Implants vs dentures is a popular discourse for patients dealing with tooth loss. While both options can be a great solution for restoring dental functions and the beauty of your smile, they have their differences. So when it comes to implants vs dentures, the best approach to understanding the differences is to break them down into points.
In the following article, we’ll discuss implants vs dentures in terms of structure, applications, placement, and functions.
Implants vs Dentures: Structure
While both dental implants and dentures serve the same purpose, they have major structural differences.
Dental implants, put simply, are artificial teeth that come in single units meant to replicate the natural shape of teeth from crown to root. To achieve this, a dental implant structure would consist of three parts: the titanium root, the abutment, and the crown.
Your doctor will surgically insert the root into your jawbone, of course under the effects of local anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort. Once the root is in the jaw, comes the abutement which is a connecting piece between the artificial root (post) and the crown. Your dentist will screw the abutment on top of the root and then place the crown on top. Crowns are custom-made from a variety of materials that you can choose from according to your preferences and budget restrictions.
On the other hand of the implants vs dentures comparison, we have the dentures and their structure would vary depending on whether they’re full or partial dentures, but the basic elements remain consistent. With full dentures, you have the base that can be acrylic resin or a flexible polymer, which is the part that mimics the gums and is gum-colored. The teeth on the base are usually either porcelain which is more stain-resistant or acrylic which provides a softer bite,
Because partial dentures get their support from existing teeth, they have an additional metal framework that has clasps or attachments to secure the denture to natural teeth. Additionally, the metal framework also helps distribute the bite force between the artificial and natural teeth for a comfortable fit.
Sometimes dentures would also have a cushion layer that is particularly useful for patients with sensitive gums or bone loss. The silicone material of the cushion reduces pressure on the gums.
Implants vs Dentures: Applications
When it comes to applications, both implants and dentures are fit for different cases of tooth loss. For instance, dentures would be the more affordable option for complete or near-complete tooth loss. However, because full dentures don’t contain roots or structures that secure the structure to the root, you have to consider that you will need to reline the material. In other words, without a root, the bone will continue to shrink in size and you will need to continually reshape the denture lining for a snug fit. You can avoid this problem by considering all-on-4 dental implants which is a modern technology that merges implants and dentures into one.
Whereas partial dentures would be a better option for patients who still have several healthy, strong teeth remaining in the mouth. These natural teeth help anchor the denture and provide support, which improves both stability and comfort. The denture fills the gaps left by missing teeth, while the natural teeth help secure the prosthetic in place.
As for dental implants, they are ideal for individuals looking for a permanent and durable replacement of either a single tooth or multiple teeth through the assistance of dental bridges.
Implants vs Dentures: Durability and Functions
The structure of dental implants allows them to function like natural teeth. But what gives them an advantage over dentures in terms of durability is the root. Once your dentist inserts the root into the jawbone, it integrates with it in a process called osseointegration. This not only provides full chewing power and allows you to eat all types of foods with no restrictions, keeping your speech, eating, and biting natural, but it most importantly prevents bone loss. So unlike dentures, you do not need dentist visits to keep re-fitting your dental implants.
As for dentures, the absence of the root in their structure does not provide the same level of chewing power as natural teeth or implants. Full dentures, especially on the lower jaw, can shift or slip during chewing. In other words, it can limit your dietary options especially when it comes to foods that are hard or chewy in texture as well as impact your speech. Likewise, because of their bulk and positioning, you may find that it would take time to adjust to the dentures and their feel in your mouth.
Implants vs Dentures: Health Criteria for Applications
Whether you are considering dental implants or dentures, there are certain health conditions that you must meet to be a suitable candidate for either treatment.
Starting with dentures, you need to have good gum health. Although dentures do not rely on teeth for support, healthy gums are essential to provide a stable base for the dentures. Because dentures rest on the gums, if you have any type of gum disease, you will have to address that before starting treatment to prevent irritation.
Additionally, while dentures rest on the gums, they also need adequate underlying bone structure for support, especially in the early stages of tooth loss. Over time, the bone resorbs, but as long as there is sufficient bone for denture retention, they can still be effective. If you have severe bone loss you may require additional treatments or adjustments to ensure proper denture fit.
Now moving on to dental implants, similar to dentures the success of dental implants requires good gum health. So if you have gingivitis, periodontitis, or any form of active oral infection such as abscesses or cavities around the implant site, you will have to treat these issues beforehand, Likewise, dental implants require sufficient bone density. So if your bone loss is significant which normally happens when you leave your tooth loss untreated over a long period, you will need bone grafting. Bone grafting is a surgical process where your dentist uses artificial bone to reverse the bone loss in your jaw.
Cost and Life span Between Dental Implants and Dentures
Dental implants are generally pricier than dentures, but on the other hand, they are more durable, comfortable, and long-lasting. For instance, with dental implants, the root itself can last between 25 years to a lifetime whereas the crown may need changing every 10 – 15 years. On the other hand, dental dentures whether partial or full will require changing every 5 – 7 years.
If you can’t afford dental implants in your country, then you can consider medical tourism in Turkey where you can find high-quality dental implants for affordable prices at world-class clinics like Dentakay.
The Takeaway
Both dentures and dental implants are popular treatments for tooth loss. However, they do differ in terms of structure, durability, and applications. To sum it up for you in terms of functions implants are the superior option as they allow you to eat freely and do not affect your speech. As for stability, implants are the more stable options as they have a root that merges with your natural jawbone offering maximum security as opposed to dentures that tend to slip out especially over time as your jawbone shrinks.
Then we have comfort, dental implants are typically more comfortable and natural-feeling compared to dentures. Finally when it comes to the performance for the implants vs dentures, then implants offer a permanent solution and help preserve jawbone structure, while dentures may need replacement or adjustment due to gum and bone changes.
The differences between the two treatments explain why dental implants are often the more popular treatment option among for long-term, stable, and natural-feeling tooth replacement.
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