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Dentures and Dental Implants are both good options for replacing one or more missing teeth. However, they have a lot of differences and this post will guide you on the differences between Dental Implants vs Dentures, and how to pick the best option for yourself. Of course, your dentist will know best so please definitely consult a good dentist in your area.
Dentures are prosthetic appliances that replace one or more lost teeth and underlying gum tissue. They may be fixed or removable, partial or complete, or any combination.
When making dentures, an impression of either the upper or lower teeth or both is taken if dentures are required to replace all teeth. Your dentist will diagnose your bite and the positioning of your upper and lower jaws before creating your dentures to ensure that the length will enable the best possible chewing and speaking.
Then, a trial pair of dentures are created in a lab and delivered to your dentist. Before completing the final set of dentures, the dentures will be fitted to your mouth to see whether any changes to the teeth’s alignment or length are required. Next, dentures are secured to your gums with a specific adhesive and are created to resemble your natural teeth and gums.
Dental Implants are a permanent, long-term solution to missing teeth. In this procedure, your existing tooth is extracted, and a post is placed in your jaw. This post is made of strong, corrosion-resistant metal.The metal post is secured to the jawbone in order to create a durable, synthetic root system that rivals the strength of natural roots; with one exception that the metal cannot face infection. Then, a synthetic tooth is placed on top of the metal post to mimic your natural teeth in color, shape and size.
The Dental Implant is highly durable and can last for an entire lifetime. However, it is a costly procedure and it can take weeks to months for the complete procedure to finish end to end.
Lastly, not everyone qualifies for dental implants. If you want to know whether you qualify for dental implants take the quiz below.
You should think about a several factors before choosing between dental implants vs dentures for restoring missing teeth:
If you are under 18, you should not obtain implants since your jaw has yet to develop fully. However, adults who are in good health and have enough bone density can receive dental implants.
Dentures have no age limit.
Prices for Dentures that replace missing teeth range from $2,000 to $3,500. On the other hand, a single tooth implant typically costs around $3500 to $5000.
Hence, there is a big difference between the cost of Dental Implants vs Dentures.
Overall, Dentures have some short-term potential complications. Dental Implants, however, can have long term complications.
After getting new dentures, you might experience soreness and discomfort for a few hours or days. This could be because your dentures and gums are rubbing against each other. However, it should disappear after a brief period of adjustment.
People who just got dentures frequently say they have trouble speaking and eating because the dentures keep slipping. Excessive salivation is another issue many experiences in the early stages, but it should also go away in a few days.
As for dental implants, sometimes implants are placed too near a nerve, causing injury to the nerve or surrounding tissue. This can cause tingling, numbness, and mild to severe discomfort.
Hence, it is important to go to an experienced Dentist for Dental Implants.
Dental implant procudure involves multiple surgical procedures and is a lengthy process. It requires thorough pre-surgical examinations, such as CT scans and X-rays, to determine whether it is possible to place an implant.
Dentures, in contrast, need a precise impression of your jaw. Unless you’re getting permanent dentures, no surgery or scans are required.
It’s easier to obtain dentures. However, over time, implants are a better choice. In contrast to dentures requiring continuous evaluation, they require fewer visits to the dentist following tooth restoration.
Dentures need to be cleaned frequently and handled carefully. To maintain the highest level of hygiene, you must wash them daily with a toothbrush and denture cleanser and soak them in a solution overnight.
On the other hand, maintaining Dental Implants is much easier. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once, just as you would for your natural teeth, to maintain your dental implants.
To summarize, here are the main differences between Dental Implants and Dentures. It should help you choose the right option for you.
| Dental Implants | Dentures | |
|---|---|---|
| Age Requirements | At least 18 Years of age | No minimum age requirement |
| Durability | Can last a lifetime | Lasts 5-7 years |
| Cost | Around $3500-$5000 | Around $2000-$3500 |
| Potential Complications | Can cause long term complications, though they are rare | Mostly short term discomfort |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low or no maintenance required | Regular cleaning using specific solution is required |
| Recovery Time | Long recovery time, measured in weeks to months | Short recovery time, measured in days |
| Overall Result | Teeth feel and appear more natural | Teeth don’t feel natural and can shift in mouth. They don’t appear as natural either. |
| Effect on Jaw | Maintains jawbone and facial structure | Does not prevent degeneration of the jawbone |
Dr. Alag comes from a family of doctors. She graduated from Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences in India and practiced for a few years there. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry where she graduated with Honors in Prosthodontics.
She keeps herself updated through continuing education courses. Dr. Alag is also credentialed by AGD, CDA and ADA. She was awarded a Fellowship in Implantology by the International Dental Implant Association in 2018.
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