What Are the Differences Between Implants and Dentures?

Missing teeth can detract from your appearance and make eating challenging. Fortunately, there are excellent tooth replacement options available: dental implants and dentures. Here’s a look at both:

Dental Implants

Implants are composed of a titanium screw and a post that is covered with a crown, bridge or denture. The implant is placed into the jawbone where it replaces the tooth root. After a few months, the implant attaches to the bone, so it now looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

If you are interested in getting implants, we need to ensure there is enough bone available to secure the implant. Next, impressions are taken to provide the necessary mold for a customised implant.

When the implant is ready to be placed, your dentist will cut the gum at the insertion site, exposing the bone. The implant is inserted and the gums around the implant are stitched to close up the incision.

Once the implant is firmly embedded into the bone, a post is attached to it. The top of the post will be fitted with a crown, but not until bone has begun to grow around the post, holding it securely in place. The crown will be fabricated to match the surrounding teeth.

Main benefits

One of the biggest benefits of implants is their permanency. They can last a lifetime and are highly durable. Dental implants are also natural-looking and allow you to maintain your biting patterns.

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic, removable teeth that can be fitted for your mouth regardless of how much bone is present. Dentures can replace all the teeth on the upper or lower jaws or be crafted to replace a few missing teeth. These are referred to as partial dentures.

The first step in getting dentures is the taking of an impression of the upper or lower gums or both if dentures are needed to replace all of your teeth.

Before dentures are produced, the dentist will examine your bite and the alignment of your upper and lower jaws to make sure the length of the dentures will allow for optimal chewing and speech.

A preliminary set of dentures are then made in a lab and sent to your dentist. The dentures will be placed in your mouth to ensure a good fit and any needed adjustments to the alignment or length of the teeth are made before a final set of dentures is crafted. Dentures are created to look like natural teeth and gums and are held in place securely with a particular type of adhesive that bonds them to your gums.

Main benefits

Cost is often the main factor for many people trying to decide whether to get dentures or implants. Dentures are more affordable than dental implants, particularly if you need to replace a full mouth of teeth. There are different types of dentures available as well, including implant-supported dentures and flexible dentures.

Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.