Dentures vs Implants
If you are reviewing your choices for tooth replacement, the most common and popular choices are dentures and dental implants. There is not one best answer for everyone and the ideal treatment option for you will be affected by a number of factors. If you are missing more than one tooth, price and your bone health can determine if dentures or dental implants are the right solution for you.
Both dentures and dental implants come with advantages and disadvantages, so you will be able to come to the best conclusion with your dentist after discussing all your options. There are additional choices other than dentures and dental implants so you may end up choosing a dental bridge.
No matter your tooth replacement option, you will not want to have missing teeth for the following reasons:
- It is more difficult to eat
- Your face will sink inward and eventually sag without support
- It may be more difficult to speak clearly
- Your self esteem will suffer due to the noticeable change in your appearance
Denture Procedure vs. implant Procedure
Implants
In order to support the replacement tooth, your jaw bone needs to be strong enough to support the implant. The post is screwed in place and supports the crown the way a tooth’s natural root does. As of 2018, dental implants are most popular among people ages 55 to 64. If the tooth that needs to be replaced is damaged, the dentist will need to remove the tooth and its root before the implant can be set in place below the gums. The top of the post is fitted with an abutment providing a place where the crown can attach to the implant. The crown will not be able to be set in place until the post has healed in your jaw bone. Once the implant is healed and the crown is in place, it will match your surrounding teeth
Dentures
Unlike dental implants, dentures are able to be removed. The replacement teeth can be fitted for your mouth no matter how much jawbone you have or if the jawbone is weak. Just like dental implants, dentures can be used on both the upper and lower jaw. If you are missing an entire jaw of teeth, then the dentures can replace all the missing teeth with one apparatus. The dentist will start with impressions of your gums, either the upper, lower or both. In some cases, if you are missing a few teeth, the dentist can create a partial denture to replace. In order for the full or partial dentures to fit properly, the dentist will review your bite and ensure the alignment of the dentures will work seamlessly with your current jaw position. Taking this information into consideration will help the dentures allow you to eat, bite and speak without complications. A preliminary set of dentures will be generated for the dentist to review the fit and make any adjustments before the final set is created. The overall look of your dentures will have the same appearance as your natural teeth and gums. Finally, your dentures will be held in place by suction and denture adhesive.
Cost of dentures vs. implants
Dental implants are more expensive than dentures and dental bridges, but they are longer lasting than those other dental treatments. The American Dental Association notes that the average cost per tooth for dental implants is $1,600 to $2,200 depending on a number of factors. It goes on to report that a set of dentures for the upper or lower jaw costs about $1,600 on average, so a full set would be about $3,200.
Maintenance of dentures vs. implants
Dental implants require nearly the same day to day care that natural teeth do. If you want to ensure your mouth is healthy and your dental implants last as long as they can, then you will need to brush twice daily with a soft bristled brush. Dental implants require flossing and twice yearly dental exams like your natural teeth.
Dentures have more steps if you want to keep them in the best condition for as long as possible. Unlike dental implants, dentures need to be removed every night and cleaned in a special solution. Dentures also need to be removed and brushed after eating. If you use denture adhesive, you may need to brush your gums to remove any remaining adhesive.
As your jawbone changes shape and your bite shifts over the years, you will need to have the dentures refit to account for the changes. Dental implants are permanent and will not need to be adjusted. The crown of the dental implant may need to be replaced if it is cracked or breaks.
Complications from dentures vs. implants
Dental implants and their procedures have a high success rate of over 90% so they are considered safe for people who need to replace missing teeth. While they are effective, they do require a surgical procedure which can open the patient to infections and implant rejection. Other mechanical issues can arise resulting in loose implant posts and cracked crowns.
Denture complications are less serious but tend to be inconvenient and irritating. People with dentures struggle to keep the dentures in place and they can develop sores on their gums as a result of the dentures rubbing.
Making a decision on dentures vs. implants
Before you finalize your treatment plan with the dentist you will need to keep the following in mind:
- Bone Density- Your jaw bone will need to be strong and dense enough to support dental implants. The dentist can perform bone grafting to strengthen your jaw bone but it does require a separate surgery and additional costs.
- Function and Feel- Most people prefer the natural feel and function of dental implants. Dentures tend to move when eating and talking but implant supported dentures can offer a combination of the two tooth replacement options.
- Age- Due to the longevity of dental implants, most people who are 60 or younger prefer to use those as replacement teeth. For people who are older or who do not heal well from surgery, dentures are a less invasive option to replace missing teeth.