Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which is Best for Missing Teeth?

Losing one or more teeth can greatly impact your quality of life. Missing teeth affect your ability to eat, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Modern dentistry offers two main options for replacing missing teeth – dental implants and dentures. Which option is best for you depends on your specific circumstances. This article outlines the pros and cons of implants and dentures to help you make the right choice.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. The implant is a small titanium screw that integrates with the bone through the process of osseointegration. Once integrated, it provides a stable platform for attaching replacement teeth. Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth in terms of look, feel, and function.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer many benefits over other tooth replacement options:

• Look and feel like natural teeth

Implants are designed to match your other teeth precisely.

• Preserve jawbone

Unlike dentures, which can cause bone loss over time, the titanium implant fuses to the jawbone, preventing deterioration.

• Better oral health

Implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support and are easy to clean. This leads to better plaque control and oral hygiene.

• Improved appearance

Securely attached implants don’t slip or become displaced. This provides a more youthful-looking smile.

• Higher satisfaction

Patients report much higher satisfaction with the look and feel of implant-supported teeth.

• Long-lasting

With proper care, implants can last 20-30 years or longer. This makes them an investment that pays off over time.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements made of plastic or acrylic resin for missing teeth. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures fill in gaps where several teeth are missing. Dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction and, in some cases, dental adhesives.

Benefits of Dentures

• More affordable option

Full and partial dentures cost significantly less than implants. Dentures may be the only viable treatment option for those on a limited budget.

• Quickly replace missing teeth.

Unlike the gradual implant process, dentures can often be placed as soon as teeth are extracted. You don’t need to wait for healing.

• Easily removable

Dentures can be taken out for cleaning and soaking overnight. Some people prefer removable replacements they can control.

When are Implants the Best Choice?

Dental implants are the treatment of choice for most patients needing to replace missing teeth. Implants are best suited for:

• Replacing single or multiple adjacent teeth – Implants integrate with the natural teeth on either side, providing a seamless restoration.
• Restoring smile aesthetics – Implants match natural teeth’ colour, shape, and feel for a beautiful smile.
• Long-term tooth replacement – Implant restoration can last decades with proper care, making them a wise long-term investment.
• Improved facial contours – Implants prevent bone loss, helping maintain natural facial contours.

When are Dentures the Best Option?

While implants are ideal, dentures are still an effective tooth replacement option in certain circumstances:

• Total tooth loss – When all teeth need to be replaced, a full denture may be the only feasible treatment due to the number of implants needed.
• Lower cost – For those unable to afford implants, a partial or full denture can replace missing teeth at a lower cost.
• Temporary restoration – Dentures can serve as an interim solution while undergoing implant treatment over time.
• Rapid replacement – Dentures offer a faster tooth replacement option than the gradual implant process.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between dental implants and dentures is an important dental health decision. To select the optimal treatment plan, be sure to discuss your specific needs with your dentist. They will weigh variables like your health history, budget, aesthetic concerns, and lifestyle to customize the right tooth replacement strategy. While costlier, implants provide superior long-term benefits over dentures for most people. However, dentures can be an affordable alternative when warranted by your situation. With modern dental technology, you can smile confidently again with a replacement option that looks and feels natural.

Call Springvale Dental Clinic to discuss your tooth replacement option today!