Do you need to replace your missing teeth? You have two options: dentures and implants. What works best for you really comes down to things like your age, how healthy your jawbone is, the shape of the remaining tooth, and what you personally prefer. Both options present a unique balance of advantages and potential disadvantages. That said, you’ll definitely want to talk things over with your dentist first. At the same time, it’s worth knowing about your options so you can confidently proceed with the right procedure. In this blog post, we are going to compare dentures and implants. Let’s get started!
Procedure
Understanding the procedure for both dentures and implants is really crucial so you can make the right decision. So, let’s learn how it goes for both dentures and implants:
Implants
They are screwlike caps or crowns that need enough bone to sit on. According to a 2018 study, they are quite popular among people 50 to 60 years old. In this procedure, the damaged root is removed, and a metal implant is placed in the jawbone to hold the replacement tooth. Once the bone begins to grow around it and hold it in place, a crown is added on top.
The post needs time to heal before the part that holds the crown can be added. Sometimes, this part is added right away.
The last step is to place the crown, which looks like a real tooth, on top.
Dentures
These detachable prosthetics can be taken out and put back in easily. They’re made to fit your mouth, whether or not there’s bone left, and can replace just a few teeth or all of them. They’re custom-shaped from a mold of your gums.
Before designing them, your dentist will also assess your bite and the alignment of your upper and lower teeth. This ensures the length supports the optimal functioning of your mouth, and you can easily chew or speak. The dentist begins by fitting a trial set of dentures, making modifications as needed to achieve correct alignment before the permanent ones are prepared.
Dentures look very natural, and they help in the space with a special type of medical adhesive that glues them to your gums.
Cost
Cost is another important factor that must be carefully weighed when deciding between dentures and dental implants. So, let’s learn the cost associated with each procedure:
Dental implants are costlier than dentures and other types of alternatives. They may cost between $1,600 and $2,200 per tooth. According to the ADA, a full set of upper dentures costs a bit over $1,600, and lower dentures cost about the same.
Now, we have learned about the upfront cost of both procedures, let’s move on to talk about the maintenance as well. You care for implants pretty much the same as your natural teeth. Just brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You need to floss daily and visit your dentist regularly. On the other hand, dentures need more daily care. You should not wear them while sleeping. You need to soak them in a cleaning solution overnight. And, you have to brush them after meals and remove any leftover adhesive from your gums.
Over time, your bite can change, so dentures may need to be adjusted. Implants, however, stay fixed in place, though the crown on top might need replacing if it gets damaged.
Complications from Dentures vs. Implants
Dental implants are generally safe and work well, but they can come with issues like infections or problems with the post or crown getting loose or breaking. Research shows that implants fail about 5 to 10 percent of the time.
The most common problems with dentures include:
- They might not stay in place properly
- Sores or irritation can form on your gums
- Broken Dentures
The good news? Most of these issues can be fixed. Specialize in repairing broken or uncomfortable dentures, restoring comfort and functionality without the need for a full replacement.
Deciding Between Dentures and Implants
When you’re trying to choose what’s best for you, keep these things in mind:
- Age: Implants last a long time, so if you’re in your 60s or younger, they might be a better long-term choice.
Older adults might go with dentures if they want a quicker and less involved process. - Bone Strength: Implants need a strong jaw bone to stay in place. If you’ve lost bone over time due to aging, gum disease, or tooth loss, implants might not be an option unless you get a bone graft, which is a more complex and costly procedure.
- Comfort & Use: Implants often feel more natural and make eating easier. Some people go for implant-supported dentures, a mix of both, which offer better comfort and chewing compared to regular dentures.
- Daily Care: If you’re not likely to clean your dentures properly every day, implants might be a better choice. They’re easier to care for, but they do cost more upfront. Just be honest with yourself about the time and effort you’re willing to put in.
Other Options Besides Dentures and Implants
- Dental Bridge: If you’ve lost a couple of teeth, a bridge might be the solution. It attaches to the teeth beside the empty space to hold everything in place. Most people are happy with bridges, but they do need regular care.
- Temporary Partial Denture (Flipper): A flipper is a simple, removable device that fills the gap in missing teeth. It’s cheap and easy to clean but not very strong or long-lasting.
Often used while waiting for a more permanent fix. - Snap-In Denture: It’s like dentures but with added support from implants. Instead of using glue, these dentures snap onto a few implants placed in your jaw. They’re more stable than regular dentures and can be either removable or fixed. They do cost more and still need some upkeep.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between dentures and implants is a big decision and one you should make with help from your dentist.
Implants cost more, but they can last 20+ years. Dentures are more affordable, but they might need repairs or replacements over time.
Take a good look at your budget, lifestyle, and how much maintenance you’re okay with. That will help you make a confident choice.
