How to Choose Between Dentures and Implants?
Missing teeth are detrimental to your mouth, but your general health and self-esteem may also be affected. You also have a few choices, such as dentures and implants, if you need to replace one or more lost teeth. There’s no need to be ashamed if you’re missing teeth; elderly and younger people experience tooth loss regularly.
Numerous aspects, including cost, personal choice, and the state of your jawbone and remaining teeth, must be considered while selecting the best scope of treatments. It’s crucial to go through all of your options with your dentist because implants and dentures have benefits and drawbacks.
Dentures
Dentures are removable, artificial teeth that may fit in your mouth regardless of how much bone is present. An impression of the upper and lower gums is taken, along with details on the bite and alignment of your upper and lower jaws, to ensure that the length of the dentures will provide the best possible eating and speaking.
A set of dentures is created in a lab and submitted to your dentist to be fitted in your mouth. The teeth are adjusted for length or alignment before producing a complete set. They stay in place because of a particular adhesive applied to your gums.
Dental Implants
They are made by drilling a hole into the jawbone and removing a diseased root. A metal prosthetic root, a post, is placed deeply into the bone and given a crown on top.
The process of fitting an abutment, the component to which the crown will be attached, to the post might take months. A crown has to be fastened to the abutment as the last stage. Recently, especially among adults, implants have grown more and more common. Check this out to learn about the types of dentures.
Cost
Dental implants are more pricey than dentures and other procedures like bridges. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that the cost of an implant may range from $1,600 to $2,200 per tooth, while actual costs depend on the dentist’s location and other considerations.
According to the ADA, complete upper dentures typically cost little more than $1,600 and complete lower jaw dentures cost around the same.
Maintenance
Similar dental hygiene practices apply to caring for dental implants and natural teeth. This calls for flossing, using a soft-bristle brush at least twice daily, and visiting the dentist frequently.
However, the longer-term viability of dentures needs higher regular maintenance. For instance, you shouldn’t put them on at night. During that period, they should soak in water or a cleaning agent. After eating, take off and brush your dentures, which should be done every day. It would help to brush out any remaining adhesive particles from your gums.
Drawbacks
Although dental implants are frequently a safe and dependable approach to replacing missing teeth, they can include several hazards, such as the possibility of infection and mechanical problems (such as loose posts or cracked crowns).
The following are the most typical denture issues:
- The dentures may slip out of position
- Gum sores (ulcerations) developing
Are Dentures or Implants Even Needed?
Infection and gum disease can arise from food and germs lodged in your missing teeth, harming your health. Also, missing teeth might change how your jaw functions, which can deteriorate your teeth and cause you to lose more. It’s crucial to ask yourself if you even require dental implants or dentures before choosing the type of tooth replacement best for you.
Alternative to Dentures or Implants
Your dentist might suggest a dental crown to treat the problem if one of your teeth is damaged. A crown is a little cap that goes over your tooth and is formed like a tooth. It can conceal a tooth implant, a discolored or irregularly shaped tooth, etc.
A crown protects or repairs a cracked, decaying, or broken tooth. A dental bridge can be secured in place by a crown as well. The kind of crown you receive is a choice that is up to you.
A common option is the CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crown, designed, produced, and placed using computer-assisted technology and frequently constructed of highly durable ceramic. One of these crowns is often placed as part of a same-day operation, allowing you to visit the dentist for one afternoon and leave without waiting. Click here to know if CEREC is right for you.
Final Thought
Dentures or implants should be carefully considered, and your dentist should be consulted. Compared to dentures, which may occasionally need changes or replacement over time, implants may last 20 years or longer despite being more expensive. You should feel confident in your choice if you carefully weigh your preferences and the goals you have for your prostheses while looking at all of your tooth replacement possibilities.
