Dentures vs Dental Implants: Pros & Cons

Not merely do missing teeth affect your physical appearance, but they can also lead to oral health issues. By replacing the missing tooth or teeth with a prosthetic appliance, you lower your risk of developing such problems and secure the healthy adjacent teeth from shifting or becoming crooked.

Your trusted dentist will explain all of the available options for restoring your missing teeth, so you can make an informed decision that is right for you. Dentures and dental implants are two popular solutions; each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider, depending on one's specific circumstances.

Dentures

Say goodbye to the old-fashioned and uncomfortable false teeth of yesteryear! Today's dentures are carefully crafted for a natural appearance, allowing you to talk, chew, and smile with confidence. They also provide support for your cheeks and lips by preventing sagging or wrinkles in those areas.

Pros

• Dentures cost less than the alternatives, especially if you need to replace many teeth.

• They can be fitted sooner after an extraction than implants.

• Minor or no surgery is required for removable dentures.

• Patients can choose between removable or fixed (implant-retained) dentures.

Cons

• Although denture technology has improved, some say that they still don't look or feel as natural as implants.

• Dentures don't last as long as implants and can be damaged more easily.

• You may need to adjust your diet as certain foods and drinks are unsuitable for dentures.

Unlike removable dentures, dental implants provide strong jaw and mouth support that gives you more confidence in eating, speaking and laughing. With implants, your teeth will stay firmly in place for years to come!

Who is suitable for dentures?

Even at a young age, dentures can provide an efficient solution to people's dental needs. Whether it be due to medical reasons or simply personal preference, dentures are a viable option for those who may not qualify or prefer not to have implants.

When you require an entire arch of teeth to be replaced, your dentist might suggest full dentures as the most cost-effective treatment. However, if only one or a few individual teeth need substitution, they may recommend partial dentures in addition to other treatments such as implants and bridges that offer more stability - although the last word is always with the patient following their consultation with their dentist.

Find out more about dentures

Dental Implants

If you are missing teeth, dental implants can provide a permanent solution. A titanium post is surgically placed in your jawbone to replicate the tooth root and act as an anchor for artificial teeth that also help support your jaw structure.

Pros

• Implants look, feel and function more like natural teeth.

• They stimulate new bone growth in your jaw to prevent it from shrinking.

• You don't have to give up your favourite food and drink.

• When you take good care of your implants, they can last for much longer than dentures, sometimes for decades

Cons

• Implants cost more than dentures (although they usually last longer).

• Placing an implant involves oral surgery*.

• Bone grafting may be needed if your jaw is too small to support an implant*, which could affect your eligibility.

• Implants can involve more appointments and waiting time, especially if bone grafting is needed.

Make An Appointment In Ingleside

If you're thinking about dentures, dental implants or other treatments to restore your smile and your oral health, talk to our dentists in Ingleside

Call Palm Tree Dental on 361-238-4460 or contact us online.