Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is More Fit for You?

It’s natural to be concerned about tooth loss.

Dentures and dental implants are two of your restoration alternatives.

But how can you tell which is most suitable for you when there are many variables—from look to feel to pricing and more?

Here are all the key differences to help you choose between dentures and dental implants.

What are Dentures?

Dentures, sometimes called ‘plates’ or ‘false teeth,’ are artificial teeth and gums that may be removed and reinserted into the mouth to replace lost or damaged natural teeth and help restore a smile.

If you’ve lost all or some of your natural teeth, replacing them with dentures will benefit your appearance and health because they are natural-looking and more comfortable.

Pros and Cons of Dentures

Pros

• Dentures are less expensive than implants.
• Contrary to implants, which need to be anchored to bone, dentures can be inserted in patients who have lost bone and gum tissue.
• Denture fitting is a noninvasive process. Unlike implants, which involve drilling into the bone, dentures do not require this step.
• Dentures are made relatively quickly, requiring only four dental visits.

Cons

• As your face and gums the structure of change with age, adjustments or replacements may be required.
• Dentures can be uncomfortable and take some getting used to, especially on the first day of wearing them. You could have increased salivation, trouble chewing, and difficulty speaking.
• Dentures require everyday maintenance, just like natural teeth. Infections around the mouth and gums may develop if dentures aren’t correctly maintained.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium device inserted into the jawbone, like a tooth root, to replace a missing tooth.

Implants replace single or multiple teeth, supporting crowns and dentures. They also help maintain the jaw structure, preventing a sunken facial appearance. They are similar to natural teeth and can last a lifetime.

Dental Implants Procedure

To acquire an implant, there are typically three stages:

1. The dentist carefully inserts the implant into the jawbone.
2. An implant’s strength comes from the new bone developing around the implant surface and securing it. This process is known as osseointegration. Osseointegration is a gradual process that involves “fusing with the bone.” Before the implant’s restorative phase (placement of prosthesis teeth), some patients may have to wait until the implant has been fully integrated, which could take 2-6 months.
3. Once the osseointegration has reached stability, your North Lakes dentist can perform the vital phase (placement of prosthesis teeth such as a crown, implant-supported bridges or implant-retained denture). Alternatively, your dentist could prescribe you a temporary denture, bridge, or crown to help you eat and speak normally while you wait for the permanent replacement. The crown, bridge or denture will be made to have the same size, shape, colour, and fit as the rest of your teeth.

Before any of these steps are taken, your dentist in North Lakes will conduct an initial consultation, including X-rays and study models. After thorough analysis and research, a detailed treatment plan will be presented.

Is Dental Implants Right for You?

In general, you might benefit from dental implants if you:

• are missing one or more teeth
• do not have illnesses that might interfere with bone healing
• over 18 or has stopped growing
• have the sufficient bone structure to secure the implants
• have good gum health
• are unable or do not like the idea of wearing dentures
• are a non-smoker or ex-smoker

Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dentures: Some Things to Think About

The best option when picking between dental implants and dentures depends on each person.

Durability: Dental implants can endure for a lifetime when taken care of appropriately.

Oral hygiene: Dentures must be cleaned daily, whereas implants can be kept clean simply by brushing and flossing.

Long-term dental health: Implants help to preserve bone and reduce gum tissue shrinkage, lowering the chance of tooth loss.

Improved appearance: Implants look and operate naturally, like your own teeth, whereas dentures might feel cumbersome.

Restore Your Smile at North Lakes

Passion Family Dental North Lakes team can assist you if you require tooth replacement.

We can help you weigh your options to see what works best for you.

Passion Family Dental North Lakes is a friendly, family-orientated dental practice. We believe the only way to provide the highest-quality dental treatment is to put our clients first.

Call (07) 3465 1199 or visit our office at Unit 4/6 Endeavour Boulevard in North Lakes.