Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being.
In the Adult Oral Health Survey 2021, 84% of adults reported having 21 or more natural teeth. This indicates that 16% of the UK population has fewer than the recommended number of teeth required for adequate oral function.
Are you ready to restore your smile?
With several treatment options available, determining the right solution for you can be challenging.
In this blog, we’ll help you choose between implants and dentures. By breaking down the benefits of each, we’ll guide you in determining which treatment best suits your needs.
What is the Difference Between Dentures and Implants?
Ultimately serving the same purpose, dentures and implants are designed to:
- Restore your ability to chew properly
- Support facial muscles
- Improve speech
- Increase your confidence.
Dentures vs. Implants
Available in either a full or partial set, dentures are a popular choice for those who are missing sets of teeth rather than just one or two.
The process of making dentures begins with taking an impression of your upper or lower gums (or both if required). These impressions are sent to a lab where a set of preliminary dentures is created. When they arrive at the clinic, your dentist will place them in your mouth, making any necessary adjustments before the final set is produced.
A dental implant is a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth, designed to function naturally.
The process begins with the extraction of the damaged root. After the extraction, a hole is carefully drilled into the jawbone. A metal prosthetic root, commonly called a post, is then implanted deep into the bone. This post serves as a sturdy foundation for the new tooth.
After the post is implanted, the jawbone needs time to grow and fuse around it, a process known as osseointegration, which can take several months to complete. Once the bone has sufficiently bonded with the post, providing a stable base, a crown is attached to the top of the post.
This crown is custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, resulting in a strong, natural-looking tooth that enhances the function and appearance of your smile.
Some key differences between dentures and implants include:
• Procedure
If you’d prefer to undergo a less invasive procedure, dentures may be the most suitable choice.
The most invasive part of treatment is taking dental impressions, which is a simple process. Modern techniques have eliminated the need for messy impression materials; instead, a quick scan of your mouth is taken to create an accurate digital 3D image.
Although the dental implant procedure is more invasive, when performed by our team of experts at Lux Dental, the area is thoroughly numbed during treatment to ensure the process is as comfortable for the patient as possible.
• Cost
When it comes to the cost of implants vs. dentures, removable dentures are generally the more affordable option. This is because they do not require any surgical procedures, making them less complex and costly.
However, while dental implants may have a higher initial cost, they can offer long-term advantages that make them more cost-effective in the long run. Implants are designed to integrate with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation that can potentially last a lifetime with proper care. This durability can reduce the need for replacements or adjustments in the future.
• Suitability
While dentures are an option for almost anyone, dental implants may not be suitable if you:
- Smoke
- Have poorly controlled diabetes
- Have undergone radiotherapy to your jaw.
Every patient is assessed individually. During your consultation, your dentist will review your medical history in detail before explaining whether implants are a suitable choice for you.
• Aesthetics
While both options can achieve natural-looking results, dental implants offer more stability and functionality as they fuse with the jawbone, mimicking natural teeth. This ensures they maintain their position securely, allowing patients to confidently eat, speak and smile without worrying about slippage or discomfort.
• Aftercare
Both dentures and implants require diligent maintenance to ensure optimal oral health.
For dentures, cleanliness is crucial to prevent the formation of sore spots caused by trapped food particles in the mouth.
Similarly, implants should be cared for much like natural teeth – regular brushing and daily flossing are essential practices.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Dentures and implants are just two options for replacing missing teeth. One of the most common, affordable alternatives is a dental bridge. Permanently fixed into the mouth by attaching to the tooth/teeth on either side of the gap, permanent dental bridges are a natural, comfortable option.
At Lux Dental, we offer three types of dental bridges:
- Cantilever Bridge: A single tooth is replaced using the adjacent tooth as support.
- Conventional Bridge: A single tooth, or several teeth, are replaced using the support of teeth on either side.
- Minimal Prep Bridge: Involves little preparation of supporting teeth. The bridge is bonded onto the supporting teeth using a metal wing.
To find out more about your suitability for a dental bridge, please get in touch.
Which is Better: Implant Or Denture?
Whether implants or dentures are the best option for you will depend on several factors, including your budget and the number of teeth you need to replace.
When you choose Lux Dental, one of our exceptional dentists will take the time to carefully evaluate your needs, recommending the most suitable treatment to help you achieve your smile goals. To schedule a consultation, please call us today on 01509 621212.