Did you know that 2.2% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have no remaining teeth? If you’re dealing with the possibility of tooth loss, then it’s important to know that there are options for you.
Two of the most popular options for this are dental implants and dentures. But, knowing which option is right for you can be a confusing choice for people. That’s why we made this article.
In it, we’ll be exploring the pros and cons of dental implants vs dentures. That way, you can decide for yourself which option is right for you. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Are Dental Implants?
You can think of dental implants as a kind of prosthetic tooth. With this option, a metal root is implanted directly into your jawbone. Then, the top of the root is fitted with a crown that makes it look like a natural tooth.
The important thing to know about dental implants is that they’re permanent. As a permanent tooth replacement, you cannot remove them.
What Are Dentures?
We’re likely all familiar with the imagery of dentures in a glass of water next to the bed, especially if you grew up with an older person. These are also prosthetics made for people who have lost their teeth.
The difference is that no surgery is required for dentures. You simply need to get fitted for your pair.
They’re also removable. So, anytime you don’t want to be wearing them, you can take them out.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Both dental implants and dentures come with their pros and cons. Let’s start with dental implants. One big benefit of dental implants is their longevity.
On average dental implants tend to last twenty years or longer. Dental implants are also more natural looking. You don’t need to remove them for cleaning, and you can treat them like normal teeth.
Lastly, dental implants can help your jawbone maintain its original structure. However, they’re not perfect. For one thing, dental implants cost a lot more than dentures.
That’s because you’re not only paying for the implants but also surgery to get them installed. Next, in some cases, dental implants can require more bone grafting once they’re in.
This depends on the person, but it is something to keep in mind. Finally, the recovery from dental implants is a lot more time-consuming and painful.
And, if you damage them, then it will likely be quite expensive to fix.
Pros and Cons of Dentures
The biggest benefit of dentures is the price. Because they’re more affordable, this is a better option for people on a budget. Dentures are also good for people with weak gums or jaws.
For these people, dental implants might not be viable. With dentures, you don’t need to worry about getting surgery. Next, if you damage your dentures, then it’s easy to fix or modify them to properly fit again.
The same isn’t true for dental implants. Lastly, you can test dentures on a trial before committing to them. With dental implants, you need to commit to them regardless of how you feel.
That being said, dentures do have some drawbacks. First, dental can sometimes fall out when you’re eating if you don’t have adhesive. Dentures can also affect things like the way you talk and the taste of your food.
They’re not as comfortable as dental implants, and they can make your gums sore. Plus, you need to remove them regularly for cleaning, or they can cause infections in your mouth.
Which Option Is Right For You?
Ultimately, the right option for you depends on a variety of personal questions that you need to ask yourself. These questions include things like:
- How many teeth am I missing?
- What’s the current state of my oral health?
- How much money can I spend on this?
- Do I want a fairly permanent solution or a temporary one?
- Are you comfortable having no teeth or missing teeth?
The answers to these questions will help steer you toward the right decision for your specific situation. It’s also vital that you contact your dentist to get their opinion.
You may be certain that you want a dental implant. But, if your dentist discovers that your jawbone is rapidly deteriorating, then they may recommend against it.
Denture and Dental Implant Alternatives
There are some alternatives to these two types of teeth replacements. When most people think of dentures, they think of ones with a complete set of teeth.
However, these are the only type available. If you’re only missing a few teeth, then you can get partial dentures. This device is retainer-like and is one of the most affordable options to replace missing teeth.
If you’re just trying to fill a gap between one or two teeth, then consider a dental bridge. These are partial dentures that are permanently fixed. Lastly, there are snap-in dentures.
Instead of adhesives, these dentures use implants to stay in place. It’s a great option for people that can’t decide between a dental implant and dentures.
You can easily snap them in, and they remain much more stable than regular dentures. Just keep in mind that they are more expensive.
Appreciate Learning About Dental Implants vs Dentures? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn whether or not dental implants vs dentures are right for you. If you’re still not sure, then consider meeting with a dental professional.
They can tell you more about the procedures in-depth and provide a recommendation based on your specific needs.
Appreciate learning about these types of medical subjects? We have dozens of similar guides on our site, so keep exploring to find them all.
