Dental Implants vs Dentures: What is Right for You?” is a critical question for individuals seeking to address missing teeth. Missing teeth are not just unhealthy for your mouth, but they also impact your overall health and lower your self-esteem. If you have missing teeth, you should not feel ashamed. Tooth loss is common, not just for older people but for younger individuals as well. Approximately 70% of adults aged between 35 and 44 years have a missing tooth, and 1 in 4 people over the age of 74 are missing all of their precious teeth.
This widespread issue underscores the importance of finding effective solutions. Thankfully, there are acceptable solutions to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile, including dental implants and dentures.
Let us look into “Dental Implants vs Dentures: What is Right for You?”
What are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic dental appliances crafted to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Our dentists might suggest a full or partial denture, depending on the degree of tooth loss. A partial denture is utilized when only a few teeth are missing, whereas a full denture replaces the entire set of teeth.
We offer a variety of denture alternatives, including instant, conventional, full, and partial dentures, according to your unique needs.
Dentures rest on your gums and should be removed before bedtime to allow your gums to rest and recover. Your dentures should always be soaked in water or denture cleaning while not in use to keep them from drying out, cracking, or warping.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots of titanium implanted into your jaw to support a crown. They closely mimic natural teeth in both appearance and functionality.
Dental implants, as opposed to dentures, offer stability, so you can eat without worrying that they will slide out. Maintaining dental implants by cleaning and flossing your teeth twice a day is essential, just like you would with natural teeth.
Dental Implants vs Dentures: Which is the Better Option?
While dentures offer a more budget-friendly solution than dental implants, they fail to address the issue of jawbone deterioration. When a tooth is missing, the body begins to absorb minerals from the jawbone, leading to weakening and deterioration of the area where the tooth root once was.
Adjacent teeth may also shift towards the gap, eventually causing facial collapse, altering the facial shape, and making denture-wearing difficult. It is essential to consult our dentists to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implant surgery to prevent tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
We recommend dental implants whenever possible to help patients avoid long-term health complications associated with missing teeth.
Can I Qualify for Dental Implants?
You are eligible for dental implant surgery if you possess healthy gum tissue and adequate bone density to support the implant. Sufficient jawbone tissue is necessary for successful osseointegration, where the titanium dental implant integrates with the jawbone.
Our dentists will assess your candidacy for the dental implant procedure. Even if you’re not suitable, we can discuss alternative tooth replacement options available to you.
Here are the pros and cons of dentures vs dental implants.
The Pros and Cons of Dentures:
| Pros | Cons |
| They are more affordable. | They require more maintenance. |
| An entire dental arch can be replaced using them. | They can slip and need to be repositioned sometimes. |
| Looks & performs like natural teeth. | Doesn’t solve the issue of jawbone deterioration. |
The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants:
| Pros | Cons |
| Maintain natural teeth | More expensive |
| No chance of slipping | Requires surgical procedure |
| Prevents jawbone deterioration | Longer treatment process |
| Looks and functions like natural teeth | Potential for implant failure |
Conclusion
The decision between Dental Implants vs Dentures: What’s Right for You? Ultimately, it depends on your needs, preferences, and oral health status. It’s crucial to consult with our dentists to determine the best option for you. Whether you qualify for dental implants, we can explore alternative tooth replacement options tailored to your needs. The goal is to restore your smile, improve functionality, and enhance your oral health.
Contact First Class Smiles, Des Plaines, IL, to discuss your options. Schedule your appointment today. New patients can call us at (847) 264-4152, while current patients can reach us at (847) 824-3536.
FAQ
How can you compare dental implants with dentures?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth and have recently gained popularity as an alternative to dentures. While they may have a higher initial cost compared to dentures, dental implants offer long-term savings as they last longer. Moreover, dental implants require less number of visits to the dentist as they are easier to maintain compared to dentures.
Are dental implants a better option for tooth replacement?
Dental implants are a better choice as they feel and work like natural teeth. They provide a sense of permanence and can help you regain confidence in your smile, making them an ideal option.
Are dentures the right choice for me?
Dentures come in complete or partial sets and are used as removable tooth replacements. They are particularly popular for individuals missing multiple teeth rather than just a few.