Dental implants vs dentures: Which is best for you?

Tooth loss is never nice, but fortunately, teeth restoration options such as dentures or implants can help to not only restore your confidence but also to prevent any oral health problems that can be caused by missing teeth.

However, how do you choose between dentures or implants?

Here at Biltmore Family Dentistry, we want to help you make the right decision for your dental health needs.

From the cost, to the durability, to the overall finish, within the below blog, you will discover all the pros and cons of dentures vs implants, allowing you to pick the perfect replacement teeth for your smile.

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable false teeth, and you can choose between partial dentures or complete dentures, depending on the extent of tooth loss that you have.

Partial dentures are the best option if you have a gap that needs filling due to one or more missing teeth. In contrast, complete dentures, also known as a full set, are ideal for those who have the majority of their teeth missing.

When choosing dentures or implants, it is worth noting that modern dentures are made using a mixture of composite and porcelain particles for enhanced durability and appearance.

If you choose to have dentures made and fitted, this will involve several trips to your dentist, which will include your initial consultation, treatment planning, impressions of your mouth, a recording of your bite, and the fitting of the dentures themselves.

You may also need to have some teeth extracted or receive treatment for gum disease before having your dentures fitted.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial root that is placed in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Teeth implants are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to dentures for a number of reasons, including their ease of use and their ability to last a lifetime.

You can choose between single tooth dental implants to fill any gaps or full mouth dental implants if you have no or very few natural teeth.

Dental implants are essentially a screw made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that is accepted by the human body.

Dental implants are usually fitted during two separate procedures; the first to fit the implant itself into your jaw bone and the second to attach your new tooth to it. Both procedures can be carried out under a local anesthetic, although you can ask for a sedative if you feel anxious about your treatment.

Dentures or Implants? The pros and cons

When making the decision between dentures or implants, it can be a good idea to weigh up the pros and cons of each option to replace missing teeth.

Dentures

A more traditional option, dentures have both advantages and disadvantages as a tooth replacement option.

Pros:

• When fitted properly, removable dentures will improve your eating and speaking, as well as allow you to smile with confidence.
• Dentures have the ability to support your facial muscles, preventing your cheeks from appearing hollow.
• Unlike dentures from 20 years ago, modern dentures offer a natural-looking smile.
• Dental insurance may cover the costs of your dentures.

Cons:

• Dentures can take a while to get used to.
• Dentures can affect speech and eating until you have become accustomed to wearing them.
• Not caring for your dentures properly can cause gum disease.
• You may need to purchase denture adhesive to keep your dentures in place.
• Dentures may need replacing over time.
• Dentures must be cleaned and stored properly.

Dental Implants

In the great dentures or implants debate, both single dental implants and full dental implants are proving to be the more popular option as people strive for a more long-lasting and natural-looking smile. That being said, there are still a few drawbacks to this tooth-replacement option.

Pros:

• Eating, drinking, speaking, and smiling can all be carried out with ease and complete confidence with implant supported
• Full mouth dental implants can make your face appear more youthful by supporting your natural face shape.
• Dental implants can help to prevent periodontitis, a condition that causes the bone around the site of a missing tooth to break down and disintegrate.
• No strain on your remaining natural teeth as replacement teeth are held in place with the implant.
• Dental implants should last a lifetime with the correct care.
• In terms of dental procedures, the success rate for dental implants is over 90%.
• Dental implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss.
• Dental implants look and feel like your own natural teeth.

 

Cons:

• Full dental implants can be expensive, although satisfaction rates are high in patients who choose this tooth-replacement option.
• The process can be lengthy – up to 6 months from the initial consultation to the final restoration.
• Visits to the hygienist are needed to ensure healthy gums and a good cleaning regime.
• Dental implants are not recommended for smokers.

Dentures or implants – What is my next step?

Whether you feel like you have settled the dentures vs implants debate, at least when it comes to your smile, or you would like some more advice when it comes to choosing dentures or implants, our top-rated dental services can help you.

While researching dentures vs implants online can provide you with helpful information on each procedure, you cannot make an informed decision without first seeking the advice of a qualified dental professional.

We have been helping patients to restore their smiles for many years and are proud to provide family-focused and 100% safe dental treatment options for people of all ages.

Contact us here today for a no-obligation dental implant consultation or alternatively, check out what our patients have to say about our services on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our practice and to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.