Dental implants vs dentures
“Should I choose dental implants or dentures for missing teeth?” This is a question that is frequently asked, that we are going to discuss. We are going to talk about what dental implants and dentures are. As well as going through the benefits of both of these treatments. Then, we will give you an overall answer to this question at the end: what is the best treatment for missing teeth.
What is a dental implant?
A Dental Implant is a small titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone. The purpose of the implant is to act as a replacement for the root of a tooth. Prosthetic teeth can be added on top of the implant to look and feel like real teeth.
Can you have a dental implant for two or more missing teeth?
Yes, it is possible to have multiple implants. Many people will choose to have multiple implants because of gaps in their teeth that they would like to cover up.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- The dental implant procedure is completed under general anaesthetic, so it is not painful.
- Dental implants are undetectable – the titanium screw is in your jaw so no one will be able to see it.
- The prosthetic teeth that are placed on the top act like your natural teeth e.g. when you eat, it won’t feel weird (for some people there may be discomfort initially but this will go away).
- To follow on from the point above; this means that dental implants don’t limit what you can eat. They will not move so you can be rest assured that they won’t fall out when you eat.
- Only basic maintenance is needed to look after dental implants. This means that, as long as you clean your teeth and gums (with interdental brushes) twice a day and attend your check-ups with your dentist, your implants will be healthy.
What are dentures?
Dentures are false teeth i.e artificial teeth, that can be removed. They are often made of nylon, plastic or metal. They are adjusted to fit onto the gum, to replace missing teeth, or to act as a solution to problems that have been caused by gaps in the mouth.
Can you have dentures for two or more missing teeth?
Yes – there are two forms of dentures. Partial dentures are used when replacing one or a few missing teeth. Whereas, if you want more teeth replaced, full (complete) dentures are used – this is if all of your upper or lower teeth are missing and need replacing.
To read more about this, look on the dentures page on the NHS website.
What are the benefits of dentures?
- Dentures are removable, meaning you can thoroughly clean them, inside and out.
- Many impressions and measurements are sent back and forth from the practice to the laboratory. This means that you have the best possible fit of your dentures – they are precise.
- Dentures are tailor made to your mouth and gums – which means that they won’t hurt when in your mouth.
- Dentures can enhance the appearance of your teeth and mouth – increasing your self esteem.
- With dentures, you can eat food, that you wouldn’t have been able to eat with missing teeth.
Overall verdict: dental implants or dentures for missing teeth?
First and foremost, you should always speak to your dentist first, before making any decisions. Dentists are qualified to give you their medical opinion, which means they will examine your teeth to determine what specific treatment you should have, to best fit you.
In summary, both of these treatments are great options for replacing missing teeth. The small difference between these two is generally regarding the quantity of how many teeth you need replacing, and the duration of how long you want – either dentures or implants – for. We believe that dentures are a better choice if you have multiple teeth missing. Whereas, if you have one or a few teeth missing, dental implants are more ideal. As well as this you may choose dental implants over dentures as they last longer. Dental implants can last forever, if cared and maintained for, while dentures only last up to 7 years.
