Dentures or Dental Implants?

Dentures and dental implants are both popular ways to replace missing teeth. But which one is the right choice for you? Drs. Monroe and Monroe discuss the pros and cons of both dentures and dental implants in Pinehurst, NC.

What to Know About Dentures

Removable dentures are usually thought of as replacing a full arch of missing teeth, but partial dentures are also available. They’re typically made of a metal and resin base that supports teeth made of plastic or dental ceramic. Some of the main benefits of dentures include that they’re cheaper to get upfront and you can get them quicker because there’s no surgical component.

However, dentures do come with quite a few drawbacks. While you don’t pay as much upfront, you’re likely to have to pay more in the future. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone starts to deteriorate in that area. Because dentures don’t replace the tooth root, that bone continues to deteriorate. You’ll have to eventually get your denture readjusted or replaced to make sure it’s still comfortable and usable in the future.

Dentures only give you back around 30-40% of your bite function. You have to use adhesive to make sure they stay in the mouth. Because of this, dentures are prone to slipping or falling out when you’re eating or speaking. You have to remove foods from your diet because the dentures can’t handle them. They have to be taken out at night and cleaned properly due to the adhesive.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They’re made up of three different parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment is used to attach the post to the final restoration. Typically, the final restoration is a dental crown. However, implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.

One of the biggest qualms people have with implants is the cost. But though they cost more upfront, you don’t have to worry about extra costs in the future. Implants are the only restoration that replaces the tooth root. They stop any more jawbone deterioration from occurring and can even help to reverse some of the damage that’s already been done.

Implants also give you back 100% of your bite function. This is due to the healing time that’s required when the posts are placed. It takes 3-6 months of healing before the restoration can be finished. But this time is crucial as it’s when the implant posts are fusing with the jawbone. It’s how you get the stability implants are known for. You don’t have to change your diet or worry about the restoration slipping.

Even with advancements in dentistry, dentures are still bulky and hard to get used to. They don’t feel natural. Dental implants are the restoration that both looks and feels the most natural, especially when topped with a dental crown. They don’t require any extra maintenance either. Simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly!