Patients often navigate a complex landscape of dental options when choosing between dentures and dental implants for replacing missing teeth. Both solutions have their merits, but dentures offer distinct advantages worth considering for many.
This blog explores the key aspects of dentures vs implants, shedding light on why dentures might be the preferable choice for certain individuals.
Understanding Dentures and Dental Implants
They come in various forms, including complete dentures for replacing all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw and partial dentures when some natural teeth remain.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent tooth replacements. They involve a surgical procedure where artificial tooth roots are placed into the jaw bone, providing a strong foundation for fixed or removable artificial teeth.
Advantages of Dentures Over Implants
When choosing between dentures and dental implants for tooth replacement, it’s important to consider their distinct advantages, especially regarding accessibility and ease of use.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most compelling advantages of dentures over dental implants is their cost-effectiveness. Dentures are generally much more affordable than implants, making them an accessible option for a broader range of patients. This is particularly important for those who need to replace multiple teeth or require full arch replacements.
Noninvasive Procedure
Unlike dental implants, which require surgical drilling into the jaw bone, dentures do not require invasive surgeries. This makes dentures a safer and less intimidating option for many, especially older people or those with medical conditions that contraindicate surgical procedures.
Less Time-Consuming
Dentures are relatively quick to obtain compared to the dental implant procedure, which can take several months to complete and often requires multiple surgeries. Dentures can provide a quick and effective solution for patients looking to replace missing teeth without a lengthy treatment timeline.
No Need for Bone Grafts
Patients suffering from jaw bone loss may only immediately qualify for dental implants after undergoing bone grafts. Since dentures do not rely on jaw bone density, they can be used regardless of bone condition, avoiding additional, potentially costly surgical interventions.
Flexibility in Modifications
Dentures allow for easier adjustments or replacements as a patient’s oral health and jaw structure change over time. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for older adults whose oral anatomy may continue to change.
Improved Aesthetics and Functionality
Modern dentistry advancements have significantly enhanced dentures’ aesthetic appeal and functionality. Today’s dentures are designed to look like natural teeth and are customised to fit comfortably, enabling patients to speak, chew, and smile with confidence.
When Are Dentures the Best Option?
Choosing the right solution for replacing missing teeth is a critical decision that affects your oral health and overall quality of life. While dental implants offer a modern, permanent solution, there are numerous situations where dentures might be the more suitable choice. This detailed examination highlights various scenarios where dentures can provide significant benefits over implants.
Suitability for Various Medical Conditions
Dentures are often recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions that preclude the surgical procedures required for dental implants. Conditions such as diabetes, significant heart diseases, and immune disorders can increase the risk of surgery-related complications. For these individuals, dentures’ noninvasive nature makes them a safer and more viable option.
Impact of Bone Density
A key factor in deciding between dental implants and dentures is the density of the jawbone. Dental implants require sufficient healthy bone for successful implantation and long-term support; in cases where patients have experienced significant bone loss—whether due to osteoporosis, previous tooth loss, or other factors—the bone may not adequately support the implant without prior bone grafting procedures. On the other hand, dentures do not have such stringent requirements and can be fitted even in patients with reduced bone density, making them a more straightforward and less invasive option.
Considerations for Patients with Gum Disease
Gum disease can significantly impact the feasibility and success rate of dental implants. For patients suffering from active gum disease, such as periodontitis, the risk of implant failure increases due to the potential for infection and weakened support in the gum and bone structures. Dentures do not interact with the gums and bone in the same invasive way that implants do, which typically makes them more suitable for patients managing gum disease. This allows individuals to address tooth loss without exacerbating existing gum conditions.
Financial Considerations
The decision between dental implants and dentures often involves significant financial considerations. Dental implants are generally more costly regarding the initial procedure, maintenance, and the potential need for future corrective surgeries. Dentures, while requiring regular maintenance and occasional replacement, represent a more cost-effective solution both initially and over the long term. This makes dentures a particularly attractive option for individuals on a fixed income or those without extensive dental insurance coverage.
