Dental Implants vs Dentures: Which is Best for You?

Dental Implants Vs Dentures - Fairview Dentist

Are you tired of living with tooth loss, and you’re ready to take action with a permanent tooth replacement option? Maybe you thought about dentures, but a friend told you about dental implants and the benefits? Before making your decision, it’s important to understand the advantages of dental implants over dentures and why your local family Fairview dentist and patients prefer them.

Which option is best for me?

With so many things to consider—from appearance, feel, price, and more–it’s tricky to know which option is best for you. We’re breaking down the differences between dental implants and conventional dentures, so you don’t have to!

What is a dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone. Like a real tooth root, a dental implant replicates how a natural tooth grows in the jawbone. To complete the dental implant, an abutment is placed on the implant and is used to connect the dental implant to the replacement tooth (dental crown). When all three parts are combined, they look and function like real teeth, can be used to anchor dentures, fill gaps between teeth, and even support removable partials. They’re free of artificial materials that can break down over time, and they’ll never need to be removed from your mouth for cleaning. Your Fairview dentist uses quality material to ensure your dental implants last a long time.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of dental implants.

  • Dental implants are designed to feel, act and look just like a natural healthy tooth. Unlike dentures, they do not sit on top of the gums. Instead, each implant is placed in the bone just like a natural tooth root to encourage bone and gum health.
  • The best way to achieve the function of your natural tooth is with a dental implant, where it will restore approximately 90 percent of the chewing function that you lost when a tooth was removed.  
  • Looks natural – After your dental implant is placed, we will design a restoration that looks similar to a natural tooth. The result will be that it blends seamlessly with your smile, so you’ll get the function and comfort of your natural teeth.
  • A dental implant can be the foundation for any type of restoration you want. Whether your partial denture is bothering you or you need a complete set, placing an implant in place will guarantee continuous stability.
  • If you’re losing your teeth, implants are a great long-term solution for keeping your mouth healthy. They’ll keep you smiling and feeling younger – without the discomfort of dentures.
  • When tooth loss occurs, many patients experience a sunken in facial appearance. Dental implants can help maintain and preserve the facial structure of your jawbone.
  • With proper care, dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth without needing a replacement.
 

Some of the cons to dental implants.

  • When it comes to costs, dentures are the more affordable option. However, most dentures eventually need to be replaced due to bone loss that occurs because of the missing tooth.
  • Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies to be a candidate for dental implants. A patient needs healthy bones and gums so that the implant may secure properly to the jaw. If a patient does not have healthy bones, a bone graft will be required, resulting in an increase in the cost of the treatment.

What is a denture?

Conventional dentures are a great way to replace missing teeth and are still considered a very common solution. Over the years, they have undergone improvements to help people with dentures feel more comfortable. They improve your ability to chew and improve the look of your smile. The material used is typically made of a pink gum-colored acrylic base that supports the teeth. Some dentures will include a lightweight metal framework that provides extra strength and support. There are two types of dentures to choose from when it comes to dentures. Complete dentures and partial dentures.

Complete dentures are full-coverage dental prosthetics that replace a complete arch of missing teeth. Some patients may only have an upper denture or bottom denture, or both. They’re indicated for patients with several teeth missing.

A partial denture is used when some of your natural teeth remain, and the partial denture is used to fill in the gaps. For partial dentures to work, they are supported by clasps around existing teeth, or they may be attached with attachments that are fitted onto crowns. The fit of the partial is one of the most important aspects of your treatment. They protect your gums and natural teeth, help you eat without discomfort, and keep you feeling confident. Let’s look at some of the benefits of dentures.

  • The cost of dentures is generally affordable compared to implants.
  • When you lose teeth, removable dentures can be placed in by patients who have experienced bone and gum loss (unlike implants, which must be anchored to bone to become stable).
  • A denture is a perfect solution to replace your missing teeth without an invasive dental procedure. This makes dentures a great option for seniors.
  • The entire process of getting dentures is relatively quick.
 
Cons of dentures
 
  • With age, our face, gums, and teeth change in appearance and alignment. As a result, adjustments or replacements may be necessary to have a properly aligned bite.
  • Dentures are customized to your mouth and can take some getting used to, like most new things in life. They may be uncomfortable for the first few days, but the feeling of discomfort will dissipate over time. 
  • Just like your regular teeth, dentures need to be maintained. Cleaning and doing your best to prevent germs will not only extend the life of your dentures but also prevent tooth decay and gum disease if the dentures trap food.
  • To keep your denture fixed in place, a denture adhesive or paste is required.

What to Consider When Choosing Dental Implants vs Dentures

When it comes to deciding which option works best for you, it will vary depending on the individual’s wants and needs, and how it will benefit them overall in their dental health.  Here are some factors you should consider when selecting dental implants or dentures. 

Insurance Coverage: Depending on your insurance plan, dentures are typically covered by most dental insurance plans. In most cases, dental implants are often considered cosmetic procedures. Therefore, their costs aren’t covered by dental insurance.

Preserves your Jawbone: Implant dentures preserve bone and prevent gum tissue from shrinking, and they help prevent you from losing more teeth. Dentures do not have this effect. An ill-fitting denture can even accelerate bone loss in some cases.

Durability: Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, saving you from paying for denture replacements or adjustments. They’re also more natural-looking than dentures and are generally more comfortable throughout the day.

Long-term Oral Health: Dentures need to be cleaned every day for them to last long, while implants, like natural teeth, can be maintained simply by brushing and flossing.

Improved AppearanceImplants are best for permanent support, look and function naturally, just like your own teeth. Implants are also a popular alternative to dentures as dentures can be bulky to insert and remove.

Oral HygieneDentures will need to be cleaned very carefully every day, while implants can be maintained by brushing and flossing in the same manner you would with real teeth.

Quality of Life: When it comes to replacing multiple teeth, dental implants have a higher upfront cost than other tooth replacement options but can offer a better quality of life with a long-term solution to tooth loss. You’ll smile all the time with dental implants. It’s not just a procedure—it’s an investment in your smile.

Not sure whether Implants or Dentures is better for you?

Tooth loss doesn’t have to impede a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or an entire arch, we can help you learn about your tooth replacement options and get back to enjoying your favorite foods! Call us at (972) 468-1440 or schedule an appointment online.

Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas. We look forward in seeing you soon!