The Great Debate: Implants or Dentures

Replacing missing teeth can feel complicated and stressful. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are two primary options: dental implants and dentures. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Learning more about how these procedures work, what they cost, and what maintenance is like can help you make the right choice for your dental needs.

Dental Implants

Getting dental implants is a great way to replace missing teeth, especially if you want a low-maintenance option. Once your implants are in place, you take care of them the same way you care for the rest of your teeth. Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing are all you need to keep your implants in great shape.

The procedure itself happens over several visits to the dentist. The first visit is to put the post (or posts) in place. The post acts like a tooth root, sitting in the jawbone. Over time, new bone grows around the post for a secure hold.

Then your dentist will attach a crown to the post. The crown is cemented onto the above-the-gumline portion of the implant, also known as an abutment. Once the full implant and crown are in place, they function just like a natural tooth. In most cases, dental implants last a lifetime.

There are a few different dental implant types to choose from depending on how many teeth you’re replacing. Single spaces are replaced with single implants, whereas either several single implants or implant bridges can be used to span side-by-side spaces. Implants can even serve as anchors for a full bridge or denture!

Advantages

Dental implants are a flexible option whether you’re missing one or multiple teeth. If your missing teeth are next to each other, you can still use dental implants to replace them.

Another advantage is that dental implant maintenance is easy; brushing and flossing your implants is the same routine as brushing your natural teeth. You won’t have to add any new steps to your oral hygiene routine to keep your implants fresh.

Beyond easy maintenance, there are health benefits to choosing implants. Dental implants actually help preserve your jawbone strength and function because the posts fuse with your bone. Unlike dentures, implants help maintain your jawbone density and support your facial muscles.

Using dental implants also helps you chew, talk, and smile normally without discomfort. Once the procedure is complete, you’ll have a short recovery period and be able to get back to your normal life.

Disadvantages

The up-front cost of implants might seem steep, but the investment is worth it. Your insurance coverage, the material used for your crown, and additional support for your jawbone (if needed) all factor into the final cost. However, you won’t likely need to replace them later.

The other disadvantage to implants is that they require oral surgery. The process takes longer than a denture fitting, and there is a recovery period after the procedure. But while you may have some short-term discomfort, any lingering tissue sensitivity goes away once you’ve healed completely.

Dentures

Dentures are the other common choice for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dental implants, dentures aren’t permanently fixed in your mouth. Dentures are custom-made prosthetic teeth that are held in place by suction. You can also use a dental adhesive for extra security if you want.

There are both partial and full set options, so you can customize them to your needs. Your dentist makes them specifically for the shape of your mouth so that they sit comfortably. While they don’t require a surgical procedure, you will need to visit your dentist to have impressions taken of your mouth.

You can talk and eat with your dentures in, but you do need to take them out regularly to clean them. You should remove and brush the dentures after you eat, and soak them in water or a denture cleaning solution whenever you’re not using them.

Advantages

One of the benefits of dentures is that since you don’t need a surgical procedure, there’s no recovery time. Once you receive your dentures, you can start using them immediately.

The up-front cost of dentures is more economical than dental implants. Cost varies based on whether you need a partial or full set of upper or lower teeth (or both).

If you have concerns about your jawbone or want to avoid surgery, dentures are a great solution for you. They’ll give you close to the same speech and chewing functions as your natural teeth, which is certainly something to smile about.

Disadvantages

While the initial cost of a set of dentures is less than most implants, the maintenance costs of dentures can add up. Over time, your jawbone shrinks, and teeth may shift. Unlike a dental implant, a set of dentures won’t slow or stop those from happening. As a result, your dentures will stop fitting as well over time.

Dentures also have a lower tolerance for biting force than dental implants and are prone to cracks and other signs of wear. So periodically you’ll see your dentist to repeat the process and be re-fit for a new set. The average lifespan of a set of dentures is between five and 10 years.

Additionally, dentures require a significant amount of daily maintenance. Unlike implants, you must incorporate cleaning your dentures into your oral hygiene routine, which could be an adjustment.

Still weighing implants vs. dentures? We’ve got you.

Dental implants and dentures are both safe and effective ways to replace your missing teeth. Financial considerations, maintenance preferences, and overall dental health are all important concerns when making your choice.

If you need implants or dentures, we’d love to help you find the perfect fit for you. Request an appointment today to discuss your options with us.