Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Breaking Down the Pros and Cons

Millions of people experience tooth loss, which becomes more problematic as we age. Whether due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, tooth loss limits one's ability to eat and speak properly and can also make one more self-conscious about smiling.

Restorative dentistry can replace missing teeth with dentures or dental implants. To determine which restorative procedure is the best choice for you, you must review the pros and cons of each. So, let’s explore the differences between these methods of tooth replacement and review their advantages and disadvantages.

If you live in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and are looking for the best way to replace missing teeth, Dr. Nils Anderson and our dedicated team at Village Dental can help you find the best solution.

The difference between dental implants and dentures

Both forms replace teeth, but the materials and methodology vary. Here’s the break-down:

Dentures

This has been the long-standing standard for replacing missing teeth. It utilizes a full palate of false teeth attached to a gum-colored plate (often acrylic resin). Dentures attach using suction and dental adhesives and can be removed. If you get partial dentures, they use existing teeth as support.

Dental implants

This is a more recent and popular method. Dental implants fuse metal to your jawbone. Once secure, a dental restoration is placed on top. Since they're attached to the jaw, dental implants create a strong and natural-feeling tooth (or set of teeth) that needs little maintenance other than regular dental care.

There is also a method that uses implants to place dentures.

The pros and cons of both

Here are the pros and cons of these dental restorations:

Denture pros and cons

Dentures are less expensive than implants and are a better fit for people lacking enough bone density in their jaw for the osseointegration needed for implants. They’re easy to maintain and take a shorter time to prepare.

However, the biggest issue with dentures often comes with keeping them in. Suction doesn’t always work reliably, and the adhesive needed to attach it to your jaw can still lead to the false teeth slipping out of your mouth.

Dental implant pros and cons

Dental implants are the best choice for long-term tooth replacements because they act and feel like natural teeth. Once in place, they’re cleaned like other teeth and are low-maintenance. They can last for many years.

However, fusing the post to the bone takes several months, which means a long wait. If your jaw doesn’t have the bone density for implants, other steps, such as bone grafts, may need to be taken.

Implants are the best long-term solution if your jaw is healthy, but dentures are affordable. To determine which choice best fits your budget and needs, make an appointment with Dr. Anderson and Village Dental today.