Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Missing or damaged teeth can be devastating. Not only can missing teeth affect your self-confidence, but the condition of your remaining teeth could also suffer. The good news is that several options are available for tooth replacement, including dentures and implants.

A dental implant is a titanium post and a denture made from acrylic resin, metal, and plastic. Dentures and implants each have their own pros and cons, so the choice ultimately comes down to your individual needs.

The following are some key differences between implants and dentures to help you decide which is right.

Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants allow you to eat without worry and speak clearly without fear of clicking or discomfort in your mouth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration when teeth are missing.

Your dentist can make your dentures closely resemble your natural teeth. Dentures improve chewing ability, speech, and confidence. Dentures can also help support your lips and cheek muscles and prevent sinking around the lips and cheeks.

Your dentures will feel strange for a few weeks until you get used to having them in your mouth. Eating and speaking may also take some getting used to, but don’t worry — these functions will improve with time.

If your dentures are unbearably uncomfortable, you can return to your dentist to check the fit or reline them.

Placing dental implants involves several steps over a number of months. Getting your teeth, gums, and jawbone evaluated is the first step. The initial assessment is to determine whether you're a good candidate for the procedure or not.

The second step involves placing a titanium post implant into the jawbone, and the healing phase begins. After a healing period between 2-6 months, the implant will integrate into the bone.

When the implant fuses to the bone in a process known as osseointegration, your dentist will attach an abutment to which the dentist will fit a crown.

Getting dentures also involves several steps. Denture procedures begin with a complete periodontal examination.

Your dentist will then take accurate measurements of your mouth and make a mold impression of your gums. The dentist will use the impression to create a plaster replica of your jaw.

Afterward, your dentist will send the replica to a lab where an expert will make the dentures and send them to your dentist for fitting. Your dentist will then make any necessary adjustments during the fitting before you get your final set of dentures. A special adhesive holds the final set to your gums.

The maintenance of your dental implants and dentures requires good oral hygiene. You should brush twice daily, floss once daily, and have regular checkups and cleanings.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste to clean dental implants. The bristle of a soft brush is gentler on your gums and implants while effectively removing bacteria and food debris.

Cleaning dentures requires removing them from your mouth and brushing them. The only exception is if you have a fixed partial denture. To clean your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed to clean dentures and a denture cleaning solution or mild soap.

Dental professionals do not recommend wearing your dentures at night. Instead, soak the dentures overnight in water or a mild denture-soaking solution. You should not soak dentures in hot water since the water can cause warping and make them difficult or impossible to put back into place.

Ensure you rinse your dentures after brushing — especially after soaking them — to get rid of the cleaning solution.

Choosing the right kind of tooth replacement is a decision best reached after a consultation with your dentist. Your dentist can help you make the right decision by explaining the differences in detail. Or maybe the dentist recommends one solution over the other.

Contact us today if you'd like to learn more about dental implants and dentures.