Although your dentist always does their best to preserve your teeth, sometimes, that is not enough. Some people may need to replace their natural teeth at some point. When they do, they will have to decide whether dentures or implants make more sense.
Each of these has its pros and cons. As such, your decision will depend on personal preference and your oral health. Dr. Sharma can go through the options with you in more detail, but this information will help you get an idea of what to expect before your appointment. We’ll explore some of the most significant differences between dentures and dental implants.
Understanding Each
To start, you should understand what each option is.
Dentures are removable fake teeth. They are custom-made to fit your mouth. They are typically made of metal, acrylic, or nylon. Dentures can be partial or complete.
Dental implants are surgical-grade titanium screws or rods your dentist fuses with your jawbone. They act as the base for a crown, which is a permanent tooth replacement.
Which One Lasts Longer?
If your goal is longevity, then you will want to opt for dental implants. They can last just as long as your natural teeth would, assuming you take good care of them. By contrast, most dentures require replacing about every eight years.
Which One Looks More Natural?
How natural your dentures or dental implants look largely depends on the quality and materials you choose. Dental technology has advanced enough that you can get versions of either that look natural. If you pay a little extra, it can be nearly impossible for untrained observers to tell either your dentures or dental implants are not your natural teeth.
Which One Is More Comfortable to Use?
There have been significant improvements in dentures over time, but they may still occasionally move around in your mouth. While modern dentures are more comfortable and less likely to cause issues eating or talking, dental implants still make all of those tasks easier.
There is also the risk of a few other comfort-related issues with dentures. Initially, you may experience irritation, soreness, or excessive saliva or feel that they are bulky.
Which One Is Easier to Care For?
In terms of maintenance, implants require less work. You brush and floss your teeth like you would with natural ones. Dentures, however, cannot be worn overnight. Instead, you need to soak them in a cleaning solution or water at night. You also have to remove them to clean both them and your mouth.
Which One Is More Affordable?
The cost of dentures and dental implants will depend on multiple factors, including how many procedures you need to prepare for and install them and the materials you choose. The American Dental Association reports an average of $1,600 to $2,200 for a dental implant per tooth. By contrast, a set of upper or lower dentures would be a bit over $1,600, on average. This means that implants tend to be several times the cost of dentures.
Although there are exceptions, your insurance may cover as much as half of your dentures but tends not to cover dental implants. When comparing cost, you should also consider visiting our office for a consultation dental implants in Chicago.
Additional Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dentures-vs-implants#cost