By Dr. Jon ( Junyi ) Ho When you lose your natural teeth, it can have a profound impact on your life. Not only can it make eating and speaking more difficult, but it can also lead to feelings of self-consciousness and insecurity.
Dentures and implants are two popular dental treatment options for replacing missing teeth. Both have pros and cons, but which is right for you?
When considering replacement teeth options, patients should weigh the pros and cons of dentures vs. dental implants to make the most appropriate decision for their needs.
In this post, we’ll look at the differences between the two to help you decide. Keep reading!
Contents Navigation
- 0.1 What Are Dentures?
- 0.2 What Are the Advantages of Dentures?
- 0.3 What Are the Disadvantages of Dentures?
- 0.4 What Are Dental Implants?
- 0.5 What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
- 0.6 What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
- 0.7 When Are Dentures a Better Option Than Dental Implants?
- 0.8 When Are Dental Implants a Better Option Than Dentures?
- 0.9 Final Thoughts
- 1 Frequently Asked questions
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are replacement teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth. They’re made to look like your natural teeth and can help restore your beautiful smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, dentures can give you back your ability to eat, speak and smile confidently.
There are two types of dentures: partial dentures, which replace some of the teeth, and complete dentures, which replace a full arch of teeth. They are commonly made of different materials, such as acrylic or metal. They are held in place by the suctioning effect between the denture and the jawbone or by clasps attached to adjacent teeth. In some cases, patients may also use denture adhesives.
Dentures are worn during the day and removed at night for cleaning. They must be taken out, cleaned regularly, and soaked in a cup filled with denture cleaner or water when you are not wearing them.
Dentures may feel uncomfortable initially, but you will get used to them over time.
What Are the Advantages of Dentures?
Dentures are a popular solution for tooth loss, as they provide replacement teeth that look like natural teeth. In addition, dentures offer several other advantages, including:
- The cost of dentures is lower than dental implants. This makes them a more affordable option.
- They can be removed for cleaning, which is impossible with dental implants.
- They do not need invasive procedures, unlike dental implants, which require surgery.
- They can help support your facial muscles and keep your face from looking sunken in.
If you are considering dentures, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully. Dentures vs. dental implants is a common debate, but ultimately it is a personal decision. Talk to your dentist to see if dentures are the right choice for you.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dentures?
Dentures have been around for centuries, and they’re a tried-and-true solution for people who have lost all or most of their natural teeth. However, dentures also have some disadvantages.
- They’re not as strong as natural teeth, so you have to be careful with them.
- Removable dentures can also slip out of place, which can be embarrassing and inconvenient.
- Dentures don’t last forever. They usually need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
- Dentures can be uncomfortable and must be constantly adjusted to fit properly.
While dentures have some drawbacks, they are still a popular choice for replacement teeth due to their relatively low cost.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They are replacement teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once in place, they provide a strong and stable foundation for prosthetic teeth such as dental crowns, dentures, or dental bridges.
A dental implant has three parts:
- The implant post, which acts as the artificial tooth root.
- The abutment, which is the connector between the implant and the false teeth.
- The dental prosthesis, which can be a crown, bridge or denture
Tooth implants are made of titanium, a metal compatible with the human body. Titanium implants support prostheses that look and function like natural teeth, allowing them to last a lifetime with proper care.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Wondering if dental implants are right for you? Let’s compare dentures vs. dental implants. Here are four advantages of dental implants over dentures to help you make your decision:
- Dental implants are replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like real teeth. Unlike conventional dentures, which can slip and shift in your mouth, dental implants are securely anchored in place.
- Dental implants have a high success rate and are made to last longer. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Dentures, on the other hand, usually need to be replaced every five to seven years.
- Dental implants don’t just replace teeth and improve facial appearance – they also help to preserve your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, bone loss occurs because the bone around it begins to deteriorate. However, because dental implants fuse with your jawbone, they help stimulate bone growth, thereby preventing deterioration, preserving the facial structure, and promoting good oral health.
