to crown replacement if the original crown cracks or breaks.
Appearance
Speaking of appearance, dental implants look and function very naturally, nearly similar to your teeth. Dentures, on the other hand, can feel bulky. But, if you get your dentures made by a professional, most people won’t be able to tell it apart. It all depends on how much you’re willing to pay for it.
Durability
A dental implant is a winner when it comes to durability. Dental implants can last for years, given that you care for them properly. Also, this means lower costs in the long term. Since dentures, on the other hand, will need replacement every five to eight years or so.
Comfort
Dental implants feel more natural and fit better because they’re fused to your jawbone. Also, they aren’t uncomfortable as well, especially after you’ve had them for a couple of weeks.
Dentures, on the other hand, can cause slight discomfort. You might experience bulkiness, excessive salivation, soreness, irritation, and difficulty chewing. However, it all gets better as you get used to your dentures over time. But the fact that dental implants are a permanent fixture makes them a more comfortable option for tooth replacement.
Long Term Oral Health
Since your chewing forces are stimulating, this helps implants preserve your bone and prevent any gum tissue from shrinking. What’s more, you have a lower risk of losing more teeth.
However, dentures don’t have a similar effect. In fact, an ill-fitting denture can even accelerate bone loss in some cases.
Cost
Generally speaking, the initial cost of dental implants is higher. But it mostly depends on how many additional procedures you need to undergo.
Dentures, in comparison, have a low initial cost. But since dentures need frequent adjustments and replacement, you should also factor in that expense. And this could make dentures far more expensive than dental implants in the long run.
Also, keep in mind that your insurance can pay up to half of the total cost of your dentures. Whereas dental implants are less likely to be covered under your dental insurance.
Dentures Vs. Dental Implants – Pros & Cons
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Dentures Vs. Dental Implants – Making a Decision?
Age
Considering dental implants are a permanent solution, it’s a better choice for individuals aged 60 or younger. They can enjoy more use out of them.
On the flip side, dentures are suitable for older people who don’t want to be bothered with long invasive procedures.
Oral Hygiene
Consider dental implants if you aren’t confident that you can take good care of your dentures. Although slightly expensive, dental implants are low maintenance and don’t require high levels of care.
Bone Density
Implants require a healthy amount of jawbone for optimal support when it comes to implants. And if your bone loss is greater, resulting from age, diseases, tooth loss, or injury, dentures are a better option for you.
However, if you prefer dental implants, you can still go for them with the help of bone grafting procedures to increase your jawbone density. But this means the procedure will be more costly and time-consuming.
Schedule an Appointment Today
At the Dental & Implant Centers of Colorado, we provide a range of tooth replacement options, including dentures and tooth implants. Our friendly staff is willing to answer all your questions about dentures, dental implants, and other oral health needs.
To book an appointment with one of our dentists, call ( 720) 740-0696.
