Implants Vs Dentures: Which Is Right For You?
Posted on: 9 March 2015
The ability to effectively replace missing or badly damaged teeth is essential to maintaining full oral function. Currently there are two ways in which dentists are able to accomplish this goal: dental implants or dentures. Below you will learn more about the pros and cons that come along with each of these options so that you can decide for yourself with tooth replacement option is right for you.
Option 1: Implants
Pros
- Strong - Dental implants are surgically placed in your jaw in order to provide the same strong anchor as a natural tooth. Consequently, implants will offer a superior level of strength when compared to dentures.
- Natural Appearance - Since dental implants are designed to mimic the look and structure integrity of a real tooth, this tooth replacement option will provide a far more natural looking result. For patients who are concerned with having the appearance of fake teeth, this benefit can be extremely important.
- Long Lasting - With proper oral care, dental implants will last a lifetime. The same cannot be said for dentures that will often need to be replaced as they wear away at the patient's gums and bone.
Cons
- Complex Procedure - The process of having dental implants surgically placed can take several months or even a year to complete. This is because your dentist will need to wait for you to fully heal from each step of the process before they are able to move on to the next step.
- Requires Bone Strength - Since dental implants get their strength from your jawbone, these implants will only be as strong as your bones are. For individuals who suffer from bone loss, this may rule out dental implants as an option.
Option 2: Dentures
Pros
- Same Day Service - Many denture clinics are now offering same day service to allow patients to get their replacement teeth faster than ever before. For individuals who are self conscious about their missing teeth, this quick turnaround time can prove extremely beneficial.
- No Surgery Required - The process of getting dentures will not require surgery or the use of anesthetic. For patients who may not be healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure, this will prove extremely important.
- Easy To Care For - Since dentures can easily be removed, these replacement teeth will be even easier to care for than your natural teeth.
Cons
- Hard On Gums - Since dentures rest directly on your gums, they can cause sores and the erosion of gum tissue over time. When this happens, patients may need to have their dentures adjusted in order to accommodate the changing shape of their mouth.
- Limited Strength - Dentures are simply set in your mouth rather than being permanently anchored. Consequently, these tooth replacements will offer a very limited amount of strength and may make it difficult to chew some of the foods that you love.
The Bottom Line
There are many factors that will need to be considered when choosing between the use of dental implants and dentures. For instance, your current oral health, willingness to undergo surgery, and bone strength will all have an impact on what tooth replacement option is right for you. To further discuss the impact that these factors can have on each tooth replacement procedure, be sure to consult with a qualified dentist in your local area,
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