If you have one or more missing teeth and are facing the dilemma of having to choose between a dental implant vs dentures, then you may have a whole slew of questions you need answering. Questions like… which is best for you in the long-term? Which is right for your given situation, budget restraints and costs and how do they each compare with other types of restoration?
Don’t worry because we’re going to give you those answers and more besides as we discuss dental implants vs dentures – which is best?
Dental implant vs dentures – Where To Start?
The best place to start would be to talk about what they are and how they work. So let’s do exactly that…
Both a denture and a dental implant have the ability to replace missing teeth. They both restore the functionality of a bite and the aesthetics of a smile (albeit to differing degrees of success). However, that really is where the similarities lie.
A denture, for example, can either be full or partial and is designed to sit on the gum line or be supported by nearby teeth.
Whereas a dental implant is a standalone appliance that is anchored firmly into the jawbone at the missing tooth site.
A denture relies on the suction of the contours of the gum to hold it in place but a dental implant relies on a process known as osseointegration (bone fusion) – a process where the bone tissue fuses with the implant over time to become part of the structure of the mouth.
So what does this mean to those looking to replace missing teeth?
A dental implant vs dentures is the difference between having a restoration that remains permanently fitted in the mouth as opposed to one which is frequently removed – There are exceptions to this, but more about these later.
In the meantime, if you can imagine a dental implant as a permanent structure and a denture as a removable oral appliance, then you won’t go far wrong.
What About Pros and Cons?
Now we’ve talked about what each one is and how it works, it’s perhaps a good time to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Firstly dental implants…
The advantages of dental implants are many. As already stated, once in position they become part of your mouth. As such, they remain permanently attached and can be treated just like your normal teeth. Moreover because dental implants remain stable, they aren’t prone to embarrassing slippage and movement when you eat or speak. Finally, perhaps the biggest advantage of dental implants is that they help to retain bone…
When teeth are missing, it can trigger a series of events that result in bone loss (bone atrophy). Bone loss occurs because the bone tissue that once supported the missing tooth root is no longer needed. As such, it gets reabsorbed back into the body. Over time, this can result in substantial jaw loss. Did you know, for instance, that in the first year after tooth loss up to 25% of the entire jaw structure is lost?
Because dental implants are anchored firmly into the jaw, it tricks the body into thinking that they are new tooth roots (which in effect they are). As such the body believes that the remaining bone tissue is now needed to support them and hey presto… no more bone loss!
What about the disadvantages?
If you’ve ever looked into getting dental implants you’ll know that (initially at least) they don’t come cheap. In fact, when it comes to replacing missing teeth, they are by far the most expensive option.
The second factor to think about is that the dental implant process requires surgery – and while this is relatively quick and comfortable, it still requires you to undergo a surgical process and all the recovery time that goes with it.
The final factor is time…
Getting dental implants is not a quick process. In fact, it’s a multi-stage process that can take up to 9 months to complete. In other words, dental implants are not a quick fix solution.
So, now we’ve talked about dental implants, it’s only right and proper that we talk a little bit about dentures.
Firstly the advantages…
Unlike dental implants, dentures can be fitted without surgery (typically in just two sittings). So no surgery and no recovery time to worry about, simply pop them in and go.
The second advantage is that they are on average one to two thirds cheaper than dental implants initially. So if you are on a tight budget, then you may want to consider dentures as a suitable option.
So what about the disadvantages?
Unfortunately, when it comes to a dental implant vs dentures, there are several disadvantages to dentures that you don’t get with dental implants. For example…
Because dentures sit on the gum line they can be prone to movement and slippage over time, especially as the jaw shrinks. This in turn can cause painful rubbing and discomfort.
In addition, because they apply constant pressure to the gums, particularly when a person bites down, it can exacerbate the bone loss process and help to erode the jaw further.
Finally, because the jaw is being eroded quicker, dentures continually need adjustment. Eventually (usually after somewhere between 7-10 years) they will need replacing. Dental implants, on the other hand, remain in the mouth for several decades or more with the right care and attention.
So, the verdict…
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide the more stable and permanent option and one that possibly will never need replacing.
On the contrary, dentures provide a lower cost, quick-fix solution that allows you to gain back your smile instantly- well, within two dental visits anyway.
Naturally, when considering the dental implants vs dentures debate as a whole, we would suggest that implants provide a good long-term and hassle-free investment that allows you to live your life to the full. Whereas dentures offer a more temporary solution that will need replacing after several years.
If you would like to know more about how a dental implant can help you then book yourself a free smile consultation at No Gaps Dental. Our dentists will give you all the information you need to know and explain our flexible payment plans to make treatments more affordable.
So what are you waiting for? Book a consultation today! Call us now on (02) 8806 0227.