Dental Implants vs Dentures
Dental Implants vs Dentures: A Complete Comparison
The loss of teeth can cause much damage to aesthetics, speech, chewing, and more. Nowadays, there are different treatments available to address this issue. Implants and dentures are both standard solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Before undergoing any treatment, a clinical evaluation with a dentist is required to assess the condition of your mouth and teeth and discuss your options. In this article, we will examine some of the critical differences between implants and dentures and finally compare dentures with implants.
Table of Contents
Types of treatment for missing teeth:
Dental implants involve a titanium screw that is permanently placed in your jawbone. Then, a replacement tooth, or a crown, is placed on top of it.
Dentures are removable plastic or metal frames that carry several artificial teeth. Depending on the number of teeth you have lost, you may need full or partial dentures. Patients can also have implant-supported dentures, where the dentures are placed on dental implants.
When you visit Beach Cities Dentistry Clinic in Manhattan Beach for your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss all the available and suitable options for you.
A denture consists of a base or plate that is molded to fit over the gums. This mold is usually made of plastic or sometimes metal. The denture includes a set of teeth designed to look natural and similar to your teeth.
Getting used to dentures may take some time. Once you can use them, you must practice chewing with artificial teeth and speaking out loud. After a few months, they will feel more natural.
Since the implant is fixed in your jawbone, it looks like a natural tooth and will not affect your speech. Once the implant has healed, you can eat normally, just like you would with your natural teeth. Also, as you age, the implant remains solid and secure, preventing bone loss that can affect the shape of your face over time.
Dental Implants vs Dentures:
Dentures | Implants | |
---|---|---|
Durability | ||
Longevity | ||
Aesthetics | ||
Treatment Duration | ||
Cost | ||
Prevents Bone and Gum Loss |
Strength:
In implant treatment, a screw, usually made of titanium, is placed in the jawbone and fuses with the jaw. This base can provide as much strength as a natural tooth root, while dentures have no support and only rest on the gums.
- Longevity:
Dentures last 7 and 10 years, while implants last over 20 years. With proper care, this lifespan can be extended to a lifetime.
- Aesthetics:
Dental implants have a more natural appearance compared to dentures.
- Treatment Duration:
One disadvantage of implants compared to dentures is the length of treatment. The implant bases need time to fuse with the bone, and the treatment duration for standard implants is about six months. In contrast, dentures are usually completed in less than a week. However, dental implants offer solutions, such as temporary and immediate crowns.
- Cost:
One advantage of dentures over implants is the lower cost. It’s natural for a treatment that requires more equipment and precision to cost more. However, the many benefits of implants make this cost seem minimal.
- Bone and gum resorption:
Dentures may lead to bone and gum resorption in the long term, but dental implants prevent this and are much better for the individual’s health.
- Speech:
Dentures may cause problems due to looseness, but dental implants will not.
- Care:
Dentures need to be removed at night and placed in a disinfectant solution. They also need to be brushed after eating and thoroughly cleaned, whereas dental implants are easier to care for and are just like natural teeth.
- Surgery:
The denture treatment is straightforward and quick, but surgery is required to place the implant base into your bone for implants. This surgery, due to anesthesia, will not cause severe pain. If you have an intense fear, you can use implants with sedation.
Implant surgery should not be considered a disadvantage, as it poses no problem for the individual. However, it may not be pleasant for some people and is one of the differences between implants and dentures.
- Implants are not suitable for everyone.
Today, dental implants have a success rate of over 97%. However, it would help if you remembered that certain factors and illnesses can cause implant treatment to fail. People with diabetes, osteoporosis, or those undergoing radiation therapy should consult with an implant specialist. It may not be possible for them to get implants, so dentures should be used.
Comparison Criteria | Dental Implants | Dentures |
---|---|---|
Strength | Implants fuse with the jawbone and provide strength like a natural tooth root. | Dentures rest on the gums and have no support. |
Longevity | Lasts over 20 years, with proper care can last a lifetime. | Lasts 7 to 10 years |
Aesthetics | More natural appearance. | Less natural appearance compared to implants. |
Treatment Duration | Around 6 months (requires time to fuse with the bone). | Completed in less than a week. |
Cost | Higher cost. | Lower cost. |
Bone and Gum Resorption | Prevents bone and gum resorption. | May lead to bone and gum resorption. |
Speech | No issues with speech. | May cause speech issues due to looseness. |
Care | Requires the same care as natural teeth. | Must be removed at night and placed in a cleaning solution. |
Surgery | Requires surgery to place the base in the jawbone. | No surgery required. |
Suitability for Everyone | May not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions. | Suitable for everyone. |
In the following, we provide a more detailed explanation of the comparison between implants and dentures:
Comparison of the duration of the dental implant and denture process
When you lose your teeth for any reason and need an implant or dentures, choosing the right solution between dental implants and dentures depends on various factors such as cost, the process duration, the health of the jawbone, and natural teeth.
