Dentures vs. Implants
Today millions of American adults struggle with tooth loss, however, there are many good tooth replacement solutions available. Traditional dentures have always been a popular, quick, and affordable tooth replacement option. However, the popularity of dental implants continues to increase due to the stability and durability implants offer over alternative tooth replacement solutions. Detailed below we discussed some of the biggest differences between traditional dentures and dental implants.
What are Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures are artificial teeth that are designed to replace multiple missing teeth at once. Dentures are popular due to their “one size fits all” fix to tooth replacement at a relatively low cost. Dentures can be made to be worn on the upper gum, the lower gum, or both. Traditional dentures sit on top of the gums and include a flesh colored portion that is designed to cover the gums to help hold them in place.
What Are Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, without teeth, the shape of the mouth and jaw bones will start to change over time. This constant reshaping of the mouth structure means that the fit of traditional dentures will need to change too. To avoid constant shifting, slipping, and discomfort traditional dentures will need to be continuously refitted. Dental Implants are metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once these implants are securely placed in the jaw, they act like the root of teeth, and provide a stable place for artificial teeth, a bridge, or dentures to be attached. The number of dental implants needed will depend on the treatment plan created by the dentist and the number of teeth missing.
Procedure for Dentures vs. Dental Implants
The procedures required for traditional dentures and dental implant treatment are very different. Here is a brief description of each procedure:
Denture Treatment: Because dentures are designed to be removable prosthetic teeth, they are somewhat easy to fit in the mouth. Dentures can be either complete or full sets to replace all the teeth or be made as a partial set to replace a few missing teeth. The planning and designing are the majority of the work that is required in a denture treatment. Dentures are made by taking an impression of the gums and your dentist studying your bite and the alignment of your upper and lower jaws to ensure the dentures will fit and allow room for chewing and speech.
First, a preliminary set of dentures is usually made in a lab with your measurements. Next, your dentist will work to fit the dentures and make any necessary adjustments to the alignment or length of the teeth. Dentures are custom-made to look like natural teeth and gums and are designed to securely fit in your mouth on top of your gums.
Implant Treatment: The first step of dental implant treatment requires preparing the jawbone for the implants. The health of the jawbone is critical to the long-term success of implants. Once the jawbone is healthy and prepared, a metal implant post is surgically placed deeply into the bone. After the implant has been placed, a several month healing period is required for the implant to fuse to the bone. Next an abutment is fit to the top of the post as a connector. Sometimes, depending on the implant system selected, the abutment is placed when the post is initially implanted. The final step is to have the artificial tooth that has been made to match the surrounding teeth, called the crown, fit to the top of the implant.
Treatment Cost of Dentures vs. Implants
Of all of the tooth replacement options, dental implants require the largest initial financial investment, more than dentures and bridges. Though treatment costs can vary, an implant may cost between $1,600 and $2,200 per tooth. Alternatively, the average cost of a complete set of dentures for the upper jaw is close to $1,600, with the lower jaw costing about the same.
Benefits of Traditional Dentures vs. Dental Implants
There are many benefits of both traditional dentures and dental implants. Here are a few for comparison:
- Cost and Ease of Treatment: As compared to the several procedures required for dental implant treatment and the financial investment, conventional dentures are easy to fit and a more affordable option.
- Maintain Face Shape and Jaw structure: Dental implants help the jaw maintain its shape and structure because the body recognizes implants as teeth. Additionally, implants can help to encourage healthy bone growth. With traditional dentures the jaw will continue to shrink and change shape, requiring repeated fittings and maintenance.
- Secure Fit: With the jawbone constantly changing shape, it is difficult to maintain a secure fit with traditional dentures. Dentures that do not fit securely can cause issues with speaking, eating, and comfort. Implants ensure dentures, bridges, or artificial crowns that fit securely.
Alternatives to Dentures and Implants
Dentures and implants are just two of the many treatment options available to replace missing teeth. If you are considering tooth replacement options, you should discuss all of the available options with your dental provider, including:
- Dental Bridges: A dental bridge can be an appropriate approach to replacing several missing teeth. Also called a fixed partial denture, a bridge is a prosthetic that attaches to surrounding teeth.
- Temporary partial denture: A temporary partial denture is a removable partial set of teeth that can be worn like a retainer. Partial dentures can restore the appearance of the smile but can also be easily removed for cleaning. This temporary solution is one of the most affordable solutions to replace missing teeth, but it is also the least durable. Often these temporary devices are designed to be just that, temporary, made for patients waiting for a more permanent solution.
- Snap-in Dentures: Snap-in dentures are dentures that are designed to securely attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone. Instead of having an implant for each missing tooth, snap-in dentures attach to two to four implants in each jaw to replace several missing teeth with one or two devices.