Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Getting your teeth fixed and adjusted is a big decision and, frankly, a big step in life because of how crucial teeth are to your life. It affects the aesthetic of your mouth, food intake, and many more. Before settling for either Nova Dental in Winchester, MA or dentures, you must know what they are, their differences, and their benefits. This way, you can choose the best one for your needs.

A Closer Look Into Dental Implants and Dentures

Dental implants

Dental implants are artificial dental roots that are used to replace missing teeth. These are fixed or removable prosthetic teeth created to match your original teeth. Implants then support the substitutes. There are three standard dental implant procedures that you can choose from depending on your case. These implants are called zygomatic, endosteal, and subperiosteal implants.

• Endosteal Implants - This dental implant is placed in the jawbone to serve as an artificial root for a replacement tooth. These implants are fully embedded in the jawbone and situated well below the gum line. This type of dental implant is the most common type of implant used by the public.

• Zygomatic Implants - Zygomatic implants are one of the least popular dental implants accessible. This is understandable as it is the most challenging treatment and is limited to a specific instance. It should only be performed if you do not have enough jawbone to support an Endosteal implant.

• Subperiosteal Implants - This method involves the placement of a metal framework on the jawbone that is securely fastened, but the framework is below the gum line. It is required to use metal posts again, and they are supposed to be protruding outwardly above the gum line through the metal frame. This procedure is time-consuming, has a minimal success rate, and has the potential for post-surgical scarring.

Dentures

Dentures are pretty much popular to many people as you can see them in films, and often it’s a go-to process for people who lost their teeth. A denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces lost teeth and soft tissues. This device aids in the restoration of your smile. Here are the three types of dentures.

• Conventional - After removing the remaining teeth and after the tissues have healed, which might take many months, this complete removable denture is manufactured and fitted in your mouth.

• Immediate - This type of denture requires removing the remaining teeth and the placement of the removable dentures to be held on the same day.

• Overdenture - Some of your teeth may be preserved to maintain your jawbone and give support and improved stability for your denture in some cases. After your dentist has prepared a small number of remaining natural teeth, an overdenture fits over them. Implants can also be used for the same purpose.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: The Grand Showdown

Cost

Because of the difference in procedure, material, and many components, the prices between the two are different. Dental implants are costlier than dentures and other methods. So, if you would prefer to undergo dental implants, you must know the estimated amount you would need. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that an implant will cost between $1,600 and $2,200 per tooth, depending on the dentist's location and other considerations. On the other hand, a whole set of upper dentures costs around $1,600, while complete dentures for the lower jaw cost roughly the same.

Maintenance

Dental implants are cared for in the same way as natural teeth are. In other words, you would not have to exert too much effort in taking care of them and maintaining them. Flossing, brushing with a soft-bristle brush at least twice a day, and getting regular checkups are all part of this.

On the other hand, dentures require more regular upkeep to stay viable in the long run. It’s not recommended that they wear them overnight, so they should soak in water or a special cleaning solution during that time.

Durability

While even the highest-quality and most lasting dentures out there in the market may need to be replaced after 7-10 years, dental implants, with proper care and upkeep, can last a lifetime. When compared to other forms of replacement, dental implants are the closest thing to your original healthy and natural teeth. They may require minor adjustments from your dentist over time, but dental implants are the next best thing to your original healthy and natural teeth compared to other forms of replacement.

Function and comfort

Dentures may provide a superior level of comfort and chew compared with that dental implants. However, this depends on the person and their preference. People who had implant-supported overdentures, which is a combination of dentures and implants, reported more satisfaction with the comfort and chewing efficiency than those who had regular dentures, according to a 2019 study.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Summary

When it comes to making big decisions, considering all your options is one of the first steps to a good one. Knowing the crucial things about the process will allow you to choose wisely and maximize it. This way, you will have no regrets about your choice.