Dental Implants, Dentures, and Implant Patients: What You Should Know

Whether you’re a patient looking for more information on dental implants versus dentures, or a dentist seeking better options for your patients, it’s important to understand your choices. Tooth supported bridges are another option for tooth replacement, but these are not discussed in this article.

This guide compares dental implants and dentures, looking at the pros and cons of each, including how they compare in terms of appearance, function, cost, care, and lifespan.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a preferred solution for missing teeth by many patients and clinicians, offering an alternative to dentures or bridges.

What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants involve placing titanium posts in the jawbone to act as artificial roots, creating a secure foundation for replacement teeth. According to research published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, dental implants have a success rate of 90-100% over several decades.

Implant crowns, which are secured to the implant post, are designed using advanced digital technology and crafted from durable materials like zirconia, making them both strong and natural in appearance. They look, feel, and function just like real teeth, and are the best choice for replacing missing or damaged teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?
The process of getting dental implants involves several steps:

Placement: Your dentist surgically inserts a titanium post into your jawbone.
Healing: Over time, the implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a strong foundation for your new tooth. This takes approximately 4 to 6 months.
Attachment: An abutment (connector) is placed on the implant to hold your replacement crown, denture, or bridge.

Appearance and Function
Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth. They enhance your smile, preserve your facial structure, and protect healthy teeth. Unlike dentures, they won’t slip or interfere with speaking, eating, or smiling. They also prevent bone deterioration that can occur with missing teeth, helping you maintain a youthful appearance.

Care and Maintenance
Caring for dental implants is just like caring for natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are all you need to maintain them. Although they don’t get cavities, implants are still subject to wear and should be monitored closely to keep the gums and bone surrounding the implant healthy. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

Cost of Dental Implants
While the initial cost of implants may be higher than dentures, they are a long-term investment. Implants don’t often need replacements or maintenance like dentures, making them a more cost-effective option over time. Many dental offices, including DentFirst Dental Care, offer financing options to make implants more accessible.

Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and can be either partial (replacing some missing teeth in an arch) or complete (replacing all teeth in an arch).

What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made to fit snugly in your mouth, allowing you to remove them for easy cleaning and maintenance. They can replace all of your teeth (full dentures) or fill in gaps where some natural teeth remain (partial dentures).

How Do Dentures Work?
Dentures help restore the appearance of your smile and the function of your teeth. They are designed to resemble natural teeth, so they blend in well with your facial features.

There are different types of dentures:

Immediate dentures: These are fitted on the same day as tooth extraction, providing an instant solution.
Conventional dentures: These are made after your gums have healed from extractions.
Overdentures: These fit over a few remaining teeth or dental implants to provide extra support.

Appearance and Function
Dentures can make your face look fuller and more youthful by replacing lost teeth. However, they require a secure fit, as they can slip or move during eating or speaking. They will not provide the same biting force or comfort as natural teeth or implants.

Care and Maintenance
Dentures need daily cleaning, much like natural teeth, to remove food particles and prevent staining. When not in use, dentures should be stored in water to prevent drying and warping. Some denture wearers use adhesives for added security, but these must be used carefully and according to instructions and should be avoided if possible.

Lifespan of Dentures
Dentures generally need to be replaced, relined, or adjusted every three to four years due to changes in the jawbone and gums over time. This makes them less of a long-term solution than implants.

Cost of Dentures
While dentures have a lower upfront cost compared to implants, they require ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Over time, these additional costs can add up, making dentures a more expensive solution in the long run.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which is Right for You?

Deciding between dental implants and dentures depends on several factors, including cost, convenience, and personal preference.

While dentures offer an affordable short-term solution, dental implants are more durable and can provide a more natural look and feel. Implants require less maintenance and can last a lifetime, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a permanent tooth replacement.

At DentFirst Dental Care, we’re here to help you choose the best solution for your dental health. Whether you’re interested in dentures or dental implants, our team is ready to provide expert care tailored to your needs.