Implants vs. Dentures: Why Dental Implants Make A Better Smile

Dental Implants and Dentures: Choosing the Right Smile for You

Having a smile you can feel good about isn’t just a matter of how you look; it can also help you feel happier and more connected with other people. Unfortunately, poor oral health can result in embarrassment or insecurity, as well as potential health problems over the long term. The good news is that there are several options for replacing missing teeth; two of the most common are dental implants and dentures.

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Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants

What are Dentures?

Dentures are removable oral appliances used to replace missing teeth. “Partial” dentures replace one or several teeth, and are typically clipped onto the existing remaining teeth on either side of the appliance. If all the teeth from the upper or lower arch are missing, full “complete” dentures can be used to restore your smile. For patients looking for a better way to wear a denture, a snap-on denture (or implant retained denture) provides increased stability by snapping the removable denture onto at least two dental implants that have been surgically placed into the jawbone.

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Pros and Cons of Dentures

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Pros:

• They result in a more aesthetically pleasing smile, which can improve confidence and overall happiness.
• They can improve your ability to chew and speak.
• Most types of dentures are easy to remove for cleaning.
• They reduce or eliminate the chances of gum disease and cavities.

Cons:

• They may have to be adjusted periodically and should be replaced every seven to 10 years.
• They can be quite uncomfortable at first, and some people never get used to the feeling of wearing dentures.
• All dentures are prone to coming loose or falling out with heavy pressure, sneezing or coughing, which can make it difficult to speak clearly or eat certain foods.
• They don’t prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to loss of lip support and the inability to place dental implants in the future.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. The posts are then used to anchor the support of custom-made crowns or bridges, replacing the missing teeth. Dental implants can also be used to replace an entire arch, whether it’s on the upper or lower jaw, or both.

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Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

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Pros:

• They give you a more beautiful smile, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
• They feel and function exactly like a healthy tooth; you won’t have to worry about a dental implant coming loose or falling out.
• They last a lifetime if properly cared for, requiring minimal maintenance over the years.
• They prevent bone loss in the jaw by promoting bone stimulation.

Cons:

• You have to meet several requirements to qualify for dental implants, such as being in good general health and not having extensive bone loss in the jaws.

Cost of Dentures vs. Implants

If you compare the up-front dentures vs. implants cost, dentures will have a smaller price tag. However, when comparing long-term costs, dental implants come out ahead. Dentures have to be replaced every seven to 10 years, and often have to be adjusted between replacements. Dental implants, on the other hand, are considered a permanent replacement and end up costing less than dentures over the long term.

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Other Deciding Factors

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Age

Children under the age of 16 aren’t typically eligible for dental implants, since their jawbones are still developing. Adults without health conditions that would hinder implant placement are eligible for this procedure.

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Underlying Bone Health/Structure

In order to successfully place dental implants, the underlying jawbone must be relatively healthy and strong. While dental implants require jawbone and gums that are healthy enough to heal and provide support, dentures only need enough bone structure to rest on.

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Material Durability

The durability of dentures and implants is quite different. Since implants are designed using stronger, more durable materials, dentures are typically made of resin or acrylic plastic. Dentures often need to be adjusted and replaced more often, as the bone and gum tissue beneath them can change quite a bit over time.

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Care and Maintenance

Dental implants can be cared for just like the rest of your teeth, with regular flossing and brushing. Most types of dentures have to be taken out at night for cleaning, and to give your gums a break.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a long-term solution that will bring your smile back, then dental implants could be the preferred solution. They’re more reliable than dentures, cost less over the long term, and are a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth. Hybridge Implants & Smile Restoration can transform more than just your teeth; it can restore your confidence.

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FAQs

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Who is eligible for dentures vs. implants?

Both dentures and implants require healthy gums and bone structure in the jaws. With dentures, this is to provide enough structure for the appliance to rest on. For implants, this is so the surrounding tissue and bone is healthy enough to heal around the implant and to support the teeth.

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Are dentures better than implants?

This ultimately depends on your individual preferences and objectives, but dental implants are often selected because of their superior functionality, longevity, and appearance.

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Why do dental implants cost more than dentures?

Implants and the teeth they support are custom fitted for each individual, require surgery to place the implants, and both the teeth and implants are made of highly durable customized materials. Dentures are also custom-fitted, but don’t typically require as much surgery, and are made with less costly materials.