It’s understandable if you’re torn between implants and dentures. Both options give you the chance to enjoy a healthy, confident smile again after you lose your teeth. These missing teeth solutions have their drawbacks, too, so it can be difficult to determine whether implants are better than dentures.
The answer to this depends on your personal needs. With each option having advantages and disadvantages, your decision will be affected by factors such as your oral health condition, aesthetic goals, and budget. Start your decision-making process by exploring the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
What are dental implants?
Liverpool’s ideal missing teeth solution
Dental implants are artificial posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. They fuse with the bone tissue, forming a stable base to support custom-made crowns or bridges, which are attached after the healing period is completed. The treatment is an ideal solution to missing teeth and restores the normal appearance and function of a smile.
What are dentures?
These are custom-made appliances that replace missing teeth. They sit on top of the gums, so they can be removed easily when needed. Removable dentures bring back the healthy use and aesthetics of the smile but because they are not secured in place, they tend to move unexpectedly, particularly as they loosen over time.
What makes dental implants better than dentures?
Last longer
Implants are designed to last for several decades, and possibly a lifetime if they receive proper care and you have good oral health. You can enjoy the treatment’s benefits for a long time, and would only need to replace the tooth restorations if they become damaged or worn.
On the other hand, dentures last approximately 5-10 years, after which they need to be replaced when their appearance and comfortable fit start to deteriorate.
Reliable stability
A dental implant is attached directly to the bone and stays in place as it supports artificial teeth. It doesn’t move like dentures do when you chew food or talk, so you don’t need to worry about your teeth unexpectedly falling out.
Natural appearance
Custom-made dental crowns or a dental bridge would look even better (and more natural) if they are used together with dental implants. The artificial tooth roots keep the tooth restorations in place, making them look and feel like your natural teeth.
Dentures are also customised but since they are not connected to the jawbone, they may shift or become loose.
Preserve bone health
The titanium posts keep the jawbone healthy by providing continuous stimulation. This stimulation stops the bone from weakening after tooth loss and helps maintain the normal structure of the jaw. Dentures don’t have this ability since they are not attached to the bone.
Improved confidence
Dental implants can help you regain confidence by filling the gaps caused by tooth loss, with artificial teeth that stay in place. You can rest assured that your natural-looking smile will not slip off when you’re eating, speaking, or laughing.
It’s time to rebuild your confidence after tooth loss. Contact our friendly team now at Pall Mall Dental in Liverpool so we can discuss how dental implants can restore your smile.
What are the advantages of dentures over implants?
More affordable
Dentures typically cost less than dental implants. They can replace large gaps in your smile and restore normal function of the teeth without the high initial cost associated with an implant treatment.
Simpler procedure
Removable dentures don’t require invasive steps, unlike implants that need to be surgically embedded into the jawbone. With this option, you can address tooth loss without going through complicated, potentially uncomfortable procedures.
Faster results
Typically, you can start to fully enjoy the benefits of a denture treatment after just a few weeks. This is much shorter than the months of waiting while dental implants fuse with the jawbone, before they can be connected to artificial teeth.
Conclusion
Your decision to replace missing teeth is a personal choice, so the treatment you choose should also be tailored to meet your specific requirements. If you’re ready to lead a better quality of life with a complete smile, we can help you achieve your goal using dental implants in Liverpool. We will guide you every step of the way during this journey, whether you need to replace a single tooth or want a complete smile makeover. Book your consultation at Pall Mall Dental now.
FAQs
Do implants last longer than dentures?
Yes. Implants last at least several decades or even longer with excellent care and good oral health. On the other hand, dentures typically last 5 to 10 years depending on the aesthetic or functional wear and tear of the material.
Are implants more expensive than dentures?
Yes. A dental implant treatment involves a higher upfront cost than dentures. But implants last longer and perform better functionally and aesthetically, so you can enjoy more benefits from this tooth loss solution in the long run.
Who can have dental implants?
Not everyone with missing teeth is eligible for this treatment. Typically, you can have implants if your overall health is in good condition, you have healthy gums, and a robust jawbone structure to support the titanium posts.
Are implants more comfortable than dentures?
Yes, because they are designed to feel like your natural teeth. Since they are fixed in place, they don’t cause uncomfortable friction like ill-fitting or loose dentures.
Are dental implants worth it over dentures?
Yes, because they are completely stable, look and feel natural, last a long time, and prevent the jawbone from deteriorating. Dentures may cost less but they can be inconvenient to maintain, last only 5 to 10 years, and can cause embarrassment or discomfort if they slip.