Dentures vs. Implants: It’s no contest.
Dentures are difficult.
Implants are a far better choice than dentures. Here’s why:
- If you’re wearing dentures, you’re losing bone density, and if you’re losing bone density, you’re impacting your appearance – and not for the better.
- Be prepared to see your cheeks sink in. Get ready for little wrinkles to appear around your mouth and sores to rise at both of its corners. And know that – in time – these “little wrinkles” will turn into big ones.
- In five years, as your jawbone and gums shrink, your dentures will likely need “relining” – which can be very costly.
- Dentures wear out; they’re only made of plastic, so they do not represent a long-term solution.
Sorry to be so blunt – but there’s more.
- Your food will never, ever taste the same. (Here’s why: With dentures, your palate and the finer taste buds that reside there are crudely covered by plastic.)
- When your dentures don’t fit, you make a funny clanging noise when you eat (and you’re the only one who can’t hear it.)
- Denture adhesives and cleaners are necessary…and costly…and taste terrible.
- And you may not recognize the sound of your own voice, because dentures change that, too.
When you consider the downside of dentures, you’ll see that permanent implants are nothing but “upside.”
Implants are permanent.
Getting a permanent solution is a simple surgical procedure. Once we’ve determined that implants are right for you, one or more implant fixtures are surgically positioned in your jaw. Then a dental prosthesis (a tooth, bridge or implant-supported denture) is added. That’s it.
Why Get Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are an alternative solution to missing teeth. While other procedures may be right for some patients, dental implants provide a host of benefits over other traditional tooth replacement options. They prevent bone loss that occurs with missing teeth, they can last a lifetime, and since they transfer pressure directly to the bone like natural teeth, they do not cause additional wear and tear on adjacent teeth. Some patients even see an improvement in their overall health once they are able to eat hard foods again. Dental implants can renew self-confidence and provide peace of mind.
| TOOTH REPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGIES | Removable Partial | Dentures (partial or full) | Bridge | Implants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longevity | 1-3 years | 5-7 years | 7-10 years | Lifetime |
| Preservation of healthy adjacent teeth | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Transmission of force to: | adjacent teeth | adjacent teeth / gums | adjacent teeth | bone |
| Prevent bone loss & preserve facial appearance | No | No | No | Yes |
| Requirement for periodic adjustments | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Accelerated loss of adjacent teeth | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
