It’s not uncommon to have missing teeth nowadays. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, nearly 70 percent of adults aged 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth, and 1 in 4 people over the age of 74 are missing all their teeth. Dental implants and dentures are the most common options available to replace missing or decaying teeth, but which is the right option for you? Truth be told, there isn’t a “right option” for everyone. Learn about the differences between dental implants and dentures below to make your own educated decision.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
A dental implant is a surgical component that is anchored directly to the jawbone to provide greater stability and support for one or more artificial teeth, called crowns. It acts like tooth roots and the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone, actually helping to stimulate bone growth and maintain facial structure. Implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. On the other hand, a denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. It can take a couple of weeks or even months to get used to new dentures. At first, they might feel bulky or loose as the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Dentures often slip and move around, causing discomfort, irritating your gums, and making chewing more difficult. Dentures also need to be removed regularly for cleaning and proper care. Dentures are the more affordable option for tooth replacement; however, they are often less effective and can end up costing more in the long-term. Once you add up the costs of buying fixatives, cleaning solutions and replacements, the cost of dentures goes up. Dental implants are a long-lasting solution, whereas dentures will eventually need to be remade or relined due to wear and your mouth naturally changing over time. Implants are easier to maintain compared to dentures and lead to fewer dentist visits. For these reasons, more and more people are choosing dental implants over dentures as a solution for teeth restoration.
What’s Right For You?
The “right option” is different for every patient. After an initial consultation with your implant dentist, you will be provided with a treatment plan that includes the estimated amount of time and costs associated with your tooth replacement option. The length of time and costs will vary depending on your specific needs, medical and dental history, the condition of your jawbone, and the materials used. Find a dentist to schedule your consultation or contact us to learn more.