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Home / Blog / Dental Implants / Dental Implants vs Dentures: Choose the Best Option for Your Oral Health

Dental Implants vs Dentures: Choose the Best Option for Your Oral Health

Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  / Nov 23, 2023  
Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  
Nov 23, 2023  
Choose the Best Option for Your Oral Health

Are you finding it challenging to decide on the optimal solution for your oral health?

Well, you're not the only one choosing between dental implants and dentures. This big decision could impact your confidence, convenience, quality of life, and oral health. 

At Gorgeous Smiles, we are mindful of the confusion that usually occurs when making this decision. That's why we will discuss dental implants and dentures in detail to assist you in making an informed choice.

What Are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are a cutting-edge oral health solution. It inserts a titanium post into your jawbone to supersede the root of a missing tooth. After this post has effectively fused with the bone, a dental crown is affixed to the implant. 

A dental implant procedure is desirable for people appearing to replace missing teeth as they essentially look and resemble natural teeth. They have been reported to have a success rate exceeding 97%. It makes them a dependable and long-term option for permanent tooth replacement.

The Process of Getting Dental Implants

Getting dental implants usually involves multiple stages over a few months. It ensures the jaw bone is suitable for the procedure. The initial steps were to conduct a thorough examination. It includes X-rays to ascertain the state of your jaw bone. 

If found suitable, the titanium post is implanted into your jaw during a surgical procedure. Then, it is followed by a healing period known as 'osseointegration'. Once healed, an abutment is attached to the post, onto which the dental crown is finally mounted. 

The final stage is the dental crown placement, developed to match your natural teeth' shape, size, and colour. It is then firmly secured onto the abutment, giving you a useful and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement. 

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants deliver numerous benefits over other tooth replacement options. It provides both functional and aesthetic benefits. Here are some of the key benefits that make dental implants a preferred choice:  

  • Improved oral functionality: Dental implants provide superior functionality to other artificial tooth replacement options. Without worrying about dislodgment, this stability allows you to eat, speak, and generally use your mouth like your natural teeth. 

  • Preservation of bone mass: It preserves and stimulates natural bone and prevents bone loss. It can significantly reduce the risk of bone deterioration commonly associated with lost or missing teeth. It contributes to maintaining your facial structure and overall oral health.

  • Durability: The dental crown is usually made of ceramic or porcelain. These can withstand the pressures of biting and chewing. Also, the titanium post is biocompatible and integrates well with your body. 

  • Natural appearance: Dental implants are customised to match your natural teeth' size, colour, and shape. It makes them virtually indistinguishable from your tooth replacement and boosts your confidence.

Potential Drawback

While dental implants have many advantages, they also come with a few potential drawbacks that you should consider:

  1. Expensive: Dental Implants are an expensive investment. But on the other hand, they might be more affordable over time because of their durability.

  2. Surgery is needed: Getting dental implants is an invasive procedure that calls for surgery. For people who are nervous about having surgery, this could be a turnoff.

  3. Long process: Obtaining dental implants is a lengthy procedure. Despite the lengthy healing process following surgery, the entire process may take several months.

  4. Potential for complications: There is a chance of complications even with dental implant surgery's high success rate. These may consist of nerve damage, infection, and sinus problems.

What Are Dental Dentures?

Dental dentures are replaceable prostheses that cover the surrounding tissues and lost teeth. Complete dentures and partial dentures are the two types of dentures. 

When all-natural teeth are missing, a complete denture is used. And when natural teeth are still present, the partial denture is installed. 

It is custom-made by a dental technician. They use the impression of your mouth, applying a mix of materials such as acrylic resin and occasionally metal. Dentures not only make your smile more attractive but also aid in preserving the structure of your mouth.

The Process of Getting Dental Dentures 

Dental dentures usually begin with an initial consultation in which your dentist evaluates the state of your teeth and overall oral health. They will improve the appearance of your gums. They will also remove any remaining teeth to guarantee the full dentures fit perfectly into your mouth. 

After your dentures, you will make several appointments for fitting, adjusting, and alignment checks. It is to guarantee the best fit and functionality. It's crucial to remember that, despite how strange they may feel at first, removable dentures will become comfortable for you.

Benefits of Dental Dentures

There are multiple perks that dental dentures offer to people who are experiencing tooth loss. These are a few of the main benefits they provide:

Accessibility and affordability: Initially, dental dentures are less expensive. They are often an affordable option for a large number of people. Therefore, dentures are a common option for people on a limited budget.

Non-invasive: Getting dentures is a non-invasive process. It may be appealing to those who prefer to avoid surgical procedures. Getting dentures doesn't require a lengthy period; you can use them immediately.

Flexibility: Since dentures can replace missing teeth at once, they provide flexibility. Dentures can be customised to meet your needs, whether all teeth or a few of your missing teeth.

Functionality: Dentures can help people speak and eat more easily. It is by enhancing mouth functionality. It may significantly affect the wearer's quality of life.

Potential Drawback

Dental dentures, while beneficial, also come with potential drawbacks. Here are a few to consider:

  1. Comfort and adaptation: Dentures may require adjustment as your mouth gets used to them. They may also cause soreness or irritation, especially in the initial days of usage.

  2. Maintenance: To keep dentures in good shape and remain clean, they must be carefully cleaned and soaked overnight. It also prevents gum disease and other mouth infections.

  3. Durability: Dentures require periodic replacements. They are not as strong as dental implants.

  4. Dietary restrictions: Dentures may limit your ability to eat certain hard or sticky foods. A cautious approach to eating is often necessary to avoid dislodging them.

  5. Speech difficulties: Initially, upper dentures may affect your speech. It causes difficulty with pronouncing certain words. A period of practice and adaptation is often required to overcome this.

Which One Fits You Best?

A few things that influence which dental implants or dentures are best for you are your lifestyle, financial status, and dental health. Also, it depends on personal preferences.

Dental implants might be the best option for people willing to have surgery and pay a greater cost but also want long-term durability. 

In contrast, artificial teeth may be ideal for those who prefer a non-disruptive procedure. Or, those who need a lower initial cost and can replace multiple teeth at once might find dentures more appealing. 

Discussing the possibilities of dental implants vs dentures with your dentist is safer and more accurate. It's critical to consider the goals and dental procedures to enhance your oral health, general appearance and quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Dentures and dental implants offer viable solutions for individuals with missing teeth. Each has specific benefits and possible drawbacks. The optimal choice for you will rely on your unique situation, financial status, oral health, and level of comfort during the procedure. 

The importance is to regain your confidence in speaking, eating, and smiling. Taking care of your tooth loss is a positive step toward maintaining oral and general health, regardless of your approach.

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