Dentures vs. Implants
If you’re missing one or more missing teeth and want to replace them, you have many options for doing so -- and sometimes, all the options can be daunting. Two of the most popular options are dentures and implants. The right option for you depends on your preference, your clinical needs, your overall health, and the cost of treatment, among other factors. Your dentist can closely review the pros and cons of each type of dental restoration option with you and can determine whether dentures or implants might work for you, or whether you’d benefit from a different type of restoration, like a dental bridge. Dentures and implants both help their wearer chew a wide variety of foods, support the muscles of the face, improve the wearer’s ability to speak articulately and smile confidently, and can help improve self-esteem. While dentures and implants both provide these similar benefits, there are some differences between the two types of dental restorations that are worth noting.
Dental implants are small, screw-like cylinders, usually made out of titanium, that are surgically implanted into the bones of the jaw, replacing the roots that go missing when the teeth fall out or are removed. To be a good candidate for dental implants, patients should have a sufficient amount of healthy bone tissue present, though in some cases bone growth can be stimulated and bone can be replaced through bone grafts. Once any necessary grafts have healed, implants can be placed. After the bone has completely healed around the implant post, natural-looking dental crowns are attached to the tops of the implants. This healing process takes several months, but once the bone has healed and fused to the dental implant post, the dental implant serves as a replacement tooth root and provides support for realistic-looking, strong, stable dental restorations. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, and the crown can be made to match the surrounding teeth in both color and translucence, or implants can support multiple crowns, or entire rows of crowns, that look and function just like natural teeth.
Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are removable, and they can be used for patients no matter how much or how little bone is present. Dentures can be made to replace a few missing teeth, or they can be made to replace an entire row of teeth. Dentists take an impression of the gums or of the area where a single tooth is missing and also study the bite and jaw alignment, determining the proper size of the dentures to allow for optimal function. A dental lab will make your initial set of dentures that will then be adjusted and modified before they will be used as a model for the final set of dentures. Dentures are made to resemble natural teeth and gums and are affixed to the gums with a specially made adhesive.
Both dentures and dental implants come with their own set of pros and cons. Dentures are less expensive than dental implants; in fact, dental implants may cost more than many other dental restoration options. Prices for all dental procedures vary, based on a number of factors, and a single dental implant can range in price from $1,600 to $2,200, while the average cost of a denture that contains an entire row of teeth may be about the same. Dental implants are usually safe and often effective, though complications can arise; complications include infection, or mechanical problems like cracks in dental crowns or loosened implant posts. The most common complications with dentures include the dentures slipping out of place or moving unexpectedly, and ulceration caused by friction that can irritate the gums.
Because of their greater cost, dental implants may be the best option for people who are young enough to expect to use them for several years, though they can certainly be an effective option for older patients. However, many older patients may wish to avoid the invasive surgical procedures required for dental implants, and for these patients, dentures may be the preferable dental replacement option. Patients who have lost a considerable amount of bone matter, either due to injury, disease, age, or tooth loss, may not be good candidates for dental implants. While bone grafting surgery can help improve the density of the jawbone, this adds to the cost, duration, and healing time of the procedure. Many patients also report that dental implants are more comfortable than dentures, allowing them to chew a wider variety of foods without fear of uncomfortable slipping or friction.
Patients can care for dental implants just as they would care for their own natural teeth, brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning between the teeth with floss or a water flosser. Patients with dental implants should also continue to see their dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings. It is important to care for the health of the tissues of the periodontium, including the gums and bone, to prevent dental implants from failing and to maintain the strength of the implants, and this is done with home hygiene habits and professional checkups and cleanings. Dentures require greater daily maintenance than dental implants. Patients should not wear dentures overnight, removing them to soak in water or cleaning solution while providing a break for the gums. Dentures must be cleaned daily and should be removed, and cleaned, after eating; it may also be necessary to brush the gums to remove any adhesive or other debris that remains on their surface. As the shape of the jaw changes, which happens naturally over time and which happens more dramatically when the roots of the teeth are missing, you will need to get your dentures fitted and adjusted occasionally; dental implants only require special maintenance if they crack or if infection is present.
Dental implants and dentures are just two of the many options for replacing one or more missing teeth. If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be the best replacement option. A dental bridge, which is also called a fixed partial denture, attaches to the teeth adjacent to missing teeth and fills in the gap where teeth are missing. A temporary partial denture is a removable device that is similar to a retainer; often called a flipper, the temporary partial denture contains one or more replacement teeth can can be easily removed for cleaning. A compromise between dental implants and dentures is the implant-supported overdenture, a denture that snaps onto dental implant posts that secure it in place. These implant-supported overdentures can provide the stability and comfort of dental implant restorations while sparing some of the expense. You and your dentist can talk more about the options available for you if you are hoping to replace one or more missing teeth.