Dentures VS Implants
Dental Implants Vs Dentures: Which Is Right for You?
Losing a tooth whether by accident or by disease is a painful feeling, teeth are very important. They help us chew, helps boost our confidence when smiling and maintain the shape of the jaw. Without a complete set of teeth, it always seems like something is missing.
In fact, without a proper set of teeth, the health of your jaw bones continues to deteriorate and may lead to further complications later on.
So it’s natural that we feel the need to replace them, in this article we wi be exploring the two most popular forms of tooth replacements; Dentures and Dental Implants.
Dentures
Dentures are removable, prosthetic teeth that can be fitted to your mouth to replace any or all lost teeth.
Dentures can be built in sets to completely replace teeth on the upper or lower jaws or be built to just replace a few teeth. Dentures are made by taking by an Impression of your gums and casting a replacement for the teeth there. This usually done by your dentist who would study your bite and mouth shape and decide the best type of dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent form of tooth replacement that is done by inserting screw like implants into your jaw bone which is then capped by a crown (an artificial tooth)
Just like dentures, they can be done for some teeth or for a complete set.
Dentures VS Implants
Both dentures and dental implants are popular and recommended forms of tooth replacement but depending on several factors, one might be more suitable to you than the other, so we would be exploring each of these factors one by one to help clarify you on the best option for you.
A dentist can suggest the best choice for you and at website: https://ricomfortdental.com/, they are specialists in tooth replacements and can help you make the right choice.
Procedure
Implants
The procedure for inserting dental implants is quite invasive and begins with the dentist extracting the damaged tooth. Then a hole is drilled into the jawbone, a metal prosthetic is then inserted, this would serve as a root. When the bone has started to grow around the root which can take a couple of months, the crown is then fitted and the procedure is completed.
Dentures
The procedure for dentures is much less invasive as the teeth replacements are removable. An impression of the affected gums is first taken, then a temporary denture is made from this and sent to you.
Your dentist studies your bite and mouth compatibility to it and send some minor corrections which would then be made on the final dentures and sent to you. This check is done to make sure that the dentures allow for optimal chewing and speaking.
The dentures which look just like normal teeth are held in place by a special adhesive bonding them to your gums.
Cost
Implants
cost wise, dental implants are much more expensive than dentures and any other alternative firm of tooth replacement. Prices vary but the average cost for dental implants costs between $1,600 to $2,200 per tooth.
However, considering their life span which can be as long as 30+ years, it can be a lasting replacement.
Dentures
Dentures on the other hand are much cheaper and a complete set of dentures for upper or lower gums cost just about $1,600, they are much cheaper than implants and are usually covered by insurance. They are however not long lasting solutions and would require refitting constantly.
Maintenance
Implants
The level of dental hygiene that is reserved for implants is quite low and is just the regular natural tooth hygiene; brushing flossing etc. Implants are the option for people who may not have the time to always take care of their teeth replacements.
Dentures
A greater deal of maintenance and dental care is required for dentures. A few rules are attached to their usage such as not wearing them overnight; they soak in a special cleaning solution during this time.
A much more thorough type of cleaning is required for dentures, they have to be brushed after eating and also brush off any excess adhesive that may linger on you gums.
Possible Complications
Implants
Implants are a safe form of tooth replacements but some complications may occur such as infections or loose posts and cracked crowns. However, the chances are low with the percentage of dental implant failures being between 5 to 10percent.
Dentures
Dentures are less invasive hence the possible complications are low, the most common complications with dentures are:
dentures not staying in place and
sores forming on the gums.
All these can be treated with a visit to your dentist.
Age
Dental Implants
Implants are long-lasting and are more permanent, hence implants are a good choice for those in their 60’s or younger. This means that they wouldn’t have to care about a replacement for a few decades.
Dentures
Dentures are a more popular choice for older adults as its less time consuming and is less invasive. They are also older hence no need for a long lasting implant.
Bone density
Implants require a certain amount of jawbone material in order to support the posts, if you don’t have this due to disease age or accidents, then dental implants might not be your ideal tooth replacement procedure. Dental implants also help to stimulate your jaw bone and prevents further deterioration of your jaw bone. This is because your bones treat it like a natural tooth.
Dentures require no bone density prerequisite hence their popularity with the older adults.
Function and feel
Dental implants generally provide a higher degree of comfort and a better chewing experience than Dentures. Dentures have a limited feel and function due to their removability.
Look
implants are securely anchored to your jaw bone and hence feel and look like natural teeth, they give a much more natural smile and feel natural in your mouth. This also means that implants never shift and are stable.
Dentures are resting on your gums and are held stable by friction, this means that the dentures can shift or slide when eating speaking or chewing. This makes it easy to notice that they are not natural.
Time required to Fix
Dentures are very easy to fix and can be casted, fitted and set within 3-4 weeks.
Implants on the other hand require a lot more time, the process to installing dental implants can take up to 7 months or longer, depending on the surgical procedures utilized. The time gap has made dentures a much more feasible option for those who wish to replace their teeth very fast.
Alternatives to dentures and Dental Implants
Dentures and dental implants aren’t the only options for replacing teeth. Your dentist can suggest any of this following alternatives as a treatment for your missing teeth.
Dental bridges
These are best for patients missing one or a few teeth, in this situation, a dental bridge (also called a fixed partial denture) is attached and fixed to the teeth with a bridge to surrounding teeth for support
It is a popular treatment and people fitted with them report a high level of satisfaction from them however a great deal of sensitization has to be done as regard to their maintenance and care.
Temporary partial denture
These removable retainers like device also known as a flipper contains one or more teeth for replacement of the missing ones. They can give the patient a full smile and can be easily removed for cleaning. They are actually the least most expensive teeth replacement solution but are the least durable too, they are mostly used as a temporary solution while Patients wait for an implant or a denture but they can be used for a longer time if the patient is comfortable with replacing them routinely.
Snap-in denture
These devices are a hybrid of dentures and implants, unlike dentures, they don’t require a special adhesive to remain in place. Instead snap in dentures rely on implants to secure their position.
They however don’t require a screw posts and use a snaps or posts to secure their position, depending on the wishes of the patient, they can be permanent or temporary. They are regarded as much more stable and more expensive than contemporary dentures.
Conclusion
Both dentures and dental implants are acceptable forms of tooth replacement, none is ultimately better than the other. You should consult with a dentist to understand your choices and then they will recommend a proper prosthetic that matches your needs and wishes.
website: https://ricomfortdental.com/ is one of the best dental clinics in the United States, they offer consultation services and they also perform tooth replacement surgeries, both for dentures and dental implants, and can help you make the process of getting a tooth replacement seamless.
The professional dentists here offer affordable services and also cater for general dental wellbeing.