The thought of having to wear dentures puts many people off. Well, if you are one of these people then you can breathe easy because there is an even better alternative to them. The debate of having implants vs dentures is one that has come up many a time in the dentist’s office whenever a patient wants a solution for that better smile.

Aging comes with a number of challenges one of which is the loss of teeth. When this happens, the jaws remodel and decrease in size. This then leads to missing teeth.

It results in a sunken look and this is why you will find a number of senior citizens with dentures. Dentures have been around for a long time and due to the demand for better, dental implants were introduced in the market. Implants are actually a better option and preferred by many because of their cosmetic appeal.

Here is a compilation of the differences between the two. Read on.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures can be used when you still have some natural teeth. Also known as bridges, they are replacement teeth attached to a plastic base that is pink in color. They have a bridge that can replace the missing teeth by placing some crowns on the teeth on both sides by attaching the artificial teeth to them.

Dentures can be hard to keep in place especially among the elderly due to medical conditions and the medications that affect the quantity of saliva and this will decrease the muscles in the mouth.

What Are Implants?

Implants are artificial roots placed on the jaw to hold the bridge. They are ideal for people with good oral health and might have lost a tooth or two in an accident or because of a disease. They provide a good base for temporary or permanent artificial teeth, which match your natural teeth.

They are an excellent option when replacing your missing teeth without affecting the adjacent teeth.

Statistics according to the American Associations of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons show that almost 70% of the adults in the United States aged between 34 to 44 years have lost a minimum of one tooth to gum disease, accident, teeth decay, or dental fractures and they sensitize the public on matters implants and implants safety.

Differences Between Dentures and Implants

Both dentures and implants are solutions to dental problems. Before making a decision on which one you should pick between the two, you should tell them apart. Here are some of their differences.

  • Implants work with the jawbone to maintain your facial structure and keeps you looking young. Dentures destroy the jawbone and can lead to the deterioration of your facial structure.
  • Implants are very strong and secure because they are attached to the jaw and they fit comfortably. Dentures are quite uncomfortable because they slip and move around.
  • Implants work as natural teeth do while dentures, on the other hand, feel unnatural and fake.
  • With implants, you can chew everything normally and yet dentures cannot be able to chew certain types of food.
  • You will not need to use any adhesives or creams when you have implants while dentures require both creams and adhesives.
  • Implants are easy to clean and care for and with dentures; you will have to remove them regularly to clean them.
  • Implants last long while dentures will have to be re-aligned and remade.
  • With implants, you get a lifetime solution to your dental challenges and in as much as dentures are less expensive, they are also less effective.
  • Implants require a nice and strong jaw while dentures can be placed on any jaw.

Both dental implants and dentures will help to restore your smile by replacing the missing teeth with temporary teeth that are cut precisely to fit their place. Implants will provide more benefits than just replacing the missing teeth.

This is the main reason why a number of dentists recommend implants. Implants also have a higher success rate than dentures.

Are You the Right Candidate for a Dental Implant?

Your dentist can recommend implants if you are adult, in good oral and general health, and have enough bone in your jaw to support the implants. You should also have a healthy gum with no periodontal disease. With dentures, you may not need to have a strong healthy gum. Implants come in handy when you need to do any of the following.

  • Replace your teeth, even if it is a single tooth, several teeth, or even replacing all of your teeth
  • Sinus augmentation: bone quality is necessary when having implants and the upper back jaw does not have it. To have implants on the upper back jaw this procedure will help raise the sinus floor to allow for placing of the implants
  • Ridge modification: when the upper and lower jaws are deformed, implants cannot be successfully placed. To fix this, the gum has to be lifted from the ridge in order to expose the defect, which is then filled with bone substitute or bone to build the ridge. This procedure has improved the appearance of an individual and better your chances of having successful implants that can last long.

Implants vs Dentures: Comparing Costs

Dental implants costs may appear to be a lot for tooth replacement. While this might be true, the cost is a one-off and you will not have to incur any more maintenance costs. Dentures, on the other hand, have replacement costs; you will have to buy fixatives and cleaning solutions.

At the end of the day, their cost will also just go up. Dentures need replacement every seven to fifteen years and implants have a life span of 25 years.

Choosing the Best Option Between Implants vs Dentures

When you face the decision of choosing between implants vs dentures, remember your comfort counts. You cannot match the peace of mind, comfort, and confidence that dental implants will give you to dentures.

Read more on our blog on how to improve your dental and all-around health.