Dental Implants vs Dentures: Which is Better for You?
As for tooth replacement, dental implants and dentures are the two most common procedures. Both dental procedures have their own pros, so the final decision about which one to choose depends on you. Whether you have lost one or more teeth, you have to get a clear idea regarding the difference between dental implants and dentures.
If you live in the Clarksburg area and are weighing your options for replacing missing teeth, you are naturally wondering how one option might prove to be more beneficial to you than another. Well, let’s take a closer look at dental implants and dentures to see how they compare.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a definitive solution for replacing lost teeth. Unlike dentures, where teeth simply rest on the gum, in the case of a dental implant, a titanium root is inserted into the jawbone as a replacement for the lost tooth root, after which a crown is placed on the top of the implant to replace the tooth.
The foremost advantage of dental implants in Clarksburg is that they are permanent fixtures. Since they are fixed inside the jawbone, they don’t move while you are chewing or need to be specially cleaned like dentures. At the same time, dental implants help maintain jawbone structure by preventing bone deterioration, which occurs when a tooth is lost.
Their stability is also superior to that of dentures. After the healing process, you are free to eat or speak as desired, since the implants work just like your own teeth. This is why many people opt for implants for a lasting effect.
Exploring Dentures
Dentures, on the other hand, are prosthetic devices that are designed to replace missing teeth. They are made of acrylic or porcelain and are placed on top of the gums. Dentures are commonly used when many teeth have been lost, providing a reliable platform for restoring a beautiful smile.
The biggest advantage of dentures is that they do not involve any form of invasion; they can also be a quicker option than implants. There are full and partial dentures, depending on how many teeth are missing. However, dentures must be adjusted periodically, and they may move around, causing discomfort.
Although dentures are a good solution for restoring a smile, they do not address the need to preserve the jawbone, as dental implants do. As the jawbone does not have the stimulation of the tooth’s root, there is a chance that the jawbone could shrink.
How Dental Implants Compare to Dentures
There are several aspects to consider when comparing dental implants and dentures.
- Durability: Dental implants are meant to be permanent solutions, lasting a lifetime if properly maintained, while dentures should be replaced every 5 to 7 years; otherwise, they may no longer function properly, or their materials may deteriorate.
- Comfort: Dental implants provide more comfort because they are fixed in the jawbone, giving you the comfort of a natural tooth. There is no risk of slipping, unlike dentures, which may cause occasional discomfort due to the need for adjustments.
- Maintenance: Once the implant procedure is complete, very little maintenance is required beyond basic oral hygiene. For dentures, daily maintenance is required to prevent bacterial buildup or discoloration.
- Jawbone Health: The implants work with the jawbone, stimulating the jawbone as teeth do. This, in a way, helps maintain density. Dentures don’t, and they may cause the jawbone to lose density over time.
- Appearance: Dental implants and dentures can restore the appearance of your smile. Dental implants, however, look and feel more like real teeth and provide a more permanent and seamless appearance.
Implants or Dentures: What is Best for You?
To make a decision between dental implants and dentures, it’s a personal choice that must be tailored to suit your lifestyle and health goals. Both procedures have inherent advantages over the other; therefore, let’s try to analyze both to find out which is the best option for you.
Dental Implants:
- Permanent and durable
- Function similarly to, and resemble visually, natural teeth
- Maintain Healthy Jawbones
- No shifting or discomfort during daily activities
- Require a surgical procedure with a longer healing time
Dentures:
- Non-invasive and removable
- Faster solution for replacing multiple teeth
- Require regular adjustments and maintenance
- May shift or cause discomfort while eating or speaking
- No bone preservation of the jaw
The choice you make will ultimately depend upon what is most important to you. Is it a low-maintenance long-term solution, or a short-term solution?
The Impact on Your Daily Life
The decision between implants and dentures can greatly influence your daily routines. Both implants and dentures offer advantages that can affect your daily routine. Here are the ways these choices can influence your daily routine:
Dental Implants
- Natural Feel: They are designed to function like natural teeth in eating, speaking, and smiling.
- No Shifting: Since they are anchored to the jaw, there’s no worry about shifting or discomfort while eating or talking.
- Low Maintenance: With good oral hygiene, implants need little care, just like natural teeth.
Dentures
- Removability: They should be removed at night and cleaned frequently, which disrupts routines.
- Potential Shifting: Dentures may shift, particularly while eating or talking.
- Frequent Adjustments: Dentures often require relining or replacement due to changes in the mouth.
Finally, the implants provide a sense of stability and naturalness.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
At the Urban Dental Studio, we understand that choosing between dental implants and dentures is a decision that will affect not just your appearance but your overall health as well. Whether you choose our dental implants in Clarksburg or opt for dentures, our goal is to give you not just confidence but optimal health for a long time to come.
If you are ready to discuss your options and find the best solution for your teeth, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our implant dentist today. We are ready to guide you through every step of the procedure to ensure you achieve optimal results for your teeth.
Questions People Ask About Dental Implants
Titanium posts are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Once the bone integration process is complete, a crown is placed on top, creating a permanent, natural-looking tooth.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant itself is designed to be durable and stable, providing a long-term solution for missing teeth.
Dentures can be a good option for patients who need a removable solution for multiple missing teeth. However, dental implants provide greater stability, comfort, and long-term benefits for jawbone health and appearance.
The dental implant procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the surgery. Afterward, some discomfort or swelling may occur, but it can be managed with medication.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups are essential for maintaining their longevity.
In many cases, patients with jawbone loss can still receive dental implants with the help of bone grafts or other procedures to build up the bone structure. Your implant dentist will evaluate your specific situation to determine the best plan.
