Difference Between Dental Implants And Dentures – Which Is The Better Option?

Dental implants and dentures are both options for replacing missing teeth. But which one is the better option? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone. Dentures are removable false teeth that fit over natural teeth or implant posts. Although above mentioned two options seem to be equally good with neither having any advantage over the other, in reality, there are many differences between dental implants and dentures.

What Are Dental Implants And Dentures?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jawbone. It is used to support a dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. A dental implant is made of titanium – a highly biocompatible material that encourages the growth of bone cells. After your dentist places an implant in your jaw, new bone is formed around it and eventually integrates with the implant. A dental implant does not cause any damage to surrounding teeth, so no need to worry about their bites. It also does not cause any discomfort when chewing, sipping, or biting down on something hard. Dental implants are very durable and will last many years if taken care of properly.

A denture is a removable false tooth that fits over natural teeth or implant posts. It is used to replace missing teeth. Although dentures are removable, they are not meant to be taken out every day. Most dentists recommend taking them out at night before going to bed and when eating a meal. Dentures are made in various colours, shapes, and sizes depending on the patient’s facial structure. There are two categories of dentures – full and partial. Full dentures replace all the teeth in a single arch, whereas partial denture replaces some of them.

How Dental Implants Differ From Dentures?

• Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone. Dentures are removable false teeth that fit over natural teeth or implant posts.
• Dental implants are made of titanium – a highly biocompatible material that encourages the growth of bone cells. Dentures are not made of titanium and do not encourage the growth of bone cells.
• A denture is a removable false tooth that fits over natural teeth or implant posts. It is used to replace missing teeth. Although dentures are removable, they are not meant to be taken out every day. Most dentists recommend taking them out at night before going to bed and when eating a meal. Dental implants are not removable unless, of course, your dentist wants to extract them – which is very unlikely.
• There are two categories of dentures – full and partial. Full dentures replace all the teeth in a single arch, whereas partial denture replaces some of them. Dental implants can be used to replace one or multiple teeth, depending on your requirements.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants Over Dentures?

Dental implants are more durable and long-lasting compared to dentures. Implants get integrated with the jawbone, which makes them tough and stronger. They can last for a lifetime if taken care of properly. Also, the risk of falling out is very low as they get integrated with the jaw bone. Dentures on the other hand are made of acrylic material which can become brittle over time and may break into sharp edges that cause harm to your soft tissues such as your tongue or lips.

Dental implants look natural and they improve speech, mastication (chewing), and aesthetics of the face compared to dentures. Dental implants are secured to the bone, so they cannot slip out of place. Also, dentures need to be taken out every night before going to bed and when eating a meal. Having dentures can lead to the accumulation of food particles under them which may cause bad breath or skin diseases such as oral candidiasis (thrush) if not cleaned properly.

Dental implants are painless compared to dentures. After dental implant surgery, you may experience some jaw discomfort or swelling due to the insertion of implant posts into the bone. It usually subsides after a few days, but in some cases, your dentist may prescribe painkillers. Dentures on the other hand can cause sores in your mouth if not fitted properly. Also, dentures can slip out of place when you yawn or laugh if they are not secured to the implant posts with dental adhesive.

How To Choose Between Dental Implants And Dentures

When choosing between dental implants and dentures, there are a few factors you need to consider:

• The cost of the procedure: Dental implants tend to be more expensive than dentures.
• How many teeth need to be replaced: If you only need to replace one or two teeth, dental implants may not be the best option. Partial dentures are a more affordable option in this case.
• Your oral health: If you have poor oral health, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants. Implants require healthy gums and bones to be successful.
• Your lifestyle: Dental implants are not removable, so if you lead an active lifestyle, they may not be the best option for you. Partial dentures are more suited if you need to remove them often – for example when swimming or playing sports.
• Your age: You may not be a good candidate for dental implants if the quality of your jawbone is not good, which happens mostly in elderly people. Also, while most dental implant procedures are safe and have few side effects, there may be a risk of bleeding and infection in some cases.

When choosing between dental implants and dentures, there are a few factors you need to consider before making a decision. Implants are more durable and long-lasting than dentures, but they are also more expensive. If you only need to replace one or two teeth, partial dentures may be a more affordable option. However, implants require healthy gums and bones to be successful, so make sure to consult with your dentist about whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.