Implants vs. Dentures: Why Dental Implants Make A Better Smile

Dental Implants and Dentures: Choosing the Right Smile for You

Having a smile you can feel good about isn’t just a matter of how you look; it can also help you feel happier and more connected with other people. Unfortunately, poor oral health can result in embarrassment or insecurity, as well as potential health problems over the long term. The good news is that there are several options for replacing missing teeth; two of the most common are dental implants and dentures.

Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants

Even though both dental implants and dentures can replace missing teeth, they function very differently from each other. Here’s an overview of dental implants vs. dentures.

What are dentures?

These are removable oral appliances that are used to replace missing teeth. “Partial” dentures replace one or several teeth, and are typically clipped onto the existing remaining  teeth on either side of the appliance. 

If all the teeth from the upper or lower arch are missing, full “complete” dentures can be used to restore your smile. They’re specially designed to rest on the gums, and sometimes require denture adhesive to stay in place. 

For patients looking for a better, more comfortable way to wear a denture, a snap-on denture (or implant retained denture)  provides increased stability and retention by snapping the removable denture onto at least two dental implants that have been surgically placed into the jawbone. .Just like every other type of denture, snap on dentures are usually removed at night for cleaning.

Regardless of the type of denture, it will be custom-made from materials such as porcelain, metal, resin, or acrylic.

Pros and cons of dentures

When comparing full-arch dental implants and dentures, dental implants usually have more advantages and are more satisfying to patients . Even so, this doesn’t always mean that they’re the right choice for everyone. Weighing the pros and cons will help you make the best decision for you.

Pros:

  • They result in a more aesthetically pleasing smile, which can improve confidence and overall happiness
  • They can improve your ability to chew and speak
  • Most types of dentures are easy to remove for cleaning
  • They reduce or eliminate the chances of gum disease and cavities therefore there is an improvement in oral health

Cons:

  • They may have to be adjusted periodically and should be replaced every seven to 10 years to maintain an optimal fit
  • They’re can be quite uncomfortable at first, and difficult to get use to, and some people never get used to the feeling of wearing dentures
  • All dentures are prone to coming loose or falling out with heavy pressure, sneezing or coughing, which can make it difficult to speak clearly or eat certain foods
  • They require specific care and cleaning procedures, and may have to be replaced early if they aren’t cared for correctly
  • They don’t prevent bone loss in the jaw (a long-term effect of missing teeth), which can lead to loss of lip support and the inability to place dental implants in the future

What are dental implants?

Dental Implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. The posts are then used to anchor the support of custom-made crowns or bridges, replacing the missing teeth.

The single or multiple dental implant procedure requires multiple appointments. First, the post is surgically implanted into the jaw bone.  The recipient will have to wait several weeks for the implant to fully fuse to the jawbone, and then the second part of the procedure can be completed – attaching the crown to the post. The implanted post is considered permanent, and the crown may need to be replaced every 15 years or so depending on other changes happening to the mouth.

If multiple teeth in a row are missing, they can be replaced by a bridge rather than individual crowns. A bridge does the same job as a crown, but can be used in cases where two or more consecutive teeth are missing. Dental implants can also be used to replace an entire arch, whether it’s on the upper or lower jaw, or both.

Pros and cons of dental implants

When comparing dental implants and dentures, dental implants usually have more advantages. These are the pros and cons of dental implants.

Pros:

  • They give you a more beautiful smile, boosting self-esteem and confidence
  • Dentures and implants are both designed to look natural, but dental implants are more likely to blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth 
  • They feel and function exactly like a healthy tooth; you won’t have to worry about a dental implant coming loose or falling out
  • They last a lifetime if properly cared for, requiring minimal maintenance over the years
  • They prevent bone loss in the jaw by promoting bone stimulation

Cons:

  • You have to meet several requirements to qualify for dental implants, such as being in good general health, not having extensive bone loss in the jaws
DENTURES
Pros Cons
Make chewing and speaking easier Must be replaced every few years, and possibly adjusted between replacements
Easy to remove and clean Are uncomfortable and prone to coming loose
Reduce gum disease and cavities Don't prevent bone loss due to missing teeth
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Pros Pros
Look more like natural teeth May take several appointments
Won't come loose or fall out Good general health, not having extensive bone loss
Prevent bone loss Small risk of failure

Cost of Dentures vs. Implants

If you compare the up-front dentures vs. implants cost, dentures will have a smaller price tag. However, when comparing long-term costs, dental implants come out ahead. This is because dentures have to be replaced every seven to 10 years, and often have to be adjusted between replacements. Dental implants, on the other hand, are considered a permanent replacement. The crowns may have to someday be replaced every but in the end up costing less than dentures over the long term.

Other Deciding Factors

If you’re trying to decide between dentures vs. implants, there are some factors to take into account:

Age

Children under the age of 16 aren’t typically eligible for dental implants, since their jawbones are still developing. Adults without health conditions that would hinder implant placement are eligible for this procedure.

Underlying bone health/structure

In order to successfully place dental implants, the underlying jawbone must be relatively healthy and strong. Not only will it have to heal and bond with the implant, but it should also be strong enough to support the teeth attached to the implants through the years. While dental implants require jawbone and gums that are healthy enough to heal and provide support, dentures only need enough bone structure to rest on.

Material durability

The durability of dentures and implants is quite different, since implants are designed using stronger, more durable materials, dentures are typically made of resin or acrylic plastic. The teeth supported by implants won’t wear down significantly over the years, although they could crack or break under excessive pressure. Dentures, however, often need to be adjusted and replaced more often, as the bone and gum tissue beneath them can change quite a bit over time.

Care and maintenance

Dental implants can be cared for just like the rest of your teeth, with regular flossing and brushing. Most types of dentures have to be taken out at night for cleaning, and to give your gums a break.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a long-term solution that will bring your smile back, then dental implants could be the preferred solution. They’re more reliable than dentures, cost less over the long term, and are a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth. Hybridge Implants & Smile Restoration can transform more than just your teeth; it can restore your confidence.

FAQs

Who is eligible for dentures vs. implants?

Both dentures and implants require healthy gums and bone structure in the jaws. With dentures, this is to provide enough structure for the appliance to rest on. . For implants, this is so the surrounding tissue and bone is healthy enough to heal around the implant and to support the teeth.

Are dentures better than implants?

This ultimately depends on your individual preferences and objectives, but dental implants are often selected because of their superior functionality, longevity, and appearance.

Why do dental implants cost more than dentures?

Implants and the teeth they support are custom fitted for each individual, require surgery to place the implants, and both the teeth and implants are made of highly durable customized materials. Dentures are also custom-fitted, but don’t typically require as much surgery, and are made with less costly materials.n.