Deciding how to replace your missing teeth can be confusing, especially when you first begin to look at your options. For patients missing most or all of their teeth, the two basic options are removable, traditional dentures and dental implant-secured dentures. Both options will help hold the shape of your face (avoiding the sunken look that is seen when many or all teeth are missing) and improve the appearance of your smile.
But besides that, the two options have many significant differences. When reviewing the pros and cons of each, it is important to take into consideration which aspects are important to you and your overall quality of life.
Dr. Jacob Grapevine is an implant dentist in Plano, TX that offers removable dentures and many types of denture implants. To learn which type is best for you, schedule a consultation with him where he can perform an examination of your entire mouth and overall health.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Having many missing teeth will undoubtedly affect the way you look and feel about yourself. Both removable dentures and implant-secured dentures will allow you to smile with confidence again. There are pros and cons for each option.
Dental Implants
The popularity of dental implants has risen significantly over the years thanks to advances in dental technology. They offer a very high success rate as well as a high overall satisfaction rate. Many dental professionals even confess that they are the next best thing to natural teeth. There are many pros to choosing denture implants but also a few cons.
Pros
- High success and satisfaction rate
- Look, feel and function like natural teeth
- Replaces teeth at the root which helps prevent bone loss
- Permanently holds the shape of the face
- Less food restrictions
- Fixed so they will not slip around in the mouth or fall out
- Allow for better speech
- If properly cared for, they can last forever
- Easier to take care of compared to removable dentures
- Better for overall and oral health
Cons
- Will involve multiple surgeries and many visits to our Plano, TX dentist office
- An expensive teeth replacement option
- Treatment time can take up six months, sometimes longer
Dentures
For many years, dentures have been the standard teeth replacement option. They are typically made of acrylic and sit snugly over the gums but must be removed daily for cleaning. In general, dentures are better than having no teeth but there are many cons to choosing them over dental implants.
Pros
- Patient will be able to eat and speak better than they could without teeth
- Cosmetic dentures now look every similar natural teeth
- They are the least expensive option
- The process only takes about two to six weeks
- Does not require surgery
Cons
- Does not replace the tooth root
- They will need to be adjusted often and eventually replaced
- Dentures that do not fit correctly can cause sores and infections
- There are foods that must be avoided
- Difficult to consume a healthy, varied diet
- They are hard to get used to
- Known to slip around in the mouth, causing slurred speech and can even fall out
- Some will require adhesive to stay in place
- Must be cleaned and cared for daily in addition to normal everyday oral hygiene
- If they get lost or broken, then patient will have to go without teeth
Learn More About Implant-supported Dentures
Dr. Grapevine offers many options for patients who wish to replace their missing teeth with dentures that are supported by dental implants. To learn which option is best for you, schedule an implant consultation with him today. After analyzing your dental health and jaw bone, he can explain the implant options available to you.
If you suffer from a compromised bone structure, the All-on-4 technique may be an option for you. This option uses the healthy, available bone to strategically place the four dental implants that will secure a cosmetic denture.
More Information on Dental Implants