Weighing up the differences: Dentures VS Implants

10 / 01 / 2020

Dentures vs Implants

If your teeth have been damaged by decay, trauma or injury, your dentist will offer you several solutions on the best way to treat your issue.

However, it can sometimes be overwhelming to try and decide which treatment method is most suitable for your personal situation.

We all want to have an attractive, healthy-looking (and functioning!) smile and missing teeth can often provide a hindrance to this goal.

But how do you really know which treatment is best for you, and which treatment will leave you with the smile you deserve?!

We have put together a comparison between dentures and implants in an attempt to leave you feeling more informed about the choices that are available to you on your journey to achieving a happy, healthy smile.

Dentures

A lot of us have preconceived notions about different types of dentistry, e.g. ‘braces are for teenagers’ and ‘dentures are for old people.’

However, this is not true, and advancements in technology mean we have many subtle, effective cosmetic dentistry options available so anxiety regarding age should not affect the type of treatment you are having.

Dentures are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth, they are often removable but there are multiple different design types available.

They are made using different materials, but often the teeth are made from porcelain, and the base is constructed using plastic and acrylic.

If you do not require a full set of new teeth, we have the option to use partial dentures that only target the missing teeth and are held in place using clasps that grasp onto neighbouring teeth.

If you want to keep your dentures in the best condition, you must care for them even more attentively than if they were your natural teeth.

Due to general wear and tear, along with natural changes in the face and bone structure, your dentures should be replaced every 7-15 years but this will be monitored by your dentist.

Some patients feel discomfort when wearing dentures, but it is more about getting used to the dentures being inside of your mouth.

Dental implants

Implants offer permanent solutions for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they are not removable and they are often made from titanium as opposed to porcelain.

The procedure is invasive but pain-free, we will insert the small titanium rod into your jawbone which provides a replacement root, then the implant (on top of the rod) will act as a natural tooth.

Since the rod acts as a natural root, it helps preserve bone loss and further deterioration in the jaw, if the gap were to be left empty.

Dental implants allow patients the benefits of an attractive, well functioning, natural-looking tooth when they have lost their own teeth to decay or trauma.

Again, an important part of maintaining your implant is care and cleaning.

You must brush and floss daily and book a return appointment if you are having any issues with your implants.

Although both treatments are effective, the appropriate one will be highly dependent on your case.

Dental implants are usually more expensive, but they are often the more popular choice due to comfort, aesthetic reasons, and the fact they do not need to be removed.

What next?

If you think dental implants could be right for you, or simply want to know more, then our highly qualified dentists would be happy to advise you!

We offer free consultation meetings where you can discuss any of your concerns and we can help work out a solution which is best for you.

Get in contact today on 01202 973300.