Dental Implants vs Dentures: What You Should Know

When you need to replace missing teeth, dental implants and dentures are the most common choices. Though very different, they have something in common: they can both restore your smile and confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically implanted to replace lost or extracted teeth. Consisting of a metal post that acts as artificial tooth roots, an implant is surgically positioned into the jaw. It bonds with the natural bone and, with time to heal, creates a strong base for artificial teeth, called crowns, to be attached to the post. It doesn’t require full sedation and is a very common in-office procedure with minimal discomfort. Implants closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and function and can replace one or more missing teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. Implants can last decades or a lifetime with proper care.
  • Can replace any number of teeth.
  • Natural look and feel.
  • Preserves natural bone and stimulates bone growth. It is the only dental restoration that prevents future bone damage.
  • No risk of slipping. They will never slip out of place, allowing you to talk, laugh and eat normally.
  • Easy maintenance. Brush and floss twice daily, just as you would your natural teeth.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

  • Requires minimally invasive surgery in your dentist’s office.
  • Longer healing time. Treatment typically takes three-to-eight months, including healing time.
  • Higher upfront cost.
  • Not everyone is a candidate. They require a sufficient amount and density of jawbone material to attach the posts upon which the crowns will be mounted.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth fitted to your mouth. They are supported by the gums, sometimes with the aid of a dental adhesive, and are typically made of acrylic. Making a set of dentures usually starts with taking an impression of the gums to ensure a snug fit.

Dentures are often thought of as replacing an entire row of teeth — either upper, lower, or both. Partial dentures are also an option for patients who still have some of their natural teeth intact; they are often attached to a framework that is supported by the existing teeth.

Benefits of Dentures

  • Non-invasive. The process of getting dentures is quicker, easier, and involves less discomfort than getting dental implants. Surgery is not required, though some patients may need to have some teeth extracted.
  • Removable. This makes dentures easy to clean.
  • Comfortable fit. Modern dentures are custom-made and fitted to be snug and comfortable. They are molded to your gums, and in most cases do not require an additional adhesive.
  • Inexpensive. Dentures cost significantly less than dental implants, making them an affordable alternative.

Disadvantage of Dentures

  • Less secure than implants. Dentures may slip out of place while talking or eating, though this is less common with well- fitted, high-quality dentures.
  • Likely to require replacement. Typical dentures need to be replaced every five-to-years due to aging and changing gum shape.
  • Must be removed at night.
  • Less natural feel.
  • May lead to bone loss. Because the root structures of the teeth are not replaced, wearing dentures can sometimes lead to jawbone loss over time.

Which Is Better: Dental Implants or Dentures?

I placed my first dental implant 17 years ago and have always found it to be an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth because of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. The consensus among dental professionals is that they are superior. The function and feel of are simply closer to that of one’s natural teeth. But it is a personal decision and there are many factors to consider.

Most patients prefer dental implants because of their long lifespan compared to dentures. A patient in their 40s or 50s, with attentive care and maintenance, may never need to replace an implant. Older patients sometimes want to avoid the recovery time associated with dental implants. Some patients prefer dentures that they replace every few years to avoid minor oral surgery. They are also a budget- conscious choice, especially for those who need all or most of their teeth replaced.

If you’re ready to learn more about your tooth replacement options, the best thing to do is make an appointment with your dentist. Together, you can decide on the best course of action, whether that is dentures, dental implants, or other alternatives such as dental bridges or temporary or partial dentures.