Whether it’s dentures or dental implants, just having missing teeth is distressing enough without having to figure out which one would work best for you. Both restoration processes promise you a great, new smile as long as they are done correctly but there are still many factors between the two that show how implants are the better options if you want long-term results without all the issues.
- Dentures are a removable appliance that provides temporary relief for your mouth. They are made to replace missing teeth and gum tissue, which may not always feel inconspicuous even though the initial fitting procedure is non-invasive and relatively quick (the entire process should only take about four visits). With our patients that have had to get used to them, they mentioned that the dentures felt uncomfortable at first and that they had a little trouble chewing, speaking, and with salivation.
- They are the less expensive option compared to dental implants and can come in two options: complete and partial. Complete dentures replace all the teeth necessary within the upper and lower jaws and rest directly on the gums. Partial dentures are used to fill gaps in between natural teeth that are still healthy and are secured by clasps around existing teeth, or attachments that have been fitted onto crowns.
- They serve as an option for people that have bone or gum loss and can’t have dental implants because they require being anchored to the bone. If this is your only option, it’s extremely important to make sure that your dentures are properly cared for with our help.
On the other hand:
- Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw to replace the root of a real tooth, meaning that this process is permanent – which is worth paying a bit more for. Through osseointegration, the bone cells within the jaw work to bond with the post to create an anchor to hold a replacement tooth in place.
- The healing process takes time but is worth waiting for as the replacement teeth and anchors work together to create a strong, natural foundation that can last for many years and won’t bother you as you continue living your life. With our patients who have gotten implants, we’ve seen their confidence levels sore once they were done healing because besides maintenance, they no longer had to worry about the consequences of missing teeth.
- The amount of equipment in your mouth after the procedure is essentially nonexistent. We have worked hard to make sure you’re not inconvenienced by having to keep pieces of metal and other materials in your mouth constantly that can cause more annoyances.
- Tooth loss can cause structural jaw changes and alterations in facial structure that results in a ‘sunken look’ that is unwanted. Implants fill in the spaces that were missing to give you back control over your body.
