Regular Dentures vs. Dental Implants: What Is the Difference?

If you're concerned about missing teeth, you're far from alone. As we age, it becomes more and more common for us to lose our natural teeth, and around 6% of adult Canadians no longer have any of their natural teeth. That's where modern solutions like implants and dentures come in. Both of these options help you to speak, eat, and smile with ease. When it comes to regular dentures vs. dental implants, it can be hard to decide which is best for your condition. Check out the basic differences between dentures and dental implants.

Dentures and Implants

Dentures are removable false teeth that adhere to your gums. You can get a set of either full or partial dentures, depending on the condition of your existing teeth. Dental implants are permanent teeth that replace missing teeth. During implant surgery, a dentist places a metal device where your natural tooth used to be; then an artificial tooth will be attached to the device.

Regular Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each.

Benefits of dentures

In general, the cost of dentures tends to be far less than the cost of implants. In addition, dentures require no surgery: all you'll need is fitting after a denturist makes a custom set for you.

Drawbacks of Dentures

You'll need to put a little more effort into regular denture maintenance compared to implant maintenance. In addition, because dentures are designed for easy removal, food particles occasionally get trapped between your dentures and gums, causing discomfort. Dentures don't last as long as implants, as a full set will often last between five to seven years. During this time, you may need to get your dentures "relined," or fitted to your teeth again, several times.

Pros of Implants

Dental implants are replacements for your natural teeth, which means that you can take care of them as usual oral care. What's more, implants are long-lasting, depending on the types of dental implants you've selected. Most modern implants will last a decade or longer. Unlike dentures, implants can't trap food particles and won't ever need refitting. They are quite stable, and they can help prevent muscle and jawbone deterioration.

Cons of Implants

Implants can be costly, and implant surgery often involves multiple procedures that span several months. Some patients will need an additional bone graft or sinus lift.

Choose the Right Option for You

Both dentures and implants can be safe and effective methods of replacing missing teeth. Choosing between them is often a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things to consider:

Hygiene: Do you have time to take care of dentures?

Function: Are you seeking the superior functionality of implants?

Comfort: Do you want the enhanced comfort that implants offer when eating and speaking?

Bone density: Does your current bone structure support implants, or are dentures preferable?

Surgery: Are you comfortable with time-consuming and invasive procedures?

Current Age: Are you expecting to get a decade or more of use from your implants?

Cost: Can you afford the higher cost of implants?

If you're not sure which option is right for you, speaking to the denturist may help you narrow down your options.

Choose Burke Mountain Dental Clinic

When it comes to regular dentures vs. dental implants, everyone has different preferences. If you're ready to replace your missing teeth with either of these choices, we're here to help. To get started, contact Burke Mountain Dental Clinic to schedule an appointment.