If you’re missing one or more teeth, it isn’t just bad for your self-esteem, but also bad for your health. Many adults lose one or several teeth during their lifetime. When gums are exposed, it is easy for food and bacteria to get stuck in them. And if these are not removed, they could lead to infections. Infections could lead to gum disease, and the latter has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Missing teeth also adversely affect the structure of your jaw.
Fortunately, we have different options to replace missing teeth. Two of them are dentures and dental implants. So, when are denture or dental implants necessary? Which one is right for you? The questions are many. In this article, we’ll talk about dentures versus implants and which one is right for you…
What are Dentures and what are Dental Implants?
Dentures are removable, custom-made false teeth that are usually made out of nylon, acrylic, or metal. Dentures can be complete or partial, depending on how many teeth you need to replace. Complete dentures rest directly on the gums. Partial dentures, however, are supported by clasps around existing teeth.
Dental Implants are titanium screws or rods that are fused to your jawbone. They act as artificial roots and act as a base for permanent tooth replacement. This artificial, permanent tooth is called a crown and it mimics the look and feel of a natural tooth. After the titanium rod is secure, your dentist will simply attach a crown to it. This is a replacement that looks like your natural tooth. However, if you do not have enough bone to support a dental implant, you may need to undergo bone grafting to support your implant.
Permanent dentures however, are an alternative to removable dentures. They are held in place by two or more surgically-placed dental implants. These make them stable and allow you to chew, smile, and talk more easily than with removable dentures.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Dentures vs. Dental Implants
There are certain benefits and drawbacks and also pros and cons of both dentures and dental implants. Some of them are:
- Longevity: Dentures typically last for about 7 to 15 years, whereas Dental Implants can last for life. The latter are typically almost permanent and are a very long-lasting solution.
- Support: Dentures rest directly on gums. However, they can slip around and cause discomfort. Dental Implants are fixed to the jawbone like natural teeth, so they do not slip around.
- Cost: Dentures are less expensive, but are also less effective at times. Dental Implants are expensive and have a higher upfront cost, but are more valuable in the long-term.
- Feeling: Dentures can take time to get used to, whereas Dental Implants feel and function like natural teeth.
- Appearance: Dentures are noticeable if they come loose or slip, causing discomfort. Dental Implants look close to the real thing and they support your cheeks and lips.
- Maintenance and Convenience: Dentures need to be removed regularly for cleaning. For Dental Implants, however, you can brush and floss just like regular teeth.
- Speech: Dentures may interfere with speech, whereas Dental Implants do not.
- Eating: With Dentures, you need to avoid certain sticky or hard foods. There is no such restriction with Dental Implants.
- Invasiveness: If you want to insert Dentures, you do not need any invasive surgeries, whereas, for the insertion of Dental Implants, you need invasive surgeries.
- Jawbone: With Dentures, bone loss over time can lead to further deterioration of facial structure, whereas Dental Implants help stimulate and preserve the remaining jawbone to maintain facial structure.
Other Factors to Consider
- Cost: Dental Implants tend to be costlier than dentures. Also, you need to figure out if your medical insurance policy covers either dentures or dental implants, or then, both.
- Durability: Dental Implants that are properly cared for, can last for several years, sometimes, even for life. Dentures, on the other hand, need regular replacement, thereby adding to the cost in the long-term.
- Long-term Oral Health: Dental Implants enhance oral health by preserving bone and preventing gum tissue from shrinking. This may reduce your risk of losing more teeth. Dentures do not have this effect and sometimes an ill-fitting denture can accelerate bone loss.
- Oral Hygiene: If you have dentures, you need to remove them and clean them meticulously every day. Dental Implants can be taken care of by simply brushing and flossing as you would do with regular teeth.
- Improved Appearance: Dental Implants look and function very naturally in a way that is similar to your own teeth. Dentures, however, can feel bulky and artificial.
- Age: In the elderly, dental implants may not be an option, as they may not have adequate bone to support their implant. In this case, dentures could be a viable option.
If you have missing teeth and are not sure whether to opt for dentures or dental implants, do consult your dentist for greater clarity. At Vistadent, the Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, in Hyderabad, India, we will conduct a thorough examination and then recommend the right artificial replacement for your missing teeth.
We will work meticulously with you to give you a replacement that is right for you. We will also explain the entire process and patiently answer any and all questions you may have regarding dentures versus dental implants. So, if you need artificial replacement for your missing teeth, Vistadent is the place to go! For more information about dentures versus dental implants, or any other dental procedures, as well as other dental problems, contact Vistadent, the Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, at 040-23388111 or +91 9866572482 or at info@vistadent.net or visit our website at https://vistadent.net/.