Many of our patients find themselves unable to decide whether to go for dentures or to go for implants. If you are also caught in this dilemma this blog will help you in understanding the pros and cons of each and may even help guide you towards a decision on which option is best for you.
Both dentures and implants have their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a ready reckoner for you –
Create infograph with following info with pictures of dentures and implants in the heading of the table
Feature | Dentures | Implants |
Procedure | Non invasive | Invasive |
Removable | Yes, dentures whether complete or partial are removable | No, implants are fitted deep into the jaw bone |
Cost | Dentures are cheaper than Implants | |
Short term Maintenance | Dentures need regular cleaning, should not be worn during the night. They need to be soaked in a cleaning solution every night | Implants are almost like our natural teeth, so we can clean them the same way by regular brushing, flossing and using a mouthwash |
Long term Maintenance | As we grow older our bite changes so dentures may need to be refitted | Implants may need crown replacements if crowns break |
Common problems | Dentures sometimes fall off or don’t stay in place and can also cause soreness in gums | Implants are generally very effective but some people may get infections or mechanical problems like cracked crowns |
Longevity | Can last 3 to 6 years depending on care taken | Can last upto 20 years |
Other factors that may influence your decision are
- Age – Older people may prefer dentures to avoid invasive procedures while younger people may want more natural looking teeth.
- Bone strength – Sometimes you cannot decide which one to go for but the strength of your jaw bone may decide it for you. Implants need stronger jaw bones.
- Comfort – Since implants are more like natural teeth they provide better comfort in chewing as compared to dentures.
Aside from these, both dentures and implants serve the same purposes –
- Replace broken or missing teeth.
- Help chew foods which one is unable to or finds it difficult to
- Improve speech
- Help self esteem by providing better smiles
While we hope the above will help you decide which option is most suitable for you, don’t forget to consult your dentist who knows your medical history and can better guide you in this whole process. You can also consult us- Ensure Dental Care at Saginaw, TX. We are just a call away. Call us on 940-274-6181 for an appointment. We accept all major insurance providers and have some great in house plans.