Ease of Adaptation and Repair
Dentures offer a level of flexibility that dental implants do not. They can be easily adjusted, relined, or repaired to suit changes in the mouth’s structure or to correct wear and tear. This adaptability can be crucial for older adults, whose oral conditions might change more frequently. While durable, implants do not offer the same level of adaptability without additional surgical interventions.
The Role of Complete Dentures in Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Complete dentures are used when all the natural teeth are missing. They are especially beneficial in full-mouth rehabilitation cases where restoring every tooth through implants would be impractical and prohibitively expensive. Complete dentures can be designed to provide a functional bite and a natural-looking smile, offering a comprehensive, aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective solution.
Aesthetic Considerations
For many patients, the appearance of their smile is just as important as functionality. Modern dentures are crafted to look as close to natural teeth as possible, with options to customise the colour, shape, and fit. This customisation can ensure that the dentures enhance facial features and provide a natural appearance, which can be a significant consideration for individuals concerned about the aesthetics of their smile after tooth loss.
Temporary Solutions During Implant Procedures
Dentures still play a critical role when dental implants are chosen. They can be used temporarily while the implant sites heal, which can take several months. This use of immediate or temporary dentures ensures that patients can continue to eat, speak, and smile confidently without the interim period of having missing teeth.
Combining Dentures and Implants
An innovative approach in modern dentistry is implant-supported dentures, which combine the stability of implants with the coverage of dentures. This option is particularly beneficial for those who cannot withstand the rigours of multiple implant placements but desire more stability than traditional dentures can provide. Implant-supported dentures use several implants as anchors, which helps to secure the denture more firmly, providing an improved functional outcome compared to conventional dentures.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper maintenance of dentures is crucial for ensuring their longevity, functionality, and the health of your remaining natural teeth and gums. Whether you have complete dentures to replace all the teeth in one or both jaws or partial dentures to fill in gaps from lost or missing teeth, a meticulous care routine is essential. This section will guide you through the best practices for denture care, helping you to maintain your dental health and the appearance of your false teeth.
Daily Cleaning
Handling
Dentures are fragile and may break if dropped. When handling your dentures, place them on a folded towel or in a basin of water to reduce the chance of injury if you drop them. This precaution is especially crucial while washing dentures, since the surfaces might get slippery.
Avoiding DIY Adjustments and Repairs.
If your dentures become uncomfortable or break, you may be tempted to adjust or fix them yourself. However, DIY remedies can inflict more harm than good. Improperly positioned dentures can cause discomfort, mouth ulcers, and additional damage to the denture. See your dentist right away if your dentures shatter, chip, crack, or feel loose.
Regular Dentist Visits
Regular check-ups with your dentist are vital for maintaining your dentures and overall oral health. Your dentist will check the fit of your dentures and make adjustments as needed. They can also check for signs of gum disease or other potential problems in areas of the mouth covered by the dentures. Over time, your mouth may change shape, and your dentures might not fit as well as they once did. Regular adjustments are crucial to ensure comfort and functionality.
Care for Your Gums and Remaining Teeth
If you wear partial dentures, you must take careful care of your natural teeth. To avoid gum disease and decay, brush and floss on a regular basis and use antimicrobial mouthwash. Gum maintenance is still necessary for those who wear full dentures. Every morning, clean your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush before placing your dentures to increase circulation and help eliminate plaque.
Dietary Considerations
While dentures can restore functionality, they do not always give the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth or dental implants. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that may dislodge or damage dentures. Cut food into tiny, manageable pieces and chew slowly on both sides.
Conclusion
Anyone considering options for replacing missing teeth should consult with a dental professional who can provide tailored advice based on individual oral health needs and circumstances.
If you’re exploring tooth replacement options and need professional guidance, don’t hesitate to contact MyHM Dentist at (02) 9158 6379. Our expert team is ready to help you regain your smile and confidence with the best dental solutions tailored to your needs.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dentures-vs-implants
https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375
