- Medha Gupta
Implants vs. Dentures: The Battle for the Perfect Smile
Implants Vs Dentures
Sometimes a battle won is a smile earned. Such is the tussle between implants vs dentures. Missing teeth aren’t distressing in the 21st century. The past couple of decades have seen seismic shifts in the field of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. We have an array of options for replacing missing teeth. While some options are removable, others are fixed and permanent. Your dentist will tell you which option best suits you depending on your age, jaw anatomy, the position and function of the missing teeth, and your preferences.
What are Dentures and dental implants in dentistry?
Do you remember your grandparents’ false teeth lying on their bedside table? Oh yes, those are the dentures we are talking about today! They are removable dental prostheses that serve to restore lost teeth while supporting the gums around them. They can be partial dentures, which only replace a few lost teeth, or full dentures, which replace all the missing teeth in the mouth.
Dental implants are miniature titanium screw-like inserts that are placed into your jaw bones at the site of your missing teeth. They successfully integrate or fuse to the jaw bone, almost becoming a part of the body. Options for replacing missing teeth with dental implants include ceramic crowns, dental bridges, or dentures.
Dental Implants vs Dentures - the Smackdown
Wearability
Dentures are essentially removable. Dentures supported by implants (implant overdentures) also need to be removed every day for cleaning and to allow adequate rest for the jaws. Studies suggest that the gums are the primary support for dentures. If you wear dentures, you should remove them for 8 -10 hours a day (sleep time), allowing the gums time for cell repair and rejuvenation.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are surgically inserted into the jaws and are permanent. They do not require to be removed or replaced.
Functionality
Implants are fixed, long-lasting tooth replacements. They offer a secure base for the missing tooth replacement. With implants, you can eat and converse without any limitations because they work just like natural teeth.
Removable dentures, on the other hand, rest on the gums. They are only held in place by the suction of the saliva. Dentures may not offer as much stability as implants, although they can restore some basic functions.
Esthetics
Dental implants are made to feel and appear like your natural teeth. They are made specifically to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. A dental implant crown appears to be emerging from the jaw. They are therefore a very attractive choice for replacing missing teeth.
Dentures can also be made to seem like real teeth. They might not, however, provide the same level of realism as implants, particularly in terms of stability and the appearance of the gum line.
Bone Health
Implants help to maintain facial structure by stimulating the jawbone and avoiding bone loss. They mirror the way that natural tooth roots work by integrating with the bone.
Dentures, however, distribute biting stresses all over the jaw. Over time, bone loss may result from the dentures' insufficient stimulation of the jawbone. The denture appears to wear out, and the bone eventually shrinks further.
Longevity
Dental implants may last a lifetime with proper care. They are thought to be a long-term replacement for dentures.
Dentures may require replacement or relining every five to ten years. The potential for the jawbone to resorb over time may affect the fit and stability of dentures.
Maintenance
Implants must be maintained with routine brushing, flossing, and dental exams, just like natural teeth. They require basic procedures like dental scaling and polishing by the dentist twice a year.
Dentures need to be taken out and cleaned every day. They might also need relining or adjustments by the dentist, as the jawbone's shape changes with time.
Cost
Dental implants require cutting-edge equipment and expertise. They are currently the most advanced and premium form of dentistry. Dental implants are typically more expensive upfront than dentures. The cost may vary based on the number of implants you require and any additional procedures, such as bone grafting.
Dentures are a more affordable alternative to dental implants if you need to replace several teeth or an entire arch.
Takeaway
When you visit the dentist with lost natural teeth, he will give you the best options for replacing missing teeth. The decision about implants vs. dentures depends on your specific needs, budget, and oral health. If your loved one is missing teeth and is medically fit, then, as a dentist, my advice would be to work with your family dentist to consider the option of dental implants. They are virtually painless, preserve your jaw bones, allow you to bite all your favorite foods, and most of all, they are permanent!
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