There is nothing more eye-catching about a person than their smile but, unfortunately, it’s very common for many people to experience tooth loss as they age for a number of reasons. Missing teeth can cause self-confidence issues, feeling embarrassed about the condition of your teeth and you may find yourself not smiling as much as you used to.
Before calling your dentist and putting your money where your mouth is, it’s important to know what’s out there and to do a bit of light research about what solutions may be the best for you - particularly whether or not you should go with dentures or dental implants.
The Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures
Dental implants are fixed teeth replacements and are best suited for those who have lost teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root which is placed into your jaw to support your denture or replace missing teeth.
Dentures are conventionally removable prosthetic teeth replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. Dentures are traditionally supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.
However, with advancements in dental technology over the years, dental implants have become popular alternatives for dental care over dentures.
While the main difference between these two is the cost. Dental implants are designed to last longer, minimise the number of visits to the dentist, and are relatively low maintenance. On the other side, dentures are commonly found to be uncomfortable and can take a bit of getting used to, dentures give you the freedom to take them out of your mouth.
Like most things in life, dental work also comes with its own set of pros and cons. Before calling your dentist to make an appointment, continue reading for a shortlist of the pros and cons of both dentures and dental implants. Hopefully, this makes it a little easier to differentiate what each procedure includes so you can book in to discuss with your dentist about what is right for you.
Dental Implants - Pros and Cons
The Pros of Dental Implants:
- Dental Implants are natural-looking as well as low maintenance, so upkeep is a breeze and you have more time for the things you love
- Dental Implants won’t move in your mouth like Dentures meaning you won’t have to worry about them ever-shifting in your mouth or falling out
- If properly maintained and taken care of, dental implants will last for many years to come, maybe even for life
Cons of Dental Implants:
- The cost of dental implants is typically higher than dentures
- The procedure takes longer to complete than traditional dentures
- The possibility of dental implants not being suitable for you, adequate jawbone tissue is required for dental implants
Dentures - Pros and Cons
Pros of Dentures:
- Less expensive than dental implants
- Quicker turnaround time, the process to receive dentures is a lot shorter than dental implants
- Very few restrictions involved with the treatment process, which makes dentures a great treatment option for people of all ages
- No surgical procedures are required when undergoing the process of getting dentures
Cons of Dentures:
- Dentures are often not a permanent solution, its common that over time and aging that dentures may not fit as well as they used to
- Ill-fitting dentures can cause infections
- Dentures will need to be adjusted over time to keep them fitting properly
- Ability to taste foods may decrease
- Since they can be removed from your mouth at any time, dentures can move on their own and fall out of your mouth
Anything dental requires research, patience and an expert team to ensure you get the best possible care. The team at North Shore Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons specialise in ensuring you're always totally comfortable and receiving the best dental treatment you can get. We'll confidently educate you on your options and tailor the whole process to your specific dental needs.
With personable care from North Shore Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons you’ll walk away with a grin from ear to ear and newfound confidence behind your smile.
