Dentures vs Implants

Complete tooth loss is still very common, and more than 36 million Americans are edentulous, meaning they do not have any teeth. If you have lost all your teeth or are facing their loss quite soon, then you have two main choices for their replacement. One option is to have ordinary dentures, or you could consider dental implant treatment which is often regarded as being the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.

Metropolitan Prosthodontics can provide dentures or dental implants for our patients. Our prosthodontist, Dr. Christopher Sasik, has extensive experience in planning and placing dental implants, and treatment can be completed in our comfortable dental practice. You will need a proper consultation with Dr. Sasik to discuss possible options, but this article will let you learn a little more about each choice.

What Are Dentures?

Traditionally, people who have lost all their upper or lower teeth, or all teeth in both arches, would be fitted with full or complete dentures. These prosthetic appliances are made from gum colored acrylic bases that support denture teeth. Full dentures rest on the gums and lower dentures rely solely on the bony ridge that originally held teeth to provide sufficient support and retention. Upper dentures are more retentive because they are designed to cover up the upper palate.

What Are the Pros of Choosing Dentures?

Full dentures are a cost-effective way to replace complete arches of teeth. Modern dentures are constructed to give a natural appearance and to closely replicate the function of real teeth. There is a tremendous choice of denture teeth and if you opt for this solution then your prosthodontist will ensure your denture teeth are selected to complement your facial appearance and gender. Dentures can be an appealing choice because treatment is non-invasive and doesn’t require any surgery.

What Are the Cons of Choosing Dentures?

One of the major problems with dentures is their lack of retention which can make them extremely difficult to wear. Often ill-fitting dentures can rub against the gums, causing sore spots and increasing the risk of infections. Initially, a denture may fit quite well, especially if you lost teeth quite recently but even the best-made denture will gradually loosen due to changes in the shape of the jawbone. Unfortunately, this is simply a fact of life because once natural teeth are removed, your jawbone gradually resorbs. This is because it no longer receives the stimulation provided by natural tooth roots that prompt the body to continue renewing old bone cells as they die off.

Over time, the ridge that used to support your natural teeth will diminish in height and width, providing less retention for your dentures. Due to their horseshoe shape design, this is a particular problem with lower dentures. As the dentures move around, it can create problems with speaking and some denture wearers will begin to avoid social contact with others. It can also become harder to eat properly and which can affect nutrition. This can be especially problematic for people with existing health problems and who need to eat properly. These are some of the reasons why an increasing number of people are choosing dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant consists of a medical-grade titanium alloy post that is designed to replicate a natural tooth root. The implant is inserted into your jawbone where it gradually bonds or fuses with the bone during a process called osseointegration and which can take between three and six months to complete.

Once fully bonded with the jawbone, a dental implant is strong enough to hold a replacement tooth in the form of an implant-supported crown. It’s possible to use multiple dental implants to support large bridges of teeth and even a complete arch of teeth. An implant-supported bridge is screwed or cemented in place, so it can only be removed by a prosthodontist if it needs maintenance or cleaning.

Another option is to use dental implants for supporting a denture. With this choice, the denture is supported by relatively few dental implants compared to a fixed bridge. This is because the implants can be located towards the front of the mouth where the bone is thicker and stronger. Once the implants have been inserted, they are either fitted with special attachments or with a bar, allowing you to clip your denture firmly in place so your denture is held securely in position, providing far greater stability.

What Are the Pros of Choosing Dental Implants?

One of the major benefits of choosing dental implants is that it helps to halt bone loss in your jaw because the implant post so closely replicates a real tooth root. This ensures old bone cells are renewed, helping your jawbone to remain healthy and strong. Implant supported teeth are also extremely stable and if you opt for a full-arch bridge then you will enjoy having teeth that are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth and to replicate their natural function. This will make it easy to enjoy just about any foods you wish, and you will be able to socialize with others without any fear of your teeth becoming loose.

If you choose an implant-supported denture, then you can still enjoy all the benefits of having teeth that feel extremely stable and this can be a more cost-effective choice. Some people might find it easier to care for an implant-supported denture because it can be removed, allowing for easier maintenance of the dental implants.

What Are the Cons of Choosing Dental Implants?

The overall cost of dental implant treatment is a little more than choosing ordinary dentures which may deter some people from having dental implants. However, when properly cared for, dental implants can potentially last for many years or even for life so in the longer-term treatment is very cost-effective. People who lost teeth quite some time ago or who had severe periodontal disease and who have already suffered from significant bone loss may require bone grafts in preparation for dental implant treatment which can increase the time and cost required. This may not be the case for people opting for implant-supported dentures because the implants can frequently be positioned to take advantage of bone. Quite often just two or four dental implants will be sufficient to support the denture.

Dental implant treatment may not be so suitable for anyone who smokes and who doesn’t wish to quit because smoking negatively impacts the healing process after implant surgery and can increase the risk of implant failure. People who cannot maintain good oral hygiene might be better advised to have dentures because without proper care dental implants can become infected and could fail. If you have any medical problems that affect your immune system, dental implants may not be the best choice.

There is a lot to think about when deciding whether to have dental implants. When you visit Metropolitan Prosthodontics for your initial consultation with Dr. Sasik, he will carefully evaluate your mouth and will want to discuss your medical health before suggesting suitable treatment options based on your unique requirements. Generally, dental implants will be a great choice for most people. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.