If you’ve lost teeth or need to have teeth removed, it’s likely you’ll want to get dentures or implants. But which solution is the best for restoring your smile? While both can allow you to eat and speak with confidence, they each differ in cost and comfort, and you need to consider maintenance and the long term impact on your health too. Below we’ll compare both options to help you make the right choice.
What To Know About Dentures
Also known as ‘false teeth’, dentures are prosthetic teeth that fit over your gums. They can replace a few missing teeth (partial dentures) or an entire arch (full dentures). Modern materials and relining products such as Sofreliner Tough Soft Denture Reline have helped improve the aesthetics, comfort and stability of dentures. They are the most popular solution to missing teeth.
Pros of dentures:
- Affordability: The cost of dentures is relatively low compared to implants.
- Fast fitting: Dentures can be manufactured and fitted within 8 weeks.
- Non-surgical: Getting dentures fitted usually doesn’t require any invasive treatment (although some people may need to get teeth removed first)
- Easily adjustable: Dentures can be redesigned and remade if your mouth changes over time.
Cons of dentures:
- Feeling: Getting used to having something loose and bulky in your mouth can take time.
- Eating difficulty: Some people initially find it challenging to eat with dentures in.
- Maintenance: Dentures need to be taken out and cleaned each night.
- No jawbone support: Your jawbone may continue to shrink under the denture, which can change the fit.
What To Know About Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent option that involves attaching artificial teeth to the jawbone using small titanium posts that act like tooth roots. You can use an implant to replace a single tooth or you can replace multiple teeth with implants. The treatment is carried out in stages that include implant placement, abutment placement and then insertion of the crown (the artificial tooth itself).
Pros of implants:
- Fixed in place: Implants don’t slip or click like dentures.
- Natural feel: Because they’re implanted into the jaw, they feel just like real teeth.
- Jawbone preservation: Implants help to stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from wearing away.
- Easier eating: Eating with implants can feel more natural.
Cons of implants:
- Cost: Implants have a much higher upfront cost than dentures.
- Longer fitting process: All the stages of fitting implants can take many months.
- Surgery healing time: Placing implants is a surgical procedure that will require time to recover after.
- Suitability: You may not be considered a suitable candidate for implants if you already have a weak jawbone or have other medical conditions.
Deciding Between Implants and Dentures
All in all, dentures are a better option for those on a tighter budget who don’t want to go through months of surgery, recovery and appointments. Implants are a better solution for those who want the natural feel of fixed teeth and for those that want to prevent jawbone wear. Discuss with a dental professional to see which option you are eligible for.
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