If you are missing multiple teeth or you feel self-conscious about the teeth you do have, you’ve probably already started considering the different dental procedures available and found that the two most common solutions are dentures and dental implants. But now you may be wondering, what are the major differences between them? And which one is better?
- The most obvious difference is that dentures are removable and implants are permanent. Dentures may seem like the simpler option because there is no dental surgery required, but many people are finding them troublesome over time. Implants are inserted during a surgical procedure and it usually only takes one procedure, even if you’re getting a whole new set of teeth.
- Dentures are usually held in place with an adhesive paste, but this isn’t always secure and can cause dentures to shift around especially while eating and talking. Dental implants are permanent and attach to the jaw bone (it takes about six-12 weeks for the implants to fuse completely with the jaw), so there’s no worrying that they will move around or feel uncomfortable. Dental implants allow you to eat and talk with confidence.
- Partial dentures run the risk of causing further decay to teeth that were once healthy if they are not fitted properly; single- and multi-tooth implants, on the other hand, do not have such a high risk of endangering your already-existing natural teeth because they literally become fitted directly into your bone structure. However, if a patient has a very weak or unhealthy jawbone to begin with, dental implants may be more risky or painful than dentures.
- Dentures have held an important place in dentistry for hundreds of years, which may cause more people to feel more comfortable getting dentures instead of implants. However, it’s important to note that dental implants have around a 98% success rate in patients and this percentage is likely to only increase as technology develops.
- Dentures are cheaper than implants upfront, but it is important to also consider that dentures require constant upkeep; supplies like cleaner and adhesive paste will be necessary. Many dental clinics that provide implants do offer flexible financing and will accept many dental insurances.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that your comfort and confidence matters more than anything else. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and to find a dentist who can tell you more about both options and can help you decide which option will be the best one for you. Read this website for more information.
