The decision to replace missing teeth is significant and requires a consultation with your dental professional to understand the right course of action for your unique smile. Dental implants vs. dentures might sound like two similar options, but the process of having each one fitted is different.
To weigh the benefits of teeth implants vs. dentures, it is essential to understand who is the right candidate for each form of tooth replacement and consider the costs against the results.
Who Should Get Dentures?
When deciding between teeth implants vs. dentures, it’s crucial to examine how many teeth need replacing. It may be more practical for patients with a single missing tooth to consider implants. However, dentures are a less invasive procedure for people with multiple consecutive missing teeth.
People who have to replace missing teeth surrounded by severely damaged teeth may also opt for dentures over dental implants, as full and partial dentures are ideal for restoring an entire arch. However, since dentures don’t support your jaw, you can expect some bone resorption in the jaw, changing the structure of your face and making it appear less full.
If you are suffering from advanced gum disease or have significant jawbone loss, you may not be a good candidate for a dental implant. In this case, dentures are a good alternative.
Dental implants vs. dentures also present a significant cost difference, with the advanced technology and procedures for dental implants, often requiring a larger initial investment. However, because dental implants are designed to be permanent, they will not need to be replaced if you practice a good at-home oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
Dentures need to be replaced every 5-10 years due to changes in facial structure and wear and tear. This makes dental implants a more affordable solution over the long-term.
Benefits of Teeth Implants vs. Dentures
Dental implants are an innovative option to replace missing teeth because they look and feel like your natural teeth. A dental implant features an artificial tooth root, which is the critical difference defining dental implants vs. dentures. The titanium used to create the implant bonds with the jawbone over 3-6 months. This allows your implant to look, feel and function like a natural tooth.
Once the osseointegration process is complete, and the prosthetic tooth and abutment are attached to the implant, you have a fully functioning tooth that is fused to your jawbone. The benefit of this fusion is that it prevents the jawbone from weakening due to lack of stimulation and support.
Getting dental implants to replace missing teeth also prevents your healthy teeth from shifting into the open space, creating misalignment. Bridge dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth and fasten not only to the implant but the teeth on either side of the gap for support as well.
One of the main benefits of teeth implants vs. dentures is easy maintenance. Dentures need to be removed and require specialised tools and products for proper cleaning. However, dental implants can be cleaned in the same way as your natural teeth with twice-daily brushing and gentle flossing. You can opt for a nylon-interdental brush or a Waterpik to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For people with multiple missing teeth and healthy jawbone, it is not necessary to choose between dental implants vs. dentures. Implant-supported dentures, also called an All-on-Four implant, uses four titanium implant posts to support a traditional denture set securely.
Sometimes dentures might not sit right when chewing or talking, especially if your mouth has an insufficient bone or gum support. If you are missing several teeth, your jawbone begins to shrink and deteriorate with age, causing your denture to no longer fit correctly. The lack of structure can cause the dentures to move around in the mouth, making chewing and talking a challenge.
Implant-supported dentures are a permanent alternative to traditional denture plates because they fit securely in the mouth, stimulate bone regeneration and stabilise the jaw to prevent bone resorption.
The titanium posts are inserted into the jaw, just like in a traditional dental implant procedure. But instead of having a prosthetic tooth fastened on top, the metal posts are used to place the denture and hold it in place. If you’re unsure whether teeth implants vs. dentures are the better options for you, talk to your dentist about this combination.
Which Should I Choose?
Everyone’s situation is unique, and there isn’t a right answer as to whether teeth implants vs. dentures are the better options. Together, you and your dental professional can assess your oral health and decide how you want to replace missing teeth.
The number of teeth that need replacing, your overall gum health and jaw strength, and lifestyle habits, such as smoking, are factors to consider when deciding whether dental implants vs. dentures are the correct solutions for you. Understanding that implants can also be used in combination with dentures can help provide a sense of security for patients who want dentures that fit snugly in the mouth if they are candidates for the implant procedure.
For some patients, the cost is a deciding factor between teeth implants vs. dentures to replace missing teeth. Dentures offer a more affordable restoration option upfront. However, while dental implants may cost more initially due to the advanced technology and materials used, they are ultimately more cost-effective long-term due to their durability and longevity.
Let No Gaps Dental Restore Your Smile
Contact your dentist in Sydney at (02) 8806 0227 for a consultation to discuss tooth restoration options to replace your missing teeth. Together, you and your dentist can determine the right procedure to restore your beautiful smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.