Dentures or Dental Implants? Choose which is best for you
As you advance in age, gradually losing your teeth becomes a frightening reality. However, with the advent of dentures and more recently, dental implants, there is no need to fear or worry about tooth loss in your old age. Both are great options to help keep you smiling confidently in public, but which is the best choice for you?
We spoke with Dr. Holly Gregory, a periodontist who services both dentures and dental implants in Kingwood, TX. This is some of her advice.
Dental implants are more natural-looking and won’t come loose
Before dental implants became a thing, dentures were the only option for people suffering from tooth loss. Dentures are fundamentally false teeth attached to your gums using denture adhesive pastes or creams, and they help give the appearance of a complete set of teeth.
If the adhesive used is of poor quality, it could fail to hold your dentures properly in place and said dentures might fall off while speaking or eating, much to your considerable embarrassment. Dental implants, on the other hand, are ‘implanted’ right into your jaw and always fit. Where dentures are false teeth and provide the illusion of realness, implants are more or less the real thing.
They are modern, actual replacements of your natural teeth. Thus, they tend to look more natural than dentures and what’s more, you could never run the risk of them falling off even when you chew hard.
However, dentures produced nowadays tend to look quite natural, and virtually no one would be able to suspect that you’re wearing false teeth. And as long as you’re using quality adhesives and abstaining from certain hard and chewy foods, there really is no need to fear that your false teeth are going to slip or worse, fall off in public.
Dental implants offer lifelong solutions to tooth and bone loss
One of the disadvantages of using dentures is that you would have to replace them every few years. In contrast, once you get your dental implants, they are basically for life. You never have to replace them.
An important fact to remember is that dentures are a façade; they in no way affect the underlying bone or jaw issue that led to your tooth loss. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and keep your facial structure intact for years to come.
So, with dentures, your jaw can deteriorate, and your face shrinks over time, while with implants, you can keep looking young for a very long time.
Dental implants are easier to use and maintain
Dentures need to be removed regularly for special cleaning. This maintenance could become quite tiring after a while. When putting them back into your mouth, you also have to carefully and correctly apply the right amount of adhesive to help secure the dentures. Simply put, dentures are a chore to live with.
With dental implants, however, you get comfort at its peak. They are like brand-new teeth. You just care for them the way you would your natural teeth. No undue stress or extra effort required.
Dentures are great options for weak gums
If you have a case of unhealthy or weak gums rather than loose or missing teeth, then it might be more cost-effective and generally more advisable to go the way of dentures. In cases where you have a few teeth missing, partial dentures might be a recommended option rather than dental implants.
However, ensure the partial dentures fit your mouth correctly because if they don’t, they can make you feel profoundly uncomfortable, irritate your gums, contribute to decay, sores, and infections in your oral cavity, and put your remaining natural teeth at risk.
Dental implants are cheaper than dentures (over the long-term)
Cost is the major deciding factor for most people when it comes to choosing between dentures and dental implants. Since dentures are always touted as the less expensive option of the two, your instinct is to be budget-friendly and stick with some false teeth.
Unfortunately, this long-held notion is sadly false, as dental implants, and not dentures, remain the cheaper, yes cheaper, choice. In fact, getting dental implants is a wise lifetime investment.
How? At first, glance, getting a dental implant costs way more than acquiring dentures. So, you decide to get dentures. But you would also need to purchase denture adhesives and cleaning solutions, and then several years down the line, shell out more cash to repair or replace these dentures.
Before you know it, you have spent way more on your dentures than you would have if you had gone for implants in the first place. With tooth implants, no additional dental implant costs exist aside from the flat fee you pay upfront, and there is no need for replacement or repair in the future.
The Takeaway
After duly considering the pros and cons of both dental implants and dentures, choosing the right one for you should be a straightforward step to take. If most of your teeth are still available and you can get well-fitting partial dentures, then do so.
But get ready to spend on these dentures every few years. If you like a once-and-for-all upfront payment and a comfortable long-term option that requires very low maintenance financially and otherwise, then dental implants are the way to go.
Dentures Or Dental Implants?
When deciding on the treatment for your dental issues, it is important to consider the many benefits of both dentures and implants. Although each is effective for different situations, they have several disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
Full-arch dentures
If you’re looking for a long-term, effective way to replace your missing teeth, you may want to consider dental implants or full-arch dentures. Both provide a sturdy solution that lasts for a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants are metal rods, typically titanium, that bond with the jawbone.
A dental implant can replace a single tooth, an entire arch of teeth, or multiple teeth. Typically, implants are placed under anesthesia. When the jawbone heals, the implant bonds to the bone, holding a prosthetic tooth in place.
Implant-supported full arches have a higher degree of stability than conventional dentures. The implants hold the dentures securely in place, allowing you to eat and speak without worrying about your teeth shifting.
However, implants are not a cheap option. In fact, they are significantly more expensive than conventional dentures. They are also not as comfortable, and they are more likely to shift and cause soreness of the gums and other tissues.
Full-arch dentures can also be a viable option, but they have many drawbacks. First, they are bulky and may be uncomfortable to wear. Second, they require daily oral hygiene and cleaning. Additionally, they don’t look as natural as implant-supported options.
While dental implants are durable and reliable, they are more costly. You can expect to pay at least $10,000 for a fixed arch. There are also several financing options available.
