When replacing missing teeth, you have more options than ever before. While dentures have been a tried-and-true solution for many years, advancements in dental technology have made dental implants a highly effective alternative. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or trauma, understanding the pros and cons of complete dentures vs. dental implants will help you make the best decision for oral health.
At Impressions Dentistry in Olympia, WA, our restorative dentist offers expert advice and personalized treatment plans to help restore your smile. After a comprehensive exam, including x-rays and other diagnostic tests, Dr. Bath will review your options and determine whether dental implants or dentures are the right fit for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that serve as a strong foundation for replacement teeth. These implants fuse with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, ensuring that the implant functions like a natural tooth by mimicking its structure and providing stability. Once fully integrated into the bone, a crown is attached, completing the restoration.
Implant-supported teeth not only look and feel like natural teeth but also help preserve your facial structure and enhance your smile. This long-term, permanent solution can last a lifetime with proper care, making dental implants an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option for tooth replacement.
What Are Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures are a high-quality, removable solution for patients who have lost all their teeth. These custom dentures rest on the gums and are typically made from durable acrylic resin or other materials. In contrast, partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, allowing them to be securely anchored to those teeth. While dentures offer a minimally invasive and stable tooth replacement option for replacing missing teeth, they may require frequent adjustments to maintain a proper fit as your jaw structure changes over time.
Key Factors to Consider: Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Several factors should be considered when deciding between dentures and dental implants, including oral health, physical health, and treatment goals. Our restorative dentist will evaluate your situation, including whether implants require additional procedures like bone grafting. A bone graft may be necessary if insufficient bone density supports the titanium implant.
Dental implants are often the preferred choice for those looking for a long-term solution that closely mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. They offer greater durability and stability, ensuring you can eat and speak confidently. However, complete dentures may be a better fit if you’re not a candidate for surgery or are seeking a more affordable solution.
Durability and Longevity: Implants vs. Dentures
Dental implants are known for their durability, with many patients enjoying their benefits for a lifetime. Once the implant is attached to the implant and fully integrated, it requires minimal maintenance beyond routine dental care. The strong foundation provided by the implant helps preserve the jawbone, preventing bone loss over time.
In contrast, dentures typically must be replaced or relined every 5 to 8 years. This is because the jawbone deteriorates when teeth are missing, leading to changes in the shape of your mouth. As a result, complete dentures may become loose or uncomfortable, requiring adjustments to ensure a proper fit. While dentures are effective in restoring function, they don’t prevent bone loss, which can affect the structure of your face over time.
Aesthetics: Natural Teeth vs. Dentures
When it comes to aesthetics, dental implants offer a more natural look and feel. They are designed to mimic natural teeth and blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Implant-supported teeth look great and provide the confidence that comes with knowing they are permanently fixed in place.
On the other hand, complete dentures can look natural when properly fitted, but ill-fitting dentures may slip or cause discomfort, affecting your appearance and confidence. Our Olympia restorative dentist will work closely with patients to ensure dentures fit comfortably and look aesthetically pleasing. Still, many patients find dental implants a more secure and natural alternative.
Functionality: Eating and Speaking with Implants vs. Dentures
One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is that they function like natural teeth, providing a stable and secure fit. This means you can eat your favorite foods without worrying about shifting or discomfort. Implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, allowing for easier eating and speaking than dentures, which can slip or move during meals or conversation.
While functional, dentures may require more maintenance. Over time, they may need to be adjusted or relined to ensure a proper fit. Despite these limitations, dentures remain viable for many patients and can significantly improve quality of life when properly fitted.
Cost: Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Cost is another important factor when choosing between dental implants and dentures. While dental implants have a higher initial cost due to the surgical procedure involved, they are a long-term investment that can last a lifetime. The cost of implants includes the implant, abutment (connector), crown, and any additional procedures like bone grafting if necessary.
Complete dentures, on the other hand, typically have a lower upfront cost but may require more frequent replacements and adjustments. Over time, the ongoing maintenance of dentures can add to their overall cost, making dental implants a more cost-effective option for many patients.
Procedure and Recovery Time: Dental Implants vs. Dentures
The dental implant process involves several steps, including the surgical insertion of the implant, which must heal before the implant-supported crown is placed. This healing process can take several months and results in a permanent tooth replacement solution.
In contrast, getting complete dentures is a less invasive process. After impressions of your mouth are taken, the dentures are custom-made to fit your gums. The recovery time is shorter, but adjustments may be needed over time to maintain a comfortable fit.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Our restorative dentist is committed to helping you find the best solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’re considering dental implants or dentures, we will work with you to restore your oral health and give you back your confident smile. If you’re in the Olympia, WA, area, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
Call us at (360) 493-1866 and one of our team members will answer your questions and help you book your appointment.
