When missing teeth become a reality, you are likely to wonder which option for tooth replacement is right for you. Dental implants and dentures are two of the most popular treatments available, both with advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your individual needs, priorities, and preferences, one solution may be a more beneficial and suitable method for restoring your missing teeth. As you read the following blog post, allow us to help you better understand the difference between dental implants vs. dentures so that you can make a more confident decision about your dental care.
What Are Removable Dentures?
Removable dentures come in two forms: full and partial. If all teeth are missing from the top or bottom row of your mouth, a removable full denture can serve to not only restore aesthetics but also functionality. If only a few nonconsecutive teeth are missing along a row, a removable partial denture can be used to fill in the gaps.
Using a gum-colored base and artificial teeth, a full denture rests on your gums, using your natural suction to hold it in place. A partial denture uses requires the use of clasps or clips that are placed around your natural teeth to ensure a secure fit.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Since the post mimics your natural tooth root, it stimulates the bone, preventing it from weakening or deteriorating. Depending on the number of teeth missing, your dentist will place one or more implants, carefully positioning them to create an optimal foundation for your custom restorations.
Once in place, the implant must fuse to the jawbone and surrounding tissue in a process known as osseointegration, which can take 3 to 6 months to complete. Once fully healed, the implant will have an abutment placed on top, which is a small, metal appliance that connects the implant and finalized dental crown, implant bridge, or implant-retained denture.
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Dentures Compared to Implants?
When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both dental implants and dentures, you will need to spend some time determining what is most important. Here are a few of the ways these two tooth replacement solutions differ:
- Jawbone: With dentures, you can experience weakening of the jawbone due to no continual stimulation. This can result in changes in your facial structure. Dental implants restore the entire tooth structure, allowing the jawbone to remain stimulated, thus, maintaining normal facial structure.
- Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants can last for decades or longer, whereas, dentures only typically last between 7 and 15 years before requiring a replacement.
- Appearance: Since dental implants are fixed to the jawbone, they look very similar to a natural tooth, making it difficult for others to notice a difference. Dentures, while natural in appearance, can be noticeable should they become loose.
- Maintenance: Dentures require you to remove and clean them regularly as well as soaking them at night. With dental implants, you can brush and floss your teeth like normal.
- Invasiveness: There is no surgery required to receive removable dentures; however, dental implants require 1-2 surgical procedures.
Cost Comparison
If cost is a priority when contemplating which tooth replacement solution you will choose, there are a few things you should know about dentures and dental implants. First, dentures are a more affordable option but may be less effective with regard to being cost-effective. Dental implants are a more costly option, requiring you to pay more upfront, but their longevity makes them a more worthwhile investment.
The average cost for a full set of dentures can cost you a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars. The average cost for a single tooth implant can cost several thousand dollars. It is important to remember that dental insurance and third-party financiers may be able to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with tooth replacement.
It is important to know your options when determining how you want to replace your missing teeth. Your dentist in Torrington will be happy to discuss all the details about these unique treatments.