If you’re considering full-arch implants, you should talk to a doctor about your options. Your insurance plan may cover the cost. Some people opt for immediate loading, while others may have to wait until their mouth heals.
The recovery time from a full-arch implant is much shorter than for standard dental implants. Healing can take between three and six months. After the surgery, you’ll have gauze to control bleeding. Rinse your mouth gently with water, and then change the gauze every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
As with other types of dental implants, you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene. Clean your dentures after each meal, and make sure they are free of food debris. It’s important to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that can put strain on the implants.
Partial dentures
Dental implants and partial dentures can be used to replace missing teeth. The decision on which will best suit your needs is an individual one, and will depend on many factors.
A dental implant is a small titanium post inserted into the jawbone, fusing with the bone over time. This implant allows the dentist to resemble a natural tooth as closely as possible. However, dental implants require regular maintenance and care.
Partial dentures are a less expensive option than dental implants, but still need to be properly cared for. They need to be cleaned daily, and should never be worn at night.
Dental implants are often recommended for people with excellent insurance policies and high income. In addition, dental implants are more comfortable, and some may even prefer them.
When it comes to deciding which prosthetic is right for you, the most important factor to consider is your health. Not having teeth can cause complications in chewing and speaking. Additionally, missing teeth increase the risk of gum disease and bone loss.
For those with severe dental problems, a dentist can perform a bone graft, which can strengthen the jaw. Unfortunately, the cost of this procedure can be high, and some individuals are better off choosing a less invasive alternative.
Choosing a denture can be a difficult decision. Dentures take a long time to get used to, and they do not feel like real teeth. While they can provide the most esthetics, they may also cause mouth pain and affect the way you chew.
If you’re looking for an affordable solution to replace missing teeth, a dental flipper may be a good choice. These lightweight and removable devices can be constructed before an extraction is planned.
There are several other options, including dental bridges, which attach to the surrounding teeth. Dental implants are more expensive, but offer a higher degree of comfort.
Before deciding on a solution, you should carefully consider your budget and priorities. Having healthy, functioning teeth is essential for a healthy life. You’ll also want to decide how you want your new teeth to look.
Drawbacks of dentures
There are many advantages to having dentures or dental implants, but there are also some drawbacks. Both may require regular adjustments and replacements, and they can cause problems if they don’t fit properly. They also may irritate the gums, which can lead to infections.
If you need to wear dentures, you’ll need to clean them carefully. This is particularly true if you use adhesives to keep them in place. It is easy for food and bacteria to get stuck in the denture, and this can lead to infection. Having to clean the dentures regularly can be a chore, and it’s best to avoid using adhesives if possible.
Another disadvantage of dentures is that they are not as durable as dental implants. Because they aren’t rooted to the bone, they’re not as stable. Plus, they can become dislodged when you bite on hard or crunchy foods.
Dentures may be more comfortable for some people, but implants are the way to go if you’re looking for permanent teeth. Implants can last decades with proper care. However, they cost more than dentures and require a surgical procedure to be placed.
While dentures can be acceptable in certain situations, the benefits of dental implants far outweigh the downsides. For example, they can be a good option for people who have a poor jawbone.
Aside from being more durable, implants don’t have to be removed for certain activities. That’s a big deal if you’re planning to eat or speak while wearing them. Also, dental implants don’t affect the jawbone, which is one of the main concerns with dentures.
Lastly, dentures are often messy and unappealing. Many people have issues speaking or eating while wearing them. In some cases, they don’t even fit properly.
In order to decide which is best for you, you’ll need to take a look at all your options. You’ll need to determine whether you’re a good candidate for implant surgery, and what your prosthetic goals are. Then, you’ll need to make sure your insurance will cover the cost of the surgery. Financing plans are available from many dental insurance companies.
Cost
There are a lot of different factors to consider when it comes to the cost of dentures and dental implants. For example, the quality of the implant and dentist’s experience can affect the overall cost of the procedure.
Choosing a high-quality restoration will help you to get a longer-lasting and stronger tooth. It may also come with a warranty.
The price of a denture varies depending on its materials, the shape and color. Generally, lower-end dentures are a few hundred dollars and higher-end options can be up to four thousand dollars.
While the total cost of dentures and dental implants can vary from patient to patient, most of the time, the cost will be covered by insurance. Most plans pay between 15% and 50% of the costs. Some insurers will cover the entire crown, while others will only cover the abutment.
Implant-supported dentures (also called full-arch restorations) are a great option for people who want to replace missing teeth. They have a better fit than removable dentures and are more comfortable. This is because they are anchored to four or six implants in the jaw.
The price of dentures and dental implants can vary by region. Large metropolitan areas tend to be more expensive than smaller towns. In the Northeast, for example, the average cost of snap-in dentures with four implants and all attachments is $19,999. However, in some cities on the West Coast, the cost is much higher.
Before beginning a new treatment, it is important to understand your insurance’s coverage. You can call your health insurance provider for more information. If you are covered by a Medicaid program, it is possible that the cost of the dentures and implants will be covered.
Dental implants may require additional procedures. These can include gum tissue grafts and bone grafts. Depending on your insurance, you may also have to undergo sedation or a sinus lift.
In some cases, you may need to have a tooth extracted to place the implants. Getting the right amount of gum tissue grafts can make a big difference in the final cost of the procedure.