Are Dentures or Dental Implants Better?

Missing teeth can affect daily life. The absence of teeth can have various negative impacts on one’s daily activities, such as eating and speaking difficulties. Moreover, the lack of front teeth can also affect one’s smile and confidence, and over time, it may even alter the appearance of the face due to bone loss. While removable dentures have historically been the standard treatment option for missing teeth, contemporary patients now have a multitude of choices available. Dental implant or denture, which will be best? To answer this, it is crucial to weigh the various benefits and drawbacks of each approach, taking into account the patient’s expectations, preferences, and financial situation.

Dentures and implants ultimately serve the same purposes. They-

• Help you in chewing food
• Improve Appearance and reduce self-consciousness
• Improve speech
• Support facial muscle
• Increase self-esteem

However, it is important to note that there are considerable variations between the two dental treatments. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages associated with each technique that must be taken into account before arriving at a conclusion.

Dental implant:

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or titanium alloy that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. They serve as a sturdy base for the attachment of replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are a long-lasting and effective solution for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues.

Pros of Dental Implants:

● Comfortable: Dental implant crowns, bridges and full mouth implant-supported denture are more comfortable as they are fixed with the help of screws or cement making them feel and function like natural teeth. Compared to removable dentures, implant supported dentures don’t have long flanges providing more comfort to patients.

● Chewing efficiency: With implant-supported dentures, you can relish your food just as you would with your natural teeth, as they are securely anchored in place.

● Long- lasting: If proper oral hygiene is maintained, dental implants can serve you for a lifetime. The denture that attaches to the dental implant might fracture, loosen, or crack after several years but, this can be easily fixed by the dentist.

● Appearance- Implant supported dentures offer a more aesthetic and natural-looking appearance compared to traditional dentures.

● Prevent bone loss: After tooth loss, it is a natural process for the surrounding bone to shrink. However, by placing a dental implant that acts as a natural root, we can reduce the amount of bone loss.

Cons of Dental Implants:

● Oral hygiene maintenance: It is very important to maintain oral hygiene and schedule regular visits with the dentist. Proper brushing and flossing are necessary to avoid any infection or failure of dental implant.

● Sufficient bone density: To place a dental implant, it is essential to undergo a CT scan to assess the bone condition. In some cases, a bone grafting procedure is recommended prior to the placement of dental implant.

● Cost: Although dental implants are more costly than removable dentures, the investment is worthwhile because they offer a more natural tooth-like sensation. Additionally, since dental implant treatment is usually completed in two stages, patients have the option to pay for the procedure in instalments.

● Waiting period: As mentioned before, implant placement is a two-step procedure. After a dentist places the implant, the final denture is typically received after 3 to 4 months later once the implant has fused with the jawbone. In cases where bone grafting is necessary, additional healing time may be required.

Removable denture:

Dentures are prosthetic teeth made of acrylic resin that are used to replace missing teeth. In some cases of partial dentures, clasps (wires) may be used to provide support from adjacent teeth.

Pros of Dentures:

Cost: Removable dentures will cost you less compared to other options But, removable dentures may need to be replaced or repaired more frequently than dental implants, which can increase the long-term cost of denture treatment.

Less waiting time: Dentures require less waiting time compared to implants. After teeth are removed, dentures can be fabricated in about 1 to 1.5 months.

Less invasive procedure- As dentures take support only from gums, no surgical treatment is involved.

Cons of Dentures:

Unstable: Dentures are not fixed and only rely on support from gums, which can cause them to move around during chewing.

● Aesthetic: There will be a slight compromise in appearance with full or partial dentures. Full dentures have a plastic flange and partial dentures have a metal clasp, which can affect one’s appearance. Full dentures can sometimes slip out of place during eating or talking, causing embarrassment for the wearer.

Adjacent tooth damage: Over time, partial dentures can have an impact on the health of adjacent teeth that provide support to them. Cause bone loss with time: The gums and bones bear the load of removable dentures, which can lead to bone loss over time.

Want to make an informed decision about your dental treatment? Visit US Dental for a consultation where our dental experts can provide recommendations based on your medical history and clinical assessment to help you choose the most effective treatment option.

Don’t wait any longer to achieve your perfect smile. Let us help you restore your confidence and improve your oral health. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, our team of dental experts at US Dental, Ahmedabad, have got you covered.

Schedule your consultation today.

Visit US Dental Clinic today to get dental implant consultation to get healthy teeth.