Dental implants and dentures are two of the options our Hawkesbury patients have when it comes to replacing missing teeth to restore their smile.
Why People Get Implants or Dentures
Dental implants and dentures both serve the same function: to replace missing teeth. They allow patients to chew food and speak more easily, prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, and can even help maintain your facial structure.
Why Choose One Option Over the Other
Since they have the same end goals, other factors will determine which of the two options is best for you. These include cost considerations, preference, and the health of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
Advantages of Implants
One major advantage of implants is that they do not require much special maintenance. You care for your dental implants in the same way you'd care for your natural teeth: brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Another advantage is that dental implants are a more permanent solution. Dental implants can last over 25 years with proper and are often more popular with patients under 60 as they can provide decades of service.
Some people find that dental implants provide better chewing and comfort than dentures do.
Disadvantages of Implants
Implants are generally more expensive than dentures, which can be a reason why patients favour dentures.
Another issue is that implants require a certain bone density to be affixed to a patient's jaw. If you have previously suffered from bone loss, they may be a poor fit for your needs or you may need additional bone graft surgeries to prepare your jaw. Some patients may find this dental work too invasive and opt for dentures instead.
Implants are also potentially subject to a number of health complications including infection and mechanical problems, such as loose posts or cracked crowns.
Advantages of Dentures
The most immediate appeal of dentures, when compared with implants, is that they tend to be more affordable. They also work much better for individuals who've suffered bone loss in their jaw, and for those who are not interested in the more invasive treatments and procedures required to install a dental implant.
For these reasons, some patients are more likely to prefer dentures to implants.
Disadvantages of Dentures
Unlike implants, dentures are removable and require special maintenance to keep clean. In order to clean dentures (which should be done daily), they need to be removed after eating and brushed. You may also need to brush away any bits of adhesive that are lingering on your gums. Furthermore, you shouldn’t wear your dentures overnight. Dentures should be soaked in water or a special cleaning solution while you sleep.
When it comes to dentures, your dentist will have to periodically refit them because your mouth changes shape over time.
Dentures vs Dental Implants - The Final Verdict
Ultimately, there are good reasons to choose both implants and dentures – it all depends on your personal situation. We recommend speaking with your dentist, who can help you make the choice that is best for you.