Dental Implants vs Dentures – Which Should You Choose?

If you don’t like the thought of wearing dentures for the rest of your life then it’s good to know there are other options. Nowadays more people than ever are choosing dental implants over dentures to replace missing teeth and restore their smile. But which is best for you – implants or dentures? 

Let’s take a look at the difference between dental implants vs dentures and find out what’s best for your needs.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a rod or screw made from titanium that’s implanted into the jawbone. It serves as an artificial tooth root and over time the implant fuses with the surrounding bone to act as a platform for a false tooth or crown. The result is a replacement tooth that looks just like the real thing.

Dentures in more detail 

Dentures are removable custom made teeth designed to sit on the gum line. They can be crafted from various materials including nylon, acrylic or metal.

Moreover, depending on how many teeth you need to replace, dentures can be either partial or complete.

A partial denture is used when an individual is missing the odd tooth here or there whereas a complete denture is used when there are no teeth remaining in either the upper, lower, or both arches. 

Dental Implants vs Dentures – Bite by Bite 

So, that’s the difference between a dental implant and a denture. But when you are looking at the best way to replace missing teeth i.e. dental implants vs dentures, how do these two dental options stack up against each other? We’ve broken things down for you. 

Longevity 

A dental implant is considered a long-lasting restoration but how long can it actually last? 

People often say that they can last a lifetime but in reality that depends on how well they’re cared for. What we can say with certainty is that the very first implants placed by Dr Per Ingvar Branemark were still in place when his patient died some forty years later. However, we can’t guarantee that your dental implant or implants will last that long but clinical studies – and our experience – suggest it could easily be several decades or more. 

What about dentures? Generally speaking, dentures should last between 5 and 10 years and then they’re likely to need repair or replacement. So, in the great dental implants vs dentures debate, when it comes to longevity, dental implants have the upper hand. 

Functionality

While a dental implant isn’t a like-for-like replacement of a real tooth, it’s similar in strength and performance to a natural tooth. When comparing dental implants vs dentures, a dental implant restores 80% and in some cases, more of a patient’s bite force which means they can pretty much eat anything they like. However, when it comes to dentures, studies have shown that traditional dentures restore around 25% -35% of a person’s bite force which can make it difficult for them to bite into certain foods and make chewing some foods tedious. If you’re a ‘foodie’ then choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth could be the best decision in the long term.

Aesthetics 

When it comes to appearance in general, dental implants are more natural-looking than dentures and are carefully shaped, sized, and colour matched to blend seamlessly into the smile. That said if a person gets custom dentures made by an experienced dental professional most people would be hard-pushed to tell the difference. It all boils down to how much you’re prepared to pay. 

With advances in dental technology, modern-day dentures are lighter and more natural-looking than the clunky dentures of old so for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to replace their missing teeth with implants, dentures can be a good choice.

Comfort

Let’s look at dental implants vs dentures and comfort. 

A dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone using the latest technology to ensure the correct trajectory and placement. As such, it should be a good fit and feel natural in the mouth without causing any discomfort, particularly when it has been in place for a couple of weeks or more. 

Dentures, on the other hand, can feel slightly more uncomfortable. Soreness, bulkiness excessive saliva and movement are all common complaints. Although you will get accustomed to wearing your dentures after a couple of months, the fact that a dental implant is a permanent part of your mouth makes it a more comfortable option. 

Cost 

The price of dental implants varies according to whether you need to have other procedures such as a bone graft. Also, many dental insurances prove some element of cover for dentures but unfortunately, that’s not always the case with a dental implant. However, bearing in mind that dentures tend not to last as long, it’s necessary to factor in repair and replacement costs. This could make dental implants more cost-effective than dentures in the longer term. 

Dental Implants vs Dentures – What’s the Verdict?

Perhaps the most significant advantage of dental implants to replace missing teeth is that they preserve the bone in the jaw so that the facial structure remains intact and keeps a person looking younger. Implants allow you to go about your day without even thinking about your teeth. 

Removable dentures, however, may need adhesive to keep them in place and staying on top of removing adhesive and regular cleanings can be a chore.

If you’d like to find out about the benefits of dental implants vs dentures why not come and speak with the experienced dental team at No Gaps Dental. There is no obligation to commit, it’s just a good way to help you make an informed decision as to what’s best for you. 

Call us today at (02) 8806 0227.