Implants Or Dentures: What’s The Best Dental Choice For You?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are two primary types of dental prosthetics to consider: implants or dentures. Both of these solutions are designed to look natural and realistic, helping you achieve a confident, beautiful smile. However, deciding which option is truly best for your individual needs can be challenging. With dental costs steadily rising, it is especially important that you feel fully informed when making this important choice. In this article, we take a closer look at the various benefits and considerations of both dentures and implants to help guide you toward the best decision for your oral health and lifestyle.
Each implant is fitted individually where the original tooth root would be.
Why choose implants?
Implants are surgically fixed into the jawbone to provide a permanent solution. Each implant is fitted individually where the original tooth root would be. Such a procedure often has to be carried out in stages over a long period, however implants can last for many decades once fitted. Reasons to choose implants include:
Natural feel
Implants feel and behave just like normal teeth. Whereas dentures can come loose and need to be taken out to be cleaned, dentures are easy to get used to and you can brush them each night as if you were brushing your natural teeth.
Bone loss reduction
Choosing implants may help prevent the jawbone from receding. Because implants are attached to the bone, they mimic real teeth - sending vibrations through the jawbones while chewing, which stimulates the bone to keep producing cells. When you choose dentures, the jaw bone does not get this stimulation and may begin to shrink.
Long-lasting
Whereas dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, dental implants can last 20 years or more if well looked after. This can make them a better investment.
Dentures (also known as false teeth) are designed to be removed at night.
Why choose dentures?
Dentures (also known as false teeth) are designed to be removed at night. They can be used to replace one or two teeth (known as a bridge) or a whole row of teeth. A special adhesive is typically used to hold them in place during the day, and they are taken out and cleaned in a solution when sleeping. Some benefits of dentures include:
Affordability
Dentures are often much more affordable than implants - especially if you need to replace multiple missing teeth. In fact, a whole row of dentures can cost less than a single implant in some cases.
Faster fitting
Once dentures have been moulded and manufactured, they can be fitted and worn straight away. Dental implants meanwhile have to be installed in stages over several weeks/months - the screws have to be fitted first, left to heal and the actual prosthetic teeth (abutments) can be fitted. Multiple sessions may be required for multiple teeth, although speedier options like All On 6 dental implants allow six implants to be fitted in a single session.
Suitable for more cases
Eligibility for implants depends on the condition of your jawbone. If you’ve had missing teeth for a while, you may not have a strong enough jawbone to handle implants. Dentures are a solution regardless of whether your jaw bone is in good condition or not.
Conclusion
All in all, implants are the best choice if you want a long-lasting, natural feeling solution that preserves the jaw bone. Meanwhile, choose dentures if you want an affordable option that doesn’t take too long to fit or don’t have a strong enough jaw bone.
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