Dentures vs. Implants

Dentures and implants are excellent tooth replacement options for anyone with missing or broken teeth. 

While each can make everyday oral functions like talking and eating easier, dentures and implants require proper maintenance and care.

Both options have pros and cons that may affect your lifestyle. This article will help determine which restorative dentistry option is best for you.

How Much Do Dentures and Implants Cost?

Dentures and implants can cost an average of $3,500 to $4,000. However, implants can easily become more expensive than dentures if you need more than a single tooth replaced.

A dental implant procedure may be financially smart if you only need one tooth replaced. Learn more about the cost of implants.

Dentures may be more advisable if you need to replace more than one tooth. Learn more about the cost of dentures.

Ultimately, discussing your options with your dentist before deciding is best. 

What are Dentures and Implants For?

Dentures and implants are meant to replace missing teeth. Missing teeth can affect your health and confidence in significant ways. 

Oral Health

Replacement teeth can prevent tooth decay and the potential of losing remaining teeth.

When gums are exposed, food and bacteria can easily get stuck in them. Food lodged in the gums can lead to unpleasant infections like gum disease. Gum disease puts people at risk of heart disease and diabetes.⁷

Jaw Structure

Dentures and implants can prevent your existing teeth from moving and altering your mouth structure. 

Your natural teeth may move due to the space left behind by missing teeth. As your teeth move, your jawbone also moves, and your mouth structure becomes more unstable.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic or false teeth. They replace missing teeth for restored function and aesthetics. Traditional dentures have an acrylic, gum-colored base that attaches to a metal framework.

Dentures can help if you've experienced tooth loss due to:

• Injury
• Severe tooth decay

They also help you perform daily oral functions, including:

• Eating
• Speaking
• Smiling
• Laughing

Your general dentist or prosthodontist should talk with you about the best type of dentures for your oral health needs. Different types of dentures include:

• Complete dentures
• Partials
• Removable dentures
• Implant-supported dentures
• Immediate dentures

Complete dentures work if you’re missing all of your natural teeth. Partial dentures work if you need to replace multiple teeth, whether missing or broken. 

Getting Dentures: The Process From Start to Finish

The denture treatment process is simple and consists of the following steps:

1. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth.
2. They will send the impression to a dental lab to create a custom set of dentures for you.
3. If you need a tooth extraction, your dentist will give you immediate dentures while your gums heal.
4. Once your gums heal, your dentist will fit your conventional dentures.
5. After confirming the fit, your dentist will give your dentures to you.

What are the Pros of Dentures?

Dentures are a simple solution for giving you a complete smile if you have broken or missing teeth. 

The advantages of dentures include:

• Complete your smile if you have missing or broken teeth
• Help you chew, speak, and function better overall
• Keep your face from changing shape
• Are either removable or permanent for convenience

What are the Cons of Dentures?

As with many dental procedures, dentures may take some time to get used to. 

The disadvantages of dentures include:

• May feel uncomfortable for the first few days
• Can make your mouth feel sore
• Might cause sores to develop around them
• Aren't always permanent (some are removable)
• Might need to be replaced over time
• Require proper, and sometimes extra, dental care to prolong their life
• Can be expensive

Denture Care

Care for your dentures like your natural teeth. 

Brush them twice daily and keep them clean so they last longer. You'll also need to visit your dentist to maintain your oral health and ensure your dentures fit perfectly.

If your dentures are unbearably uncomfortable, or if discomfort persists, talk to your dentist. They should be able to adjust your dentures however necessary.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that look like screws. They’re surgically placed through your gum tissue into your upper or lower jaw bone, where they naturally bond to the bone.

Implants will support artificial teeth (crowns) that your dentist will later install. A connector, called an abutment, holds each custom-made crown to the implant.

A tooth implant is the closest option to replacing a missing tooth. When done correctly, the prosthetic teeth look exactly like the rest of your natural teeth.

Getting Dental Implants: The Process From Start to Finish

The implant procedure is more complicated than a standard denture procedure because it requires surgery.

The dental implant procedure process is as follows:

1. Your dental surgeon will remove any damaged teeth.
2. They will then prepare the bone grafting procedure.
3. Your dentist will place the dental implants in the space of your missing teeth.
4. You will wait for your bone to grow and heal.
5. Your dentist will place the abutment, followed by the artificial tooth.

What are the Pros of Dental Implants?

Dental implants preserve your natural bone, making them popular among patients and dentists. 

Dental implants have several advantages, including their ability to:

• Preserve your natural bone
• Stimulate bone growth
• Complete your smile if you have broken or missing teeth
• Help you chew and speak normally
• Clean the rest of your natural teeth easily
• Be a permanent, long-lasting solution compared to removable appliances

What are the Cons of Dental Implants?

Being a surgical solution, there are risks and difficulties involved with dental implants: 

Potential disadvantages and risks of implants include:

• Temporary discomfort after surgery
• Developing an infection at the implant site
• Injuring or damaging the surrounding teeth or blood vessels
• Damaging the surrounding nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in and around your mouth
• Causing sinus problems if dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into a sinus cavity

Dental Implant Care

Maintaining healthy oral hygiene with dental implants is critical to prevent significant wear and health issues. 

Maintaining good oral hygiene for implants includes:

• Brushing your implants like you brush your natural teeth
• Using floss
• Rinsing with mouthwash

Summary

Dentures and dental implants restore the look and function of natural teeth. They prevent tooth decay and keep your remaining natural teeth from moving.

Dentures are best if you have many missing or broken teeth. Dental implants are advisable if you only have a few missing teeth.

Dental implants can quickly become more expensive than dentures, so consult your dentist before making decisions.