If you’re missing teeth or have been told you need various procedures, you’re probably busy weighing the pros and cons of dental implants and dentures.
Although the end result is the same- A Beautiful Smile. The choice that’s right for you depends on several factors.
Here is what you need to know about dentures and implants, and why one but not the other may be the better decision.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Denture:
Dentures are also known as false teeth.
Today’s dentures are stronger and more natural looking. Dentures are less expensive than implants.
Dentures are one of the oldest technologies used.
Denture placement can be done in patients with bone loss and gum loss (whereas implants cannot be done in patients with bone and gum loss).
Fitting dentures is a non-invasive procedure. For dentures, drilling into the bone is not required (unlike in implant procedures, where drilling is done into the bone).
While using dentures, your dentist may recommend having soft foods as well as practicing speaking for the first several weeks.
Sometimes, even in those who have worn false teeth for a long time, dentures shift during eating and speaking, causing discomfort.
Denture adhesive can be used to make the dentures stay in their place. If denture adhesive is used, the patient should clean the denture thoroughly, as it is sticky, and food and debris may stick to it and cause irritation to the patient.
In addition to this, they also cause tooth decay in healthy teeth that are next to dentures, in the case of a partial set that is not properly fitted.
In general, dentures can cause further damage to surrounding teeth and gums. The particular reason for this circumstance is that they make the nearby areas more susceptible to decay.
Over the years there will be a need to remake or reline the dentures.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants:
It is believed by many dentists that dental implants are a superior choice when replacing a tooth.
When patients have one or two teeth missing, they frequently opt for dental implants whereas when the patients have no teeth or very few teeth, they choose dentures.
Dental implants are natural-looking false teeth that your dentist will surgically install into your jaw.
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement.
With proper home maintenance and regular visits to the dentist, your implants can last for decades. Replacement or repair of implants is not needed.
Dental implants are very strong and stable.
In general, dentists prefer implants because they provide a more comfortable, natural option for patients who need tooth replacement–they also won’t damage surrounding teeth or gums.
A dental implant preserves bone quantity and quality. On the other hand, bone quantity and quality are not preserved by dentures.
In social gatherings, you never have to be concerned about the implants falling out while speaking or laughing.
But dental implants are expensive, and many insurance plans do not cover the entire cost.
There is an age limitation for dental implants–teenagers without complete jawbone growth are the sole candidates considered unsuitable for dental implants.