Dentures vs. Implants: Which Is Right for You?

Smile Stop Dentures and Implants
3 days ago
8 min read

Dental tools in a white kidney dish on a plain surface, including a mirror and probes. The setting feels clinical and sterilized. — Smile Stop Dentures & Implants on Dentures vs. Implants: Which Is Right for You?

If you have missing teeth, you might be wondering what the best way is to get your smile back. Two of the most popular options are dentures and dental implants. Both can help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again, but they are very different from each other. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

At Smile Stop Dentures & Implants, we want to help you make the best choice for your smile. In this guide, we’ll take a close look at dentures and dental implants. We’ll compare them in terms of cost, comfort, and how long they last.

We’ll also talk about what it’s like to get them and how to take care of them. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better idea of which option might be the best fit for you. Let’s get started!

What Are Dentures? A Closer Look at This Classic Solution

Dentures are a classic and popular way to replace missing teeth. You might have heard your grandparents talk about them, but today’s dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before. Dentures are removable, which means you can take them out to clean them and while you sleep.

Types of Dentures: There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures and

partial dentures.

• Complete Dentures: These are used when all of your teeth are missing. They are made to fit snugly over your gums and can be taken out for cleaning.

• Partial Dentures: These are used when you still have some of your natural teeth. They fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are held in place by clasps that attach to your remaining teeth.

The Good Things About Dentures (Pros):

• Lower Cost Upfront: Dentures usually cost less to get started than dental implants. This can make them a good choice if you are on a budget.

• No Surgery Needed: Getting dentures does not require surgery. Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and have the dentures made to fit you.

• Quick Process: It usually takes just a few weeks to get your new dentures. This means you can have your new smile relatively quickly.

The Not-So-Good Things About Dentures (Cons):

• They Can Be Uncomfortable: Dentures can sometimes slip or move around in your mouth, which can be uncomfortable and make it hard to eat and speak.

• They Need Special Care: You have to take your dentures out every day to clean them. You also need to be careful not to drop them, as they can break.

• They Don’t Last Forever: Dentures usually need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. This is because the shape of your mouth changes over time, and your dentures may no longer fit properly.

• They Don’t Stop Bone Loss: Because dentures sit on top of your gums, they don’t provide any stimulation to your jawbone. This can cause your jawbone to shrink over time, which can change the shape of your face.

What Are Dental Implants? A Modern Solution for Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a more modern way to replace missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which are removable, dental implants are a permanent solution.

They are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. A dental implant is a small, screw-like post that is placed into your jawbone. This post acts as a new root for your missing tooth.

The Parts of a Dental Implant: A dental implant has three main parts:

• The Implant: This is the small, titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone.

• The Abutment: This is a small connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant. It sticks out just above the gum line and is used to hold your new tooth in place.

• The Crown: This is the new tooth that is attached to the abutment. It is custom-made to match the color and shape of your other teeth, so it looks completely natural.

The Good Things About Dental Implants (Pros):

• They Feel Like Natural Teeth: Because dental implants are fused to your jawbone, they feel very strong and stable. You can eat all your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or moving.

• They Last a Long Time: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. This makes them a very good long-term investment in your smile.

• They Keep Your Jawbone Healthy: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can prevent bone loss. The implant stimulates your jawbone, just like a natural tooth root, which helps to keep your jawbone strong and healthy.

• They Are Easy to Care For: You can care for your dental implants just like you would your natural teeth. You just need to brush and floss them regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups.

The Not-So-Good Things About Dental Implants (Cons):

• They Cost More Upfront: Dental implants usually cost more to get started than dentures. However, because they last so long, they can actually be more affordable in the long run.

• They Require Surgery: Getting dental implants requires a minor surgical procedure. While the surgery is very safe and has a high success rate, it is still something to consider.

• The Process Takes Longer: It can take several months to get your new dental implants. This is because you need to give your jawbone time to heal and fuse with the implant before the new tooth can be attached.

How to Choose: What’s Right for You?

So, how do you decide which option is right for you? Here are some things to think about:

Your Budget: If you are on a tight budget, dentures may be a good choice for you because they cost less to get started. However, it’s important to remember that you will need to replace your dentures every few years, so the cost can add up over time.

Dental implants cost more upfront, but they can last a lifetime, so they may be a better long-term investment.

