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Dental Implants vs. dentures: Which are best for you?

Dental Implants vs. dentures: Which are best for you?
June 24, 2021

Missing teeth can adversely affect your face shape and health in various ways. When you have one or more missing teeth, it may cause difficulty in chewing, jawbone shrinking, deteriorating your face shape, impacting your overall health, and reducing your self-confidence. Therefore, doctors usually recommend dental implants or dentures as an effective treatment option to prevent bone loss and maintain your facial structure. Many people feel uncomfortable at the idea of wearing dentures for the rest of their lives and prefer dental implants instead. Dental implants and dentures both offer various advantages and disadvantages. So, if you are unsure whether you should opt for dental implants or dentures, below is a brief comparison between the two to help you make an informed decision.

Dental implants differ from dentures on the following basis:

1) Comfortability

Dentures usually sit atop the posts placed on adjacent teeth of the missing tooth. As dentures depend on the support of the other teeth, they may cause discomfort, gum inflammation, or pain. In comparison, a dental implant does not rely on any support from adjacent teeth. It is directly affixed in place of the missing tooth and fits way more comfortably.

2) Cleaning and maintenance

Dentures usually need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned every day with a brush to remove food, plaque, and other residues. Many people find it rather inconvenient. In contrast, dental implants are low maintenance. You need to clean and maintain your dental implants as you would your natural teeth.

3) Chewing capacity

As dentures are not affixed directly to the jawbone and are removable, they offer less stability and reduced chewing capacity. Moreover, there is always a risk of dentures slipping out unexpectedly, which makes many people feel self-conscious when eating or interacting with others in public. However, dental implants are permanently fixed in the mouth and act similar to natural teeth. They significantly improve the chewing ability of the patient and provide sufficient support for a confident smile.

4)Side effects

Dentures also come with a few side effects: jawbone shrinking, mouth sores, blisters, slurred speech, denture slip, and excessive saliva production. Moreover, food can get stuck in the dentures, and having dentures may reduce your sense of taste. On the other hand, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root with a crown installed on top resembling a natural tooth. Since it is synthetic, patients may experience loss of sensation while chewing, which is great for people who face tooth sensitivity. Dental implants cause minimal side effects.

5)Long-term vs. short term solution

Dental implants are considered a superior tooth replacement method as it provides improved stability and long term solution for tooth loss. Dental implants may even last a lifetime with good care. On the contrary, dentures are a short-term solution as they need to be replaced or relined from time to time.

While dentures are less expensive than dental implants, they are often less effective and comfortable than dental implants. However, ultimately it depends on your dental condition whether you should opt for dentures or dental implants. If you have missing teeth and want reliable treatment, consult with a dental expert at North Island Dental Arts (NIDA).

North Island Dental Arts (NIDA) specializes in providing quality dental solutions for a range of dental problems, including tooth decay, tooth injury, gum problems, missing teeth, and more. If you have missing teeth and face difficulty eating, our dental experts at NIDA can help restore your smile via state-of-the-art technology and treatment options. Our dental treatment specialists will determine whether you will be an ideal candidate for dental implants after a comprehensive dental examination. Schedule a consultation today!