Published on May 11, 2022, Updated on May 11, 2022
Removable dentures and implants are two options to choose from, and replacing one or more missing teeth for treatment. The optimal treatment is determined by price, preference, and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth. How can you choose which is the greatest option for you with so many aspects to consider? We’ll simplify everything for you so that you don’t have to. Here’s all you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants vs. dentures:
How Dentures and Dental Implants are different?
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics that are available in entire or partial sets (also known as complete dentures or partial dentures). They are most often utilized by persons who are missing more than one or two teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent replacement teeth. They’ve become a popular alternative to dentures in recent years.
What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants Vs. Removable Dentures?
Pros of Dental Implants
- Dental implants are quite successful—they have a success rate of 95%!
- They’re long-lasting—up to 20 years or more—which means they’ll save you money in the long term.
- Dental implants need the same level of upkeep as natural teeth. Additionally, they result in fewer dental visits because to their ease of maintenance compared to dentures.
- Implants assist in maintaining the health of your face structure and jawbones.
- Implants, which mimic natural teeth in function, enable the bone to continue to develop.
- In a single day, dental implants may be installed (keep in mind that the procedure does require follow-ups).
- You’ll never have to worry about your dental implants falling out during public speaking or laughter.
- They provide more comfort and a more natural appearance than dentures.
Learn more about The Eligibility of Getting Permanent Implants for Senior citizens?
Cons of Dental Implants
- Dental implants cost more than detachable dentures. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a dental implant for a single tooth may cost between $1,600 and $2,200.
- Dental implants need strong bones and gums to function correctly in the jaw; hence, not everyone qualifies. (Bone grafting or tissue transplantation may be performed, but will add to the treatment’s expense.)
Pros of Dentures
- Dentures are much less expensive than dental implants. The American Dental Association estimates that a whole set of top dentures costs around $1,600, while complete dentures for the lower jaw cost approximately the same.
- Dentures may aid patients who have lost bone and gum tissue (unlike implants, which must be anchored to bone).
- Denture fitting is a minimally invasive procedure. Additionally, dentures, unlike implants, do not need drilling into the bone.
- Dentures may be created in a very short amount of time, with just four dentist appointments required.
- Dentures are removable at any moment of the day.
Cons of Dentures
- Adjustments or replacements may be necessary as the anatomy of your face and gums changes with age.
- Dentures may take some time to adjust to and may be unpleasant at first, particularly during the first few days. Increased salivation, eating difficulties, and trouble speaking are all potential effects.
- As with real teeth, dentures will need daily upkeep. Infection around the mouth and gums might develop if your dentures are not properly cared for.
- They can slip out of position while eating or speaking if not fixed with denture adhesive.
How to do Dental Implant Maintenance and difference from Denture’s Maintenance?
Dental implants need the same level of care as natural teeth. Brushing with a soft-bristle brush at least twice daily, flossing, and seeing the dentist on a regular basis are all necessary components of dental implant care. Dentures, on the other hand, need more daily maintenance to be functional over time. For instance, you should not wear them overnight. They should instead soak in water or a specific cleaning solution at night.
Dentures will need refitting on a periodic basis when your bite changes. On the other hand, dental implants are long-term fixtures that may need replacement crowns if the first dental crowns shatter or become damaged.
What are Problems that May Arise from Dental Implants and Dentures?
While dental implants are usually considered to be safe and effective tooth replacements, they can have a variety of concerns, including infection and mechanical difficulties such as loose posts and cracked crowns. Dental implant failures occur in around 5% to 10% of instances.
Denture problems are also possible. The most frequent denture problems are loose dentures and sores (ulcerations) on the gums.
How to Make a Choice Between Removable Dentures and Dental Implants?
You may contrast the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants versus dentures. However, the optimal solution will vary according to individual circumstances. Other factors to consider while deciding between dental implants and dentures include the following:
- Age – Due to the longer lifespan of dental implants, individuals in their 60s and younger may choose them if they anticipate wearing their prosthetic teeth for many decades. Dentures are an excellent choice for elderly adults who do not want to undergo time-consuming and invasive implant procedures.
- Bone Density – Implants need a precise amount of jawbone material to support the posts. If you have lost bone tissue as a result of an accident, age, gum disease, or tooth loss, you may not be a suitable candidate for implants.
- Comfort and Functionality – Dentures may provide more comfort and chewing ability than dental implants. Individuals who wore implant-supported dentures—a hybrid of dentures and implants—were found to be more satisfied with their comfort and chewing efficiency than those who wore regular dentures.
- Covered by Insurance – Dentures are typically covered by the majority of dental insurance policies. On the other hand, dental implants are commonly classified as a cosmetic procedure. This often indicates that the expenses have not been paid.
- Dental Hygiene – Every day, dentures must be carefully cleaned, but implants may be kept clean simply by brushing and flossing as you would with natural teeth.
- Durability – When dental implants are properly cared for, they may endure for years, if not a lifetime, resulting in lower long-term costs. On the other side, dentures will need to be replaced more regularly.
- Good Oral Health in the Long Run
- By stimulating the bone and gum tissue with the pressures caused by chewing, implants will aid in bone retention and prevent gum tissue shrinking. Additionally, you’ll be less likely to lose other teeth as a consequence, but dentures have no such impact. In rare cases, ill-fitting dentures might actually accelerate bone loss.
- Hygiene
- If you lack the time required to properly care for your dentures, you should consider implants, which are more low-maintenance but also more expensive.
- Improvement in Appearance
- Implants mimic the look and function of natural teeth. On the other hand, dentures might seem clunky.
While weighing your alternatives, it’s always prudent to visit your dentist. They can aid you in selecting the best choice possible and thoroughly explain the differences. Schedule an appointment.
Sources:
- Interventions for replacing missing teeth: maintaining and recovering soft tissue health around dental implants
- Timing of implant placement after tooth extraction: immediate, immediate-delayed or delayed implants? A Cochrane systematic review
