If you want to replace missing teeth, you have several options, including dentures and implants. Your choice depends on factors like personal preference, the amount of money you’re willing to spend, and your dental health.
These two options have their own advantages and disadvantages, some of which you may already know, while others may be new. Consult with your dentist to understand all your options and determine the best one for you.
This piece will also help you learn more about implants and dentures. It covers the procedure for getting each one done, how to maintain them, their price, complications that can arise, and factors you can consider when deciding which option to get.
Let’s get started!
It’s important to note that dentures and implants typically serve similar purposes, including:
- Helping you eat, which is for people with difficulty chewing food
- Boosting your self-esteem by giving you a great smile
- Making your speech better
- Dentures and implants also help support your facial muscles.
The Procedure
Let’s see what it takes to have implants and dentures placed in your mouth.
Implants
Before getting implants, a specialist dentist such as dentalimplantclinicdublin.ie assesses the condition of your jawbone and the surrounding tissues. Assessing the bone density and structure of the jawbone helps determine whether you have the right bone mass to support dental implants.
If you have insufficient bone mass or compromised bone structure, the dentist can recommend bone grafting or bone augmentation procedures to enhance the quality and quantity of the jawbone.
When everything is okay, a hole is drilled into your jawbone, and a prosthetic root, usually called a post, is placed deep in the bone. After the bone grows around the post, the upper part of the post is fitted with a crown.
Dentures
Dentures are removable artificial teeth used to replace missing natural teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics. One good thing about dentures is that they can be obtained even when jawbone density is low.
The first step when fitting dentures is taking an impression of the gum. One’s bite and jaw alignment are also reviewed to ensure the dentures designed will allow optimal chewing and speech.
Dentures are prepared in the lab and sent to the dentist to fix them in your mouth.
Maintaining Implants and Dentures
You should care for dental implants the same way you do your natural teeth. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing them, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups.
Dentures are quite different as they require extra care. You need to take them off when sleeping at night and soak them in a cleaning solution or water.
If you need to clean dentures (which you should do daily), remove them after meals and brush them.
Dentures require refitting once in a while because your bite changes, but dental implants are permanent and only require replacement crowns if the original ones are damaged.
Cost
You will have to pay more for dental implants than dentures. Actual prices may vary depending on the location, but you can expect that an implant will cost you anything from $1,600 to $2,200. If you need a complete set of dentures for your upper jaw, you’ll have to part with slightly more than $1,600. A complete set of lower dentures also cost around the same price.
Complications Related to Dentures and Implants
While implants are a safe way to replace missing teeth, they can also present various complications, such as infections and mechanical problems (for example, cracked crowns).
Common complications with dentures include gum sores and dentures failing to stay in place.
Things to Consider When Choosing Between Dentures and Implants
If you feel like you want to get these dental solutions, consider these factors:
Jawbone Density
You need to have enough jawbone material to support implants. If you lost bone mass from injury, old age, or other reasons, implants may not be a good fit for you. Bone grafting could improve jawbone density, however, you should be prepared to pay more.
Age
According to cosmeticdentalclinicdublin.ie, If you’re young and want to enjoy your prosthetic teeth for a few decades, you could be a good candidate for dental implants because they’re a permanent solution. Older adults who don’t prefer the invasive procedures necessary for implants may choose dentures.
Hygiene and Care
Dentures require specialized care, so if you can’t get the time to care for them properly, consider implants, which are easier to maintain, although high priced.
What are the Alternatives to Dentures and Implants?
Besides dentures and implants, there are other ways you can replace missing teeth. They include temporary partial dentures, snap-in dentures and dental bridges.
The Bottom Line
If you have missing teeth, you might want to get dental implants or dentures. Both serve similar purposes but differ in cost, care, and more. Consult a dentist in advance to help you decide the best solution for your situation.