Dental implants and dentures have advantages and disadvantages, which we will examine in the following sections.
The implant process
Implant treatment typically involves two surgical procedures performed under local anesthesia at the dental clinic. First, the implant base is placed in the jawbone. After the bone fuses with the jaw, a crown can be placed on the base.
Suppose you don’t have enough bone to support the implant. In that case, your dentist may recommend a supportive treatment like bone grafting or sinus lift beforehand. Any supportive treatment will extend your treatment time.
Denture process
Installing dentures is usually faster than implants. Your dentist examines your mouth and teeth to ensure the dentures fit nicely over your gums. A dental specialist custom-makes dentures to ensure they feel comfortable and look natural.
Installing dentures is generally more straightforward than implant surgery. However, your dentist may need to remove some teeth before starting treatment. This sometimes happens if you want a complete set of dentures but still have some natural teeth that the dentist will need to extract.
If teeth need to be extracted, your dentist may recommend a healing period of one or two months for your gums before using dentures. Your dentist at Beach Cities in Manhattan Beach will explain everything you need to know during your initial evaluation.
Comparing the implant process vs dentures
Dental implants:
Implants require sufficient bone to place the screw-like bases, which are then covered with crowns. They have become increasingly popular recently, especially among adults aged 55 to 64.
Dental implants are created first by removing the damaged root. Once the root is removed, or if it has already been extracted, a hole is made in the jawbone.
A metal artificial root, called a post, is deeply embedded in the bone. The dental crown is placed on the implant base as the bone grows around the base and secures it.
The post may take several months to receive the abutment (the piece on which the crown is placed). Sometimes, the abutment is placed when the post is implanted.
The final step is to attach a crown – an artificial tooth made to match the surrounding teeth – to the abutment.
Dentures:
Dentures are removable artificial teeth that can be placed in your mouth regardless of the amount of bone in the jaw.
Dentures can be complete sets that replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw or made to replace a few missing teeth, which is called partial dentures.
If dentures are needed to replace all teeth, a mold of the upper or lower gums, or both, is made.
Before creating the dentures, your dentist will check your bite and the alignment of the upper and lower jaws to ensure the denture length is suitable for chewing and speaking.
An initial set of dentures is then made in a lab and sent to your dentist. The dentures are placed in your mouth, and any necessary alignment or tooth length adjustments are made before the final set is produced.
Dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth and gums and are held in place with a unique adhesive that bonds them to your gums.
Comparing denture and implant maintenance
What are the overall goals of dentures and implants?
Dentures and implants ultimately aim to:
– Help you chew foods you might otherwise be unable to eat
– Support facial muscles
– Improve speech
– Boost self-esteem and social presence
However, there are also significant differences between the two tooth replacement processes. Here are some pros and cons of each approach that should be considered before deciding.
Comparing denture care vs. implants
Caring for dental implants is similar to standard dental hygiene for natural teeth. This means brushing with a soft brush, flossing, and cleaning at least twice daily.
However, dentures require more daily maintenance to stay healthy for the long term. They should be soaked in water or a unique cleaning solution at specific intervals.
To clean dentures (which should be done daily), remove them after eating and brush them. You may also need to clean any adhesive residues left on your gums.
Artificial dentures need to be adjusted periodically as your bite changes over time. Dental implants are permanent fixtures. However, they may need replacement crowns if the original ones crack or break.
Conclusion:
The decision between dentures or implants should be made carefully and in consultation with your dentist. Although implants are more expensive, they can last 20 years or more compared to dentures, which may need occasional replacement. Implants can be considered a long-term investment in your health and stay with you for a lifetime.
Suppose you carefully review all your options for replacing missing teeth, consider your priorities, and consider what you want the dentures to accomplish. In that case, you should be able to make a confident final decision.
Contact Beach Cities Dentistry Clinic in Manhattan Beach for further consultation about other conditions and topics.
The benefits of choosing Beach Cities Dentistry Clinic:
– Experienced Specialists: Dr. Tehrani, an experienced and skilled specialist, provides high-quality dental services using the latest techniques and equipment.
– Comprehensive Services: This clinic offers a wide range of dental services, including dental implants, veneers, composite fillings, root canals, wisdom tooth surgery, and more.
– Equipped with the Latest Equipment: The clinic has the latest technologies and devices to offer you the best services.
– Affordable Prices: Despite the quality of services, the clinic’s prices are very reasonable and affordable. We offer a complete dental evaluation, including X-rays, for just $59 and $179 for cleaning, exam,& X-ray for new patients. This special offer ensures that you receive comprehensive care at an exceptional value.
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