If you’ve been asking yourself are dental implants worth it, you’re probably looking for ways to replace several missing teeth. This article discusses the benefits of implants compared to dentures to help you form your own opinion. So, let’s jump in and take a look.
It’s estimated that the average Australian adult is missing 4.5 of their teeth which will need replacing at some point in their lives, yet tooth loss can occur for many reasons. Accidents, poor oral health, conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even genetics can all cause tooth loss issues. Often, tooth loss can even be attributed to general wear and tear that occurs with age.
To replace several teeth, patients will typically be faced with two options: dentures or dental implants. So what’s the difference?
False teeth or dentures are the traditional method of teeth replacement and you probably know of several people who wear them. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a modern alternative that uses cutting-edge technology to secure a full set of prosthetic teeth onto 4 to 6 implants placed into the jaw.
This is what is regarded as a permanent solution to tooth replacement.
For those of you who may not know, a dental implant is placed by a dentist into the jaw bone during oral surgery and supports a crown although collectively, just a few implants can support a bridge or denture.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, the dental implant procedure costs more than a simple set of dentures which is why you may find yourself wondering are dental implants worth it. Is it a cost worth paying? Let’s dive in and take a look…
Are dental implants worth it? – Cost compared to dentures
Initially, dentures are significantly cheaper than implants as they usually cost around a third of the price. However, even the best quality dentures are likely to need replacing due to wear and tear ( somewhere between 5 and 10 years). Also, there are maintenance costs to factor in such as cleaning products, dental adhesives, and repairs.
Alternatively, dental implants boast a success rate of 95% and over which is why they’re considered a safe and reliable form of teeth replacement. With proper care (similar to that of caring for natural teeth) they can last for 15 to 20 years which, in the long-term, makes them more economical and therefore cost-effective than dentures.
In addition to the monetary cost, however, there are other costs which need to be taken into account when considering if dental implants are worth it. These include:
A cost to self-confidence
Unfortunately, dentures do have a certain stigma. Many of us remember as children our grandparents wearing clunky dentures; how they faced a constant battle to eat hard foods, how they looked so different when they weren’t wearing them, and even how their dentures could suddenly fall out unexpectedly.
While modern dentures are more lifelike we’re not exaggerating when we say that even contemporary dentures can impact a wearer’s self-confidence. This can be almost to the point where the wearer becomes reclusive often afraid to eat in public or socialise for fear that their dentures may slip or fall out causing them embarrassment.
In contrast, a dental implant is fixed securely in place and feels just like a real tooth. As a result, just like with a natural tooth, there is no danger of a dental implant moving no matter how hard you sneeze, speak or laugh.
Cost of food choices
Another issue with denture wearers is that they typically have to switch to a diet of soft foods excluding tougher crunchy foods that are hard to chew. This is because dentures typically provide as little as 30% of the mouth’s natural chewing capability. Ultimately foods like raw vegetables, nuts and red meat become difficult to eat and the result is that pressure on the jaw often causes sore spots on wearer’s gums.
Conversely, with dental implants, you have the freedom to eat whatever you like. So why is this?
Dentures supported by dental implants increase the chewing power to somewhere between 70-90%. Furthermore, implant-supported dentures remain in place when eating and don’t make any noise, whereas a traditional denture may click when a person eats or speaks. Finally, many people report that they can’t taste their food as well when wearing a denture as they did before.
Costs to appearance
Unfortunately, because dentures only rest on the gums, the jawbone lacks any stimulation from teeth or dental implants which causes bone loss to occur and the jawbone to deteriorate.
Moreover, Ill-fitting dentures can also exacerbate the problem since compressive forces reduce the density of the gums and eventually that of the jawbone.
The good news is that when dental implants are inserted into the jaw they fuse with the jawbone acting as natural tooth roots. Not only does a dental implant help prevent bone loss but it also encourages regeneration of bone around it, helping to preserve a youthful look.
When you’re looking to replace several teeth, it’s important to look at the options and what works best for you in the long run. Dentures may save you money short-term but are likely to cost more long-term not just in monetary terms but in costs to your self-confidence, appearance and food choices. For many of our patients who have opted for a dental implant-supported denture, their only regret is that they didn’t take the plunge sooner.
So, are dental implants worth it? We’ll let you decide!
If you would like to know more about implants, treatment, and how they could benefit you, why not make an appointment with the friendly team at a No Gaps dental clinic near you.
Call us now at (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.