Dentures or Dental Implants: Which Is the Better Option?

Do you believe your appearance is the only thing that will be affected when you lose teeth? If you have lost one or more teeth plugging the gaps will lower your risks of oral health problems. The restorations used will also support the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to ensure they do not shift and become misaligned.

Your dentist will discuss with you the different options for replacing your missing teeth to allow you an opportunity to choose the treatment that you feel is the best for you. Two extremely popular options are dentures and dental implants. Both have certain advantages and disadvantages for different people. Let us look at how both can help you accomplish your goal of replacing the missing teeth.

Dentures

You are suggested not to think about the unconvincing false teeth that were offered earlier because modern-day dentures are fabricated to look and feel just like natural teeth. They help you to speak and chew properly and normally while also supporting your cheeks and lips.

Advantages

• When compared to other alternatives dentures are an inexpensive option especially when you need to replace several teeth.
• They can be fitted soon after an extraction, unlike implants.
• Removable dentures do not require any surgery, minor or major.
• Patients have the option to choose between removable or implant-retained dentures.

Disadvantages

• Despite the improvements in dental technology, many people believe that they do not look or feel natural as dental implants.
• Dentures are susceptible to damages and do not last as long as implants.
• You may be required to adjust your diet and certain foods and beverages are unsuitable for dentures.
• Removable dentures do not support your jaw like implants and they also will not support your mouth.

Are You Suitable for Dentures?

Dentures are not just designed for seniors and may be a suitable option for people that cannot have implants for medical reasons. If you are looking forward to replacing an entire arch of teeth you may be recommended full dentures by your dentist as the most affordable option. If you just need to replace one or several teeth you may be recommended partial dentures or a tooth implant that can offer better support. However, you will have the choice of deciding during your consultation with your dentist.

Dental Implants

If replacing missing teeth is your goal dental implants are a long-term option for you. The implant itself is made from titanium and is surgically inserted in your jaw to act as a tooth root and support prosthetic teeth as well as your jaw.

Advantages

• Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
• New bone growth is stimulated in your jaw by the implant to prevent it from shrinking.
• No restrictions on giving up any of your favorite foods and beverages.
• Taking good care of the implants will ensure they last longer than dentures and even over a decade.

Disadvantages

• Implants are expensive and will cost more than dentures although they are longer lasting.
• Oral surgery is needed to place an implant.
• If your jaw is inadequate to support the implant, bone grafting may also be needed or would affect your eligibility.
• The procedure for implants is time-consuming especially if bone grafting is also needed.

Are You Suitable for Dental Implants?

The dental implant dentist is likely to recommend them if you just need to replace one or a few teeth because they offer better support than dentures and are easy to maintain. If you need to replace an entire arch of teeth you may be recommended full-arch restoration by using just four implants.

The health of your mouth must be in good condition along with your overall physical health before the implants can be placed. Any problems such as tooth decay and gum disease must be treated before the procedure begins. If you are a smoker but want your implants to be successful you will be advised to quit smoking.

You may need a bone graft if your jaw is inadequate to support a standard implant. You will be considered unsuitable for this procedure if you have a blood clotting disorder, bone diseases, or immune-deficiency as it can affect the healing process of the dental implant procedure.

You can consider the advantages and disadvantages of both options before you decide in favor of dental implants or dentures as the choice is entirely at your discretion. Both are excellent for replacing missing teeth and can be chosen without hesitation if you meet the requirements mentioned after a consultation with your dentist.