Dental prosthetics have come a long way in the last few decades. Both dentures and implants can look incredibly realistic thanks to computer technology and new materials. But just which dental option should you choose?
This post compares the pros and cons of both dentures and implants.
Dentures
Dentures are removable false teeth. They sit over the existing gums and can be used to replace a whole row of teeth or one or two teeth. They are usually worn during the day and taken out at night where they are placed in a cleaning solution. By far the most popular option, dentures have the advantage of being affordable and take less time to manufacture and put in.
Pros:
- Affordable: A row of dentures can cost half the cost of a single implant.
- Non-surgical: Dentures don’t require any surgical procedure or recovery time.
- Suitable to all candidates: Those with gum or jaw damage can still get dentures.
Cons:
- Feels less natural: Because dentures are loose and not fitted to the gums, they feel less like natural teeth and take some getting used to.
- Requires more maintenance: Dentures have to be more regularly cleaned than implants – including brushing them and soaking them every night.
- Needs to be replaced every few years: You may have to replace dentures once every 5 to 10 years.
Implants
Dental implants are screwed into the jawbone and are a more permanent solution. You cannot take them out once they are fitted, so they feel more like real teeth (you clean them with a toothbrush just like normal teeth). Eventually they may need to be replaced, but they typically last longer than dentures. The downside of implants is that they cost a lot more to get fitted, plus the entire fitting process takes several months as a result of having to let the jaw heal before adding abutments.
Pros:
- Long-lasting: Implants can last decades with the right amount of care.
- Fixed: Implants are fixed into the jawbone, which makes them feel more like natural teeth.
- Preserves jawbone: Those with dentures may experience deterioration of the jawbone, which implants can prevent.
Cons:
- Expensive: Implants cost a lot more than dentures – replacing multiple teeth with implants may be unaffordable for some people.
- Long and invasive treatment: Getting implants fitted is a long process in which the implants themselves have to be fitted first before allowing the jaw to heal and the fitting the abutments for the teeth.
- Not suitable for everyone: Those who are already experiencing jaw bone deterioration may not be able to get implants fitted.
Which is the best option for you?
Dentures are the best option if you are on a tight budget and do not want to undergo any dental surgery. They may also be the only option if your jaw is not strong enough to fit implants.
Implants are a good option for those who have more money to spend and want a more natural and permanent solution. They may also be a better solution for replacing a single tooth.
