If you’re not happy with your teeth, you might find yourself considering dentures or dental implants. But when you really weigh the difference between these two options, you might find yourself a little torn. Dental implants vs dentures, what really is the difference?
Keep reading this guide to learn more.
Dental Implants Vs Dentures
First of all, just so you know, losing teeth as an adult is more common than you might think. Nearly 70% of adults from ages 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth, and 1 in every 4 people over 74 are missing all of their teeth. The main difference between dentures and dental implants are usually dentures are used to replace a whole row of teeth, while dental implants can replace one or more teeth, depending on your needs.
Keep reading for more of a breakdown of these two options.
Dentures
Dentures are your best option when you need to replace all of your teeth on your upper or lower jaw. Dentures come in “partial dentures” which is used when some of your teeth are missing on the upper or lower jaw. You can also get “complete dentures” which is if you’re missing all of your teeth on your upper and lower jaw.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures do rely on that you have some remaining teeth on your jaw which for retention and support. Your remaining teeth do need to be strong and stable so they can support they can prevent the partial denture from moving around.
Partial dentures are removable so you can clean them. It is recommended to remove and clean your dentures every night before you go to sleep.
There is often an interior metal frame on dentures that support your false teeth. There is also metal hooks or clasps that hold onto your natural teeth and support your partial dentures.
Full or Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures replace all of your teeth. Your upper complete denture relies on a suction which holds the row in place. There’s no suction on the lower jaw, so the denture must be tightly fit as your muscle will control its stability.
Dentures cover the roof or palate of the mouth and all of the mouth’s lower gums. Because of this about 70% of your ability to taste with dentures is gone.
Both partial and complete dentures have been a successful tooth replacement option throughout history. However today they tend to be a secondary option next to dental implants.
The Issue with Dentures
With medication, age and medical conditions, the older you get saliva and muscle control can decrease, making it harder to keep dentures in place. The elderly also have a hard time adapting to their full dentures, which make sense. They’ve lived decades with their own natural teeth, this is a huge change for them.
If the patient has medical problems or a decrease in cognitive function, dentures are going to be a really big challenging change that honestly might not work.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have become increasingly popular in the last thirty years or so. When it’s possible, dental implants tend to be the choice to replace missing teeth.
A dental implant has a titanium fixture that typically looks like a screw that is placed into the jaw surgically to replace some or all of your missing teeth. There are different types of implants that can be properly placed by a dentist or surgeon who is reputable.
When the implant or implants heal, they become directly bonded to the jaw bone. In other words, your implant becomes part of your jaw. This helps stop or slow down bone loss around where your implant is, causing the implant to act as an anchor for bridges, crowns, full or partial dentures.
The number of implants you need to hold a denture in place can vary, and that’s based on what kind of denture is needed. Usually, during an implant-denture treatment, four lower implants are put in the lower jaw, since it is harder to keep a denture in the lower jaw than the upper jaw.
When the implants are all placed in the jaw, then a connection is placed which usually follows a type of snap system. When the denture is placed, the inside of the piece has a corresponding snap.
Once the implant snapped in, it stays in place. Solid foods can be comfortably eaten without any worry that the denture can fall out or loosen. You can also remove the denture, clean it, and then snap it back into place.
What the retention of your denture tends to be determined by the number of implants placed and what’s the type of attachment to the denture. There’s a wide range of systems and designs available which depends on what the patient needs, requires and wants. You can place as little as two implants to hold a lower denture in place.
Deciding What’s Right for You
Now that you know the difference between dental implants and dentures, it’s up to you to decide what makes the most sense for you and your lifestyle. Know that removable complete denture can still be a worthwhile option, and have satisfied people for years.
On the other hand, implants are becoming more popular during the years and can be used to support dentures. Implants are more stable, predictable, preserve bone, don’t cover up as much of the gums, you reserve more taste, and there’s less irritation.
Whatever you choose should be decided between you and your dentist. Of course, consider factors like your health, cost, time, and your lifestyle. You should consider how much do dental implants cost before you get them.
Be sure that you go to a reputable dentist to restore your implants, and always use an experienced surgeon when getting implants. Spend time confirming that you totally understand the benefits and limitations of your new teeth.
Dentures tend to still be a valuable option for treatment, and we are lucky to live in a time where there are options. It really boils down to which option works best for you.
Get Your New Teeth Today
Now that you’re completely versed in the difference between dental implants vs dentures, get the new teeth that work for you today! For more insight on health and wellness, check out our blog!
About The Author
