Whether you are looking to improve your smile or your overall health, dental implants and dentures are a way to restore your teeth and prevent gum disease. Did you know that tooth loss is a fairly common issue? If you’re insecure about the gaps in your smile, you’re not alone: studies show that roughly 178 million American adults are missing at least one tooth. That’s why we created this post - to compare the pros and cons of dental implants vs. dentures:
Dentures are form-fitted to the shape of your gums and teeth. They are less invasive than getting implants, but some find that dentures rub against their gums and create sores. They can also cause difficulty chewing or speaking. One advantage of dentures is that they are much less expensive than implants, but this is reflected in their performance.
Missing teeth can cause the face to sag, or speech to slur - dental implants are a permanent solution for these problems. They are fastened into the jawbone using titanium screws. The implants are installed over several appointments - one to secure the anchor, and (after 3-6 months of healing time) another to insert the crown or bridge. Implants require healthy gums for the anchor to hold. This procedure can be costly, but the advantages are that they are permanent replacement teeth that won’t cause soreness or fall out.
Dentures have one glaring disadvantage: they may slip out of your mouth if not properly secured. Modern technology has come a long way to properly fit dentures in your mouth to prevent this from happening, but without the right adhesive, it can still occur. This creates embarrassment and social anxiety. While dentures are removable, dental implants are not. Depending on your preference, this can be an advantage or disadvantage to you.
Dental implants are more comfortable than dentures. They make chewing easier and alleviate the anxiety of teeth falling out during meals and other social situations. Perhaps their biggest advantage is that they look and feel like natural teeth. The secure anchor in the jawbone eliminates the need for adhesives. The only drawback to dental implants is the price, but they are a long-term investment for your oral health.
Dentures are more affordable than dental implants. Since they are removable, they are simple to clean. This comes at the cost of less-secure teeth. It is possible to lose your dentures during certain activities like swimming, so you may have to pay for replacements. Over time, the jawbone can shrink since it is not stimulated by teeth or implants. This can cause changes to the shape of your mouth, which may warrant readjustments for your dentures. On the other hand, dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, so there is no chance of them falling out. They stimulate the bone regularly so that no shrinkage occurs.
Have you decided that dental implants are the right choice for you? Bonasso & Kime offer dental implants in Fairmont, WV. Our experienced dentists can answer any questions you may have about the procedure.