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Is it Better to Get Implants or Dentures? – Choosing the Right Treatment
Confused about whether is it better to get implants or dentures? You’re in the right spot.
It’s understandable to feel desolate after tooth loss. And the situation gets even more overwhelming when faced with the decision of making the perfectly right choice for your tooth replacement treatment.
We recognize that tooth loss can make it challenging to smile, eat, and speak confidently. Additionally, missing teeth can impact overall oral health.
Dentures and dental implants are among the two most popular options for replacing missing teeth. We are here to give you a breakdown of the pros and cons of each treatment so you can find out the answer to the question, “Is it better to get implants or dentures?”
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root, usually crafted from titanium, that is inserted into your jaw to eventually support a crown. Dental implants are highly popular for their natural appearance and function. With dental implants, you are able to enjoy all your favorite foods with no worry about slipping dentures.
Pros of Dental Implants
- They have a 95% success rate.
- The implant posts take the place of tooth roots, preventing bone loss and maintaining the shape of your face.
- They restore normal chewing abilities and have no food restrictions, as they are more durable than removable dentures.
- Since implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and fuse with the surrounding bone, they are secure and won’t fall out, slip, or impact your speech.
- They feel and function like natural teeth, and with proper care, this investment can last a lifetime.
Cons of Dental Implants
- Initially, implants are considerably more costly than dentures.
- The entire implant process may span from four to nine months, or even longer, and will require multiple visits to your dentist’s office.
- The procedure involves surgery and a lengthy healing period.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are oral appliances designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Depending on the extent of your tooth loss, your dentists might suggest either a full or partial denture. A full denture replaces an entire set of teeth, while a partial denture replaces only a few missing teeth.
Pros of Dentures
- They help maintain the natural shape of your face.
- You’ll be able to speak and eat more effectively than with missing teeth.
- They are the most affordable option for tooth replacement.
- They provide a fast solution, with a complete set of dentures available in two to six weeks, or sometimes even immediately.
- The process of obtaining dentures is straightforward and doesn’t require surgery.
Cons of Dentures
- It takes some time to adapt to dentures, and you’ll need to learn how to eat and speak while wearing them.
- While modern dentures resemble natural teeth, they may still be somewhat noticeable.
- They require careful daily cleaning in addition to your regular oral hygiene routine. Improper fitting can lead to infections.
- You may need regular adjustments or replacements over time due to changes in fit.
- There is a risk of them slipping, which can cause slurred speech or even make them fall out. You might need adhesive to keep them securely in place.
- You’ll need to modify your diet, as biting into certain foods may be challenging with dentures.
Is it Better to Get Implants or Dentures? – Comparing the Two
Comparison | Implants | Dentures |
Procedure | Takes approximately 6 to 9 months | Can sometimes be installed immediately after tooth extraction or may take two to six weeks at most. |
Cost | Costs about $1600 to $2000 per tooth | A complete set of dentures for the upper or lower jaw can cost a little above $1600 |
Maintenance | Similar to standard dental hygiene that you practice for your natural teeth | Require greater daily maintenance, including cleaning them daily, soaking them, and going for frequent relining and adjustments |
Complications | Could pose a risk of infection or failure. Have a failure rate of 5% – 10% | Could pose complications by not staying in place, causing sores, and creating speaking and eating difficulties |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Implants & Dentures
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years or even a lifetime, which may make them more cost-effective over time. Dentures, on the other hand, often require more frequent replacements.
- Long-Term Oral Health: Implants help preserve bone and prevent gum tissue shrinkage by stimulating the jaw through chewing forces, which also lowers the risk of additional tooth loss. Dentures, however, do not provide this benefit, and poorly fitting dentures can even contribute to accelerated bone loss.
- Oral Hygiene: Dentures require thorough daily cleaning, whereas you can easily maintain your implants with regular brushing and flossing, just like natural teeth.
- Improved Appearance: Implants closely mimic the look and function of natural teeth, while dentures may feel bulky in comparison.
- Insurance Coverage: Most dental insurance plans generally cover dentures, but dental implants are often considered a cosmetic procedure and typically aren’t covered.
- Age: Adults in their 60s can choose implants, whereas older adults who do not wish to spend a lot of time in treatments might opt for dentures.
- Bone Density: If you have insufficient jawbone density to support an implant post, you may not qualify for the implant procedure.
- Function: Implants are known to provide better function and feel than dentures. So, if getting the feeling of natural teeth is a priority, then implants are the better choice for you.
- Candidacy: Almost anyone can get dentures at any age. Implants, however, require more qualifying conditions, such as good jawbone density, good overall health, etc.
Conclusion
All in all, “Is it better to get implants or dentures?” solely depends on your personal preferences, general oral and overall health, and lifestyle factors.
Implants are a better option in the long run, but if you are looking for a quick and straightforward solution for tooth loss, then dentures are the way to go.
The best thing to do is consult a specialist who can make the right recommendations based on your case.
Schedule an appointment with Legacy Dental Care today and find out which treatment is better for you – implants or dentures.
FAQs
Is it easier to eat with implants or dentures?
Dental implants typically offer the best experience for eating, as they function and feel much like natural teeth. They provide substantial biting force and stability. In contrast, dentures can occasionally shift or slip, which may make eating certain foods difficult. Therefore, dental implants are often the preferred option for a more natural and effective eating experience.
What are some alternatives to implants and dentures?
Some alternatives for implants and dentures include:
- Dental Bridge: Attaches to the surrounding teeth for support and fills the gap.
- Temporary Partial Denture: A removable device similar to a retainer.
- Denture Implants: A cross between implants and dentures, where snap-in dentures remain securely in place with the help of securely attached implant posts.
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It is the Mission of Brandon Cousins, to never stop learning and to never stop listening. Through both, patients will be provided with optimum care. Also, we smile during our happiest moments in life, yet many people feel ashamed to smile. It is my mission to give every patient I treat the ability and confidence to smile without feeling ashamed or embarrassed of what they look like.
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