Dental Implants vs Dentures: The Right Solution to Choose

Before the age of 44, 69% of Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth. And among adults between 65 and 74, one in four have lost all their teeth!

It’s distressing to lose a tooth, but the good news is that there are plenty of options available to restore your smile.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you might be wondering about dental implants vs dentures. Keep reading to learn more about each procedure and which solution is best for you.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent solutions to tooth loss. They look and feel like natural teeth and can last 25 years or longer with proper care. They also help to maintain the integrity of your jawbone and facial structure.

Your dentist will surgically insert a titanium post into your jawbone to anchor the new tooth in place. Then he’ll attach an individual tooth (or a bridge, if you have multiple missing teeth) to the post. You can click here to learn more about the dental implant procedure and recovery process.

What are Dentures?

The removable appliances that replace missing teeth and gum tissue are called Dentures. You’ll wear them during the day so you can eat and speak normally. At night, you’ll remove, clean, and store them until the next day.

Partial dentures replace gaps if you still have some of your natural teeth. Complete dentures replace all your natural teeth and rest directly on your gums. You’ll affix the dentures to your gums with a special adhesive.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants vs Dentures

Both solutions address the same problem, so how can you decide which is better for your mouth? 

The pros of dental implants include:

• Long-lasting and as easy to care for as natural teeth
• Look, feel, and function like natural teeth
• No need for creams, adhesives, or special cleaning products
• A permanent solution that can last a lifetime

The cons of dental implants include:

• The cost (as much as $3,000-$4,500 per tooth)
• Requires surgery and a recovery process
• May not be covered by dental insurance

What about dentures? Here are some advantages of choosing dentures:

• More affordable option
• Usually covered by dental insurance
• Non-invasive, with no surgery or recovery period
• Easy to modify if you lose more teeth in the future

Some potential drawbacks to dentures include:

• Feeling bulky or uncomfortable
• Being unable to eat certain sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods
• Need to be removed nightly for cleaning
• Need to be replaced every few years
• Need to be used with creams or adhesives

Your dentist can provide you with more details about each solution and which makes more sense for your dental needs.

Dental Implants vs Dentures: Which Will You Choose?

In the battle of dentures vs dental implants, there’s no clear winner. The best choice for you depends on your oral health, the number of teeth you’ve lost, and many other factors.

Talk to your dentist to determine which solution is best for your smile.

Now that you know more about dental implants vs dentures, what’s next?