Losing a tooth can be upsetting and uncomfortable. It can also be confusing to know what to do to replace your tooth. Replacing a tooth can be handled two different ways, dental implants or dentures. Here at Dr. Austin Roberts Family and Implant Dentistry, we want to help you feel good about your smile. Below are some benefits and downsides of both dentures and implants.
Dentures
Dentures are removable devices fitted to your mouth to take the place of your missing teeth. While many may think of dentures as a full set of upper and/or lower jaw teeth replacements, partial dentures are also available. These partial dentures can fill in gaps of a few teeth.
Benefits of Dentures
- Dentures are adjustable. They can be adjusted and refitted because of the removable and of dentures.
- No surgery is needed. Surgery can be daunting and possibly a higher risk for some, which makes the lack of surgery one of the key benefits many patients like about dentures.
- Dentures are affordable. The cost of dentures tends to be lower initially than dental implants.
Downsides of Dentures
- Higher maintenance is required. Dentures require regular cleaning to prevent further complications to your mouth and to maintain the integrity of the dentures themselves.
- Dentures are not securely fixed. Due to its removable nature, dentures can slip as time goes on as your jawbone changes. Most denture wearers never recover the full function of their natural teeth.
- Needs replacing every 3 to 6 years. While the inital price point of dentures can make them more affordable than dental implants, ongoing replacement can make them be pricey in their own right.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth with their own post, which act as it’s root. The implant is inserted and permanently fixed inside the mouth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Great for single tooth replacement. Due to the single root like nature of each implant, using dental implants is a great solution for replacing a single tooth.
- Lower maintenance is needed! Because of the way dental implants are securely fixed into your mouth, they act like any other tooth. Just brush and floss as you would for any of your teeth. You will also need to get a professional cleaning every 6 months to ensure the implant is still healthy.
- Natural Feeling. Unlike dentures, dental implants recover almost all of the natural function of teeth, allowing for chewing, smiling, and talking without movement of the tooth itself.
- Long Lasting. Dental implants serve as a long-term solution for missing teeth. This allows dental implants to last several years longer than dentures.
Downsides of Dental Implants
- Surgery is required. Dental implants require surgery, which can be a major downside for some.
- Can Be Cost Prohibitive. With surgery and the cost of the implants themselves, dental implants can be more expensive than dentures.
Which One is Right for You?
We would love to help by answering any questions you have about dentures or dental implants. Every situation is different. Feel free to call or text to schedule a consultation to go over your situation!