Dentures vs. Implants
If you have lost a single tooth, or if you’re missing multiple teeth, you may be curious about your options for replacing teeth. There are multiple options available, and each option depends on the patient’s clinical needs, budgetary needs and preferences, and on the overall health of the patient and their jawbone and existing teeth. Among these options are dentures and dental implants. Both dentures and dental implants offer specific advantages and disadvantages, and you can learn more about the specifics of each type of restoration in an in-depth conversation with your dentist. You and your dentist may determine that neither dentures or dental implants will work for you, and your dentist will introduce and discuss other dental restoration options, like dental bridges and flippers, as needed.
The overall objective of dentures and dental implants is the same. Each type of dental restoration serves to help patients chew food while supporting the muscles of the face and facilitating clear speech. As an added benefit, replacing missing teeth improves a person’s smile, which can lead to increased self-esteem and can have overall psychological benefits. Despite these similarities, the differences between dentures and dental implants can be significant, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each type of dental restoration before deciding, in conversation with your dentist, which type will work best for you.
The procedure for placing dental implants differs tremendously for the procedure for placing dentures. Dental implants require a surgical procedure in which very small cylindrical implant fixtures that look like tiny screws are placed into the jawbone; once they have healed into the bone, these implant fixtures will support dental crowns, which look and act like natural teeth. In order for dental implants to be successful, the patient must have a sufficient amount of healthy bone in their jaw to support the implant fixtures and provide a stable, secure base for the dental crowns. The procedure to place dental implants requires that the damaged tooth and its root be removed from the jawbone. Once the root has been extracted, a dental practitioner will drill a hole into the jawbone. Then, the metal implant fixture, which acts as a prosthetic root for the replacement crown, is implanted into the bone. The bone is then given time to heal around the implant. As this happens, the implant fixture fuses to the bone, strengthening the foundation for the dental crown. The process in which the dental implant and bone heal together is called osseointegration, which can take a few months to occur. Once the bone and implant have healed together, a dental crown is fitted onto an abutment fixture that is affixed to the top of the dental implant post. When healthy natural teeth remain in the mouth, dental crowns can be custom-crafted to match the surrounding teeth in both luminosity and color, creating a natural-looking tooth that is strongly supported by the integrated implant fixture.
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that do not require a specific amount of healthy bone to support them. Dentures can replace all the teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or they can be made to replace only a few missing teeth. To craft a denture, the dentist makes an impression of the gums in the area where replacement teeth are needed. During this initial examination, the dentist will also assess the patient’s bite and the alignment of the jaws, measuring as necessary to ensure that the dentures will allow the patient to chew easily and speak clearly and will not interfere with the bite. An initial denture prototype will be made in a dental lab by qualified dental technicians and then sent to the dentist, who will measure it in the patient’s mouth and indicate the need for any adjustments in size or alignment. Then, the prototype is returned to the lab and the final set of dentures is produced. The final set of dentures will be custom-crafted to look like natural teeth and gum tissue, and it will be held in place with a dental adhesive that secures the dentures to the wearer’s gums.
Dental implants cost more than other dental restoration treatments, including dentures and dental bridges. Prices vary based on location and some other factors, but the average cost of dental implants ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per tooth. The average cost for a complete row of dentures, for either the upper or lower jaw, is usually about $1,700. Dental implants can be cared for just like the natural teeth are cared for, with regular brushing and flossing and periodic professional checkups and cleanings. Dentures require regular daily maintenance that is somewhat more complicated than simply brushing and flossing, and they should not be worn overnight. To effectively clean dentures, they must be removed and brushed, outside the mouth, after eating. Additionally, the gums and oral cavity should be gently brushed after eating to remove any food debris, bacteria, or adhesive that may remain on the gums and the other soft tissues inside the mouth. As the bones of the jaw change through time, dentures must be refitted. Dental implants help the bones of the jaw remain stable and healthy and won’t need to be refitted, but they may need to be replaced if the crowns crack or break.
While both dentures and dental implants are widely considered safe, complications with both types of dental restorations can occur. Dental implants can become infected or loosen, and the crowns can crack or break. On the other hand, dentures may become loose or slip, and they can cause sores to form if they rub against the gums. Younger people, who have the potential to get 25 or more years of wear from their dental implants, may find that implants are the best dental restoration solution for them, while older adults or people who wish to avoid surgery may find dentures preferable. Patients with lower bone density or patients who have lost bone due to injury or gum disease may not be ideal candidates for dental implants. While bone grafting procedures can help restore the bone enough to support dental implants, this adds to the cost of the procedure and also adds to the complexity of the procedure and the recovery time. Many patients report that dental implants are more comfortable than dentures and allow the wearer to enjoy a greater variety of foods. If hygiene is an issue or a challenge for any reason, dental implants may be the better solution, as they are easier to care for than dentures and require less maintenance.
It is important to be completely honest with your dentist as you discuss whether dentures or dental implants are the right solution for you, or whether you may want to pursue a different type of dental restoration. While implants cost more, they require less maintenance and can be expected to last at least 20 years, if not longer. Dentures are more affordable and less invasive, but they require adjustments and sometimes replacements as the jaw changes shape over time. Your dentist can help you weigh the pros and cons of each type of dental restoration option and help you select the solution that is right for you.