Dentures vs Implants
If you have found yourself to be one of the many American adults who have lost one or more permanent teeth, you are now looking to replace those teeth. There are a number of options to talk to the dentist about which include dentures and dental implants. The best choice for you and your needs will help you address the factors that are most important to you like your budget, your preference, and your overall health. Both dentures and dental implants have disadvantages as compared to the other option so be sure to ask about all the options with the dentist.
Both dentures and dental implants provide the same results including:
- Improved chewing
- Improved clarity when speaking
- Better facial structure support
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
The similarities between dentures and dental implants end there. The pros and cons of each option should be considered before you make a final choice.
Implants
Dental implants are a post placed below the gums and screwed into the jaw bone. There is an abutment that sits on top of the post that attaches the crown to the implant. According to a 2018 study, dental implants are becoming more and more popular among adults ages 55 to 64.
Before the dentist can place the implant into the jawbone, the damaged tooth and its root must be removed. Then the dentist can drill a hole into the jaw where the post is set to heal. The bone and the implanted post will fuse together through a process called osseointegration. Once this is progressing, the dentist can place the crown on top of the implant using the post as the replacement tooth’s root. There may be a few months between the placing of the implant and the adding of the crown.
Dentures
Dentures are replacement teeth made from a few different materials that can be removed from your mouth for cleaning and maintenance. Your jaw bone does not need to be as strong or as dense to support dentures as it does to support dental implants. Dentures can be used to replace just a few teeth, all of the teeth on one jaw, or your whole mouth. The dentist will study your bite, jaw alignment, and mouth measurements to ensure your dentures are the ideal fit. A preliminary set of dentures will be created and the dentist can make the necessary adjustments to them to ensure your final dentures provide you with a good fit, clear speech, and effective chewing. The dentures will be designed to look like your natural teeth and gums and they will be held in place by a combination of adhesive and suction.
Cost of dentures vs. implants
Dentures are less expensive than dental implants, but there are a variety of factors that will affect the actual final price of your tooth replacement. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants can cost between $1,600 and $2,200 per tooth. Additionally, a set of upper denture cost about $1,600 and the price for the lower jaw is about the same.
Maintenance of dentures vs. implants
The care for dental implants is very easy and comparable to your usual dental hygiene practices for your natural teeth. You will continue to brush with a soft bristle brush twice a day, floss, and maintain regular dental appointments. Dental implants will only need to be replaced if they are damaged or cracked, which is very rare.
The care for dentures is a bit more specialized to ensure that the dentures last as long as possible. You should not wear your dentures overnight; instead, they need to be placed a special cleaning solution that also moisturizes the prosthetic. To clean dentures daily, they should be removed after eating and brushed. When you take the dentures out of your mouth, you may need to brush away any remaining denture adhesive. The dentures will need to be refit after some time because your jaw will change.
Complications from dentures vs. implants
Dental implants are placed through surgery so any complications that can come with surgery can result from your dental implants. The most common complications that occur in the rare instances when there are problems are infections, cracked or broken parts, or loose implants. These complications are known to happen about 5 to 10 percent of the time.
Dentures do make your life easier by replacing your missing teeth, but they also have issues. Dentures do not stay in place even when you use denture adhesive. When dentures do not fit your mouth properly, they can cause sores on your gums.
Making a decision on dentures vs. implants
When you and the dentist are talking about your treatment plan to replace your missing teeth, you will want to consider the following:
- Age – Dental implants are a long term and more permanent solution, so people who are 60 or younger prefer them. When you can expect to use your dental implants for a few decades, it proves to be a good investment. Other adults who are not in good health or do not heal as well from surgery due to their age may prefer dentures because they are less invasive.
- Bone Density – Dental implants require the jaw bone to be strong enough and dense enough to support the implanted post. When you have lost bone density due to advanced gum disease, injury, osteoporosis, cancer, or cancer treatment then you may not be an ideal candidate for dental implant. Bone grafting can be helpful in growing new bone tissue in the jaw, but it does add a layer of complication and an extra expense to the dental implant process.
- Function and Feel – Dental implants will look and function more like your natural teeth. You will have better strength chewing and more comfort over all as compared to dentures. Implant supported dentures are a hybrid that can help dentures function more like dental implants.
- Hygiene – If you are not ready to add another step to your at home dental hygiene routine in order to properly care for your dentures, then you should look into dental implants.