For years, dentures were widely considered to be the best replacement for missing teeth. They offered a cosmetic and functional solution for gaps in a natural smile and could even replace a full set of missing teeth. But dentures have always come with problems, and many patients don’t enjoy wearing them.
Fortunately, advancements in dental technologies and methodologies have expanded the treatments and solutions available to patients. At Smart Arches, our dental implant specialists provide a more permanent, natural, secure, and low-maintenance treatment for missing teeth.
Keep reading to learn all about dental implants vs dentures and find out if implants may be a better option for you!
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable oral appliances that are made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, they can be used to replace an entire arch of teeth (complete dentures) or a few teeth in a row (partial dentures).
Dentures are still an option for people suffering from missing teeth today. But they’re not for everyone. Many patients find wearing dentures frustrating.
Firstly, they can fall out of place while you’re eating or speaking if they’re not secured with dental adhesive. They also need to be cleaned regularly and generally need to be replaced every 5-10 years or so due to wear and tear. Finally, they must be fitted very carefully and routinely inspected to ensure they’re still fitting properly and to prevent infection or tooth decay.
What are dental implants?
While partial and complete dentures are still used to replace missing teeth today, dental implants are now considered the gold standard in modern dentistry. They offer a more secure, permanent, and low-maintenance solution to patients with one or more missing teeth.
So what are they exactly?
Dental implants are small screw-like posts (generally made of titanium) that are secured into the jawbone to act as replacement tooth roots and provide support for tooth restorations, such as crowns or bridges.
Like dentures, dental implants can be used to replace a single missing or otherwise compromised tooth. They can also replace entire arches of missing teeth, using an advanced method called All-on-4. Although the process of having implants placed is more involved than getting dentures, dental implants have many advantages over other options, which is why they’re so popular among patients.
Benefits of dental implants vs dentures
They last longer
Dentures last between 7 and 10 years on average before they need to be replaced. It’s also generally recommended that you get them adjusted (or “relined”) every 1-2 years, which involves your dentist adding material and refitting your dentures. Modern dental implants, on the other hand, can last a lifetime with proper care.
They’re more comfortable
One of the frustrating things about dentures for many people is that they never feel exactly like real teeth and need to be adjusted on a regular basis to ensure a comfortable fit. Dental implants are secured directly into the jawbone. Once the initial healing process is complete, your dental implants will feel and function just like your natural teeth.
They’re easier to care for
Unlike dentures, dental implants aren’t removable. They don’t need to be taken out to be cleaned or cared for. In fact, you can care for your dental implants in exactly the same way you care for natural teeth. Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams!
They look more natural
Some dentures look more natural than others, but dental implants are by far the most natural-looking tooth replacement option. Because they’re intended to last decades, we take the time to custom-make your restorations to perfectly match the size, shape, and color of your real teeth. This leaves you with truly natural, long-lasting results.
They won’t fall out
Dentures are made to be removed. Unfortunately, this means they sometimes slip out of place at inconvenient times. Dental implants are by far the most secure tooth replacement option. They’re secured directly into your jawbone, acting as a replacement tooth root and offering the same level of structural stability.
They protect you from future oral health problems
Over time, missing teeth can lead to issues like gum disease, tooth decay, bite alignment issues, jaw disorders like TMJ, and even jawbone loss. Dental implants provide structural support for your facial anatomy and protect you from a buildup of harmful bacteria. This significantly reduces your risk of experiencing many of the oral health problems associated with missing teeth.
Get the beautiful, long-lasting smile you’ve always wanted with our world-class dental implants!
At Smart Arches, we believe every patient deserves the highest quality dental care and solutions. Missing teeth can make daily activities like eating and speaking difficult, and without treatment they can lead to more serious dental problems. We’re improving our patients’ lives by transforming their smiles.
Our compassionate and highly skilled oral surgeons are specialists in dental implant procedures. See patient transformations in our smile gallery and contact us to book a FREE consultation!
