The Difference Between Dentures and Implants

As people age, their teeth succumb to the normal wear and tear of everyday use. At some point, it is highly likely you’ll face tooth loss. Up until advancements in dental technology a few years ago, dentures were the only option for those missing teeth. However, more recently, dental implants have become a viable and popular tooth replacement option. You may wonder what the difference is, and which is the better option for you. Let’s take a look at the differences between dentures and implants.

Dentures for Tooth Replacement

Dentures, or false teeth, or removable. Depending on how many teeth are missing, partial or full dentures may be needed. Full dentures fit over the gums and are the best option for those missing all their teeth. A partial denture uses a metal clasp or other attachment to connect to the remaining natural teeth. Dentures have been the option for replacing missing teeth for generations. They are a reliable solution that helps restore both the look and function of the teeth.

Benefits of Dentures

• Dentures can match your natural gum color and the look of your natural teeth
• Dentures do not require surgery like implants. Impressions are made of the mouth to create dentures with a custom fit.
• They provide support for the cheeks and lips while helping restore the natural facial structure.
• Partial dentures are easy to adjust if you were to lose more teeth.

Cons of Dentures

• Dentures can take a long time to get accustomed to. It can be difficult to eat and talk normally.
• Since dentures are removable, they tend to move around a little and sometimes fall out.
• You may have some dietary restrictions such as hard or real chewy foods. Still, food can get stuck under your dentures from time to time.
• Adhesives can help secure dentures, but they may have an odd texture or taste.
• Dentures must be removed and cleaned every night.
• They are not permanent, and they need replacement about every six years. They are also fragile and can break if mishandled or dropped.

Implants for Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are becoming a popular option for tooth replacement. A titanium post is surgically implanted in the jawbone. Then, a prosthetic tooth is placed on the implant. It has the look and feel of a real tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Dental implants look much more natural than dentures. The posts are placed in your gums so they function like real teeth.
• They are a permanent solution and don’t need to be replaced like dentures.
• With dental implants, there are no dietary restrictions, and you brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.
• A long-term benefit to having dental implants is that they preserve bone structure. The implant holds the structure in place because it takes the place of the root.
• Implants help preserve facial structure.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• Implants are more expensive than dentures. Single implants may not be a practical solution for replacing numerous teeth, but can be beneficial for replacing only one or a few missing teeth. If you are missing all your teeth, rather than single implants for each missing tooth, implant-supported dentures could be a better option and are much more stable than regular dentures. 
• The process of creating regular dentures can take several appointments and span months.
• Implants are a surgical procedure.

Considering Implants Near Spring, TX?

If you are considering dental implants or dentures for your missing teeth, contact your dentist in the Woodlands, Texas. We can help you choose which tooth replacement treatment is right for you. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, dentures may be the better option. However, if you are just missing a tooth or two, implants can help preserve the bone structure. Call us today to discuss your options.