How to Decide?
Missing teeth can affect your confidence, but thankfully there are a few options available to get you smiling again. If you have 1 or more missing teeth, you may be wondering about replacing them with dental implants or dentures.
If you’re having trouble making a decision, Garcia Dental Care can help!
There are many factors to consider when choosing between implants or dentures, like:
- Cost
- Care and maintenance
- Jawbone health
- The overall health of remaining teeth
Your dentist will be able to provide a thorough assessment of the advantages and disadvantages pertaining specifically to your oral health and dental history, so don’t be shy about discussing these options at your routine check-up.
Although starkly different solutions, dentures and implants are both acceptable options for teeth replacement, because they both:
- Help to increase self-esteem
- Help support facial muscles
- Help to improve speech
- Help with chewing foods
All About Dentures
Dentures are removable teeth replacements that are available as full or partial sets. They work as a replacement for missing teeth and some parts of the gum tissue.
Dentures are typically designed with a gum-coloured acrylic base that supports the denture teeth, and some contain metal frames to provide additional strength and support.
Before receiving your dentures, a dentist will map your bite and jaw alignment to ensure your dentures fit correctly. A lab creates an initial set of dentures, which your dentist will examine and make any necessary adjustments before a final set is produced.
Dentures have 2 options:
- Complete: Full or complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper, lower or both jaws. Complete dentures sit directly on the gums.
- Partial: Partial dentures are typically used to fill in gaps where individual teeth or clusters of teeth are missing. These dentures are placed using clasps around remaining teeth, or attached to fittings in dental crowns.
The Pros of Dentures
Here are a few benefits of dentures:
- Freedom: Dentures can be removed at any time, for any reason.
- Price: Dentures cost less than dental implants.
- Placement: Dentures rest directly on the gums or are anchored to fittings in dental crowns, making them an ideal option for patients with bone or gum loss.
- Coverage area: Dentures are a popular option for patients who are missing sets of teeth
- Non-invasive: Denture fittings are non-invasive and don’t require surgery.
- Quick: Fitting and making dentures is a reasonably short process compared to dental implants.
The Cons of Dentures
- Adjustments: Patients’ facial structure and gums change with age, and denture adjustments may be necessary.
- Discomfort: Dentures can be uncomfortable initially, and patients may experience increased saliva, difficulties with eating or chewing, and issues with speaking.
- Care and maintenance: Dentures require additional daily maintenance. Mouth and gum infections can occur if dentures do not receive proper care.
- Slippage: If dentures are not appropriately secured with adhesives, they can fall out or slip while eating and speaking.
- Improper fittings: Ill-fitting dentures can lead to infections or tooth decay.
- Replacement: Dentures may need to be replaced if they show signs of significant wear.
All About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent replacement for missing teeth that have increased in popularity over the last decade.
Dental implants are placed during an outpatient surgical procedure. An artificial titanium metal post is inserted into the jawbone, which replaces the natural root of a tooth, and this implant will anchor an artificial replacement tooth to its place.
Dental implants can replace missing roots to support artificial replacement teeth, have a more natural appearance, and are widely considered more comfortable than dentures.
The Pros of Dental Implants
- Success rates: Dental implants have a success rate of 95% or better.
- Long-lasting: Dental implants are intended to be permanent, and with proper care, can last a lifetime.
- Low maintenance: Dental implants are easy to maintain and result in fewer trips to the dentist.
- Care: Patients can care for implants as they would natural teeth, with a few specialized tools to help work around the nooks and crannies of the mouth.
- Comfort: Dental implants look and feel more natural than dentures.
- Security: Dental implants will not fall out while eating or speaking.
- Cost savings: Dental implants last considerably longer than dentures, and although more expensive, their longevity and durability can help patients save money over time.
The Cons of Dental Implants
- Surgery: Dental implant surgery can be invasive and time-consuming.
- Price: Dental implants are more expensive than dentures.
- Requires healthy bone density and gums: Dental implants need to be secured to the jaw, so patients with bone loss or gum disease may not be candidates for the procedure.
- Crown replacements: If a crown breaks or becomes cracked, the patient will require a replacement crown.
Still Undecided?
Ultimately, there’s only one person who should decide whether dentures or dental implants are better for your smile. (Hint: It’s you!) But while weighing the options, it’s a great idea to have a long conversation with your dentist about which procedure will work best.
Your dentist has a good handle on your dental history, your overall oral health, and will be able to explain the differences between treatments in greater detail.
Contact our team at Garcia Dental Care If you have questions about:
- Dental implants and dentures for yourself or your loved ones
- Maintenance of dental implants or dentures
- Dental implant surgery and recovery periods
- The differences between dental implants and dentures
Let’s work together to get you a happier smile!