- Dental implants are a low-maintenance option for replacement teeth. You care for them just like you would your natural teeth – brush twice a day and floss daily. Dentures require special cleaning solutions and brushes and must be removed and soaked overnight.
If you’re considering replacement teeth, ask your dentist about tooth implants.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular, offering several advantages over dentures. However, they have disadvantages, too, which include the following:
- Dental implant treatment comes with a higher price tag than dentures. Dental implants typically cost more upfront than dentures.
- They require oral surgery. Placing dental implants requires surgically placing them in the jawbone. This is a more invasive procedure than getting dentures.
- There’s a longer healing time. The jawbone typically takes 4-6 months to heal after dental implant surgery, and you will likely need to eat soft foods and take pain medication. With dentures, there is no healing time required.
- There’s a risk of complications. As with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications, such as infection or nerve damage. These risks are usually low, but they should be considered before deciding on dental implants.
- Dental implants require sufficient jawbone density for the titanium posts to be successfully placed. Those with inadequate jaw bone need additional surgical procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
When Are Dentures a Better Option Than Dental Implants?
Dentures may be a better choice for patients with extensive jawbone loss but unwilling to undergo additional procedures like bone grafting or sinus lift. Also, if you’re looking to have your teeth replaced in a shorter time, dentures will be able to provide a quicker result than implants.
Dentures are also a more affordable treatment option. If you’re looking for a cheaper treatment alternative, dentures may be a better option than dental implants.
When Are Dental Implants a Better Option Than Dentures?
Implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth. They are also more durable than dentures, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking or slipping out of place.
Implants are also a good choice if you have trouble wearing traditional dentures. If your gum tissues are too sensitive or you have difficulty keeping your dentures in place, implants might be right for you.
Of course, dental implants are more expensive than dentures upfront but can last much longer and provide a better level of chewing function. If you can afford it, dental implants are always the better option.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between dentures and dental implants, there are a few things to consider.
First of all, dentures are usually cheaper upfront. However, they require frequent replacement, which can add up over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a longer-lasting solution. Once installed, you won’t need to worry about them loosening or slipping. They also tend to be more comfortable and natural-looking than dentures.
Unfortunately, dental implants are not usually covered by private health insurance. But, if you’re looking for a long-term solution that could improve your quality of life and are willing to pay out of pocket, dental implants might be the right choice.
We hope this article has given you a good overview of both tooth replacement options and that you feel better equipped to decide which type of tooth replacement is best for you.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Darch Dental Centre. Schedule an appointment, and we would be happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked questions
Some restrictions must be followed after dental implant surgery for the implant to heal properly.
- For the first few days after surgery, it is important to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity. This means no heavy lifting, no vigorous exercise, and no bending or stooping.
- You should also avoid drinking from a straw, as this can cause the clot plugging your wound to be detached, leading to further bleeding in the implant site.
- You will need to stick to soft foods for a week or so after surgery, as hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can cause injury to the implant site.
- You will need to avoid smoking. It can interfere with the healing process and increase your risk for complications after surgery.
Following these restrictions will help you have a hassle-free recovery.
When carefully placed by an experienced dentist, same-day implants are just as reliable and long-lasting as traditional implants. Very often, pain is minimised during the process since less surgical involvement is required. With this breakthrough in dental science, same-day dental implants offer patients a much more convenient and effective restoration solution.
Dental implants require the same care afforded to natural teeth. It is important to brush and floss around the implant to keep the area clean and free from bacteria. In addition, it is important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Following these simple steps can help your dental implants stay healthy and last for many years.
Unfortunately, the answer is usually no. Private health insurance usually considers dental implants to be a cosmetic procedure, and as such, they are not covered by most plans.
However, this does not mean that you are entirely out of luck. A few private health insurance companies will cover dental implants in certain cases, such as when they are used to replace teeth lost due to an accident or injury.
If you want to know if your private health insurance will cover your dental implants, we recommend contacting them directly to find out for sure.
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