Your Health: To get dental implants, you need to be in good overall health and have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. If you have certain health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist can help you to determine if you are healthy enough for the procedure.

Your Lifestyle: If you have a busy lifestyle, you may prefer dental implants because they are so easy to care for. You don’t have to worry about taking them out to clean them or using special adhesives to keep them in place. You can just brush and floss them like your natural teeth and get on with your day.

Your Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your own personal preference. Some people prefer the convenience of dental implants, while others prefer the lower upfront cost of dentures. The most important thing is to choose an option that you feel comfortable with and that will help you to get your smile back.

Making the Decision with Your Dentist

The best way to decide between dentures and dental implants is to talk to your dentist. Your dentist can examine your mouth, talk to you about your needs and preferences, and help you to make an informed decision. They can also answer any questions you may have and help you to understand the pros and cons of each option.

At Smile Stop Dentures & Implants, we are here to help you every step of the way. We will work with you to find the best solution for your smile and your budget. We want you to feel confident and happy with your new smile, and we will do everything we can to make that happen.

A Deeper Dive into the World of Dentures

To help you make an even more informed decision, let's explore the world of dentures in a bit more detail. While we've covered the basics of complete and partial dentures, there are other variations and factors to consider that can influence your experience.

Immediate Dentures: A Temporary Solution

Sometimes, your dentist might suggest immediate dentures. These are made before your remaining teeth are removed and are placed in your mouth right after the extractions. The biggest advantage of immediate dentures is that you don't have to go without teeth while your gums are healing.

However, as your gums and jawbone heal and change shape, immediate dentures will need to be relined or adjusted frequently to ensure a proper fit. They are generally considered a temporary solution until your mouth has fully healed and is ready for a conventional, long-term denture.

The Feel of Dentures: An Adjustment Period

For new denture wearers, there is almost always an adjustment period. It can take some time to get used to the feeling of having the appliance in your mouth. Initially, you might notice an increase in saliva, or you might feel like the dentures are bulky or loose.

Speaking and eating will also feel different at first. It's common to start with soft foods and gradually introduce harder foods as you become more comfortable. Practicing speaking by reading aloud can also help you get used to talking with your new dentures.

It's important to be patient with yourself during this time. With practice, most people adapt well and are able to eat and speak with confidence.

The Importance of a Good Fit

A well-fitting denture is crucial for comfort and function. An ill-fitting denture can cause sore spots, irritation, and can make it very difficult to eat. This is why regular check-ups with your dentist are so important. As your jawbone changes shape over the years, your dentures will need to be professionally relined or even remade to ensure they continue to fit properly.

Trying to adjust or repair your own dentures can cause irreparable damage and can be harmful to your oral health. Always consult your dentist if you are experiencing any discomfort or problems with your dentures.

Exploring the Landscape of Dental Implants

Just as with dentures, there is more to dental implants than a single approach. The world of implants offers several solutions tailored to different needs, from replacing a single tooth to a full mouth restoration.

Single Tooth Implants: The Gold Standard

When you are missing just one tooth, a single dental implant is often considered the best possible solution. It replaces the tooth root and the tooth itself without affecting the neighboring teeth. This is a major advantage over a traditional dental bridge, which requires the adjacent healthy teeth to be ground down to support the bridge. A single implant is a standalone solution that preserves the health of your surrounding teeth and your jawbone.

Implant-Supported Bridges: Replacing Several Teeth

If you are missing several teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge can be an excellent option. Instead of replacing each tooth with its own implant, your dentist can place two implants to serve as anchors for a bridge that spans the gap. This is a very stable and natural-feeling solution that also helps to preserve the bone in the areas where the implants are placed.

It's a more conservative approach than placing an implant for every single missing tooth, making it more cost-effective for larger gaps.

Implant-Supported Dentures: The Best of Both Worlds

For those who are missing all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures offer a fantastic hybrid solution that combines the stability of implants with the affordability of dentures.

In this approach, a few dental implants (typically two to four on the lower jaw and four or more on the upper jaw) are placed in the jawbone. The denture then has special attachments on the underside that snap securely onto the implants.

This provides a dramatic improvement in stability compared to traditional dentures. You won't have to worry about your teeth slipping or falling out while you eat or speak. You'll be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods and feel much more confident in social situations.

While they are more expensive than traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are a more affordable option than a full set of individual dental implants, making them a popular and highly effective choice for many people.