Dental Implants vs. Dentures – What is the Difference?
There are several options to consider when replacing missing teeth. Dental implants and dentures, for example, are the two most common solutions to restore missing teeth. The two differ greatly in durability, comfort and overall cost.
What you are probably most familiar with are dentures. Dentures are an artificial replacement of one or several of the teeth (partial denture), or all of the teeth (full denture) of either or both jaws (upper or lower). Dentures have been used in one form or another for hundreds of years. The advantage of upper and lower dentures is that they can be constructed quickly and they initially cost less than dental implants. Traditionally, dentures are not considered to be the most comfortable replacement solution. Dentures can sometimes float in the mouth, become loose, and cause problems with speaking and chewing. Dentures also have to be removed to be cleaned too so that mouth sores and gum irritations do not develop. Although they may last a lifetime, but generally replacement dentures will be required due to aging, ever changing gum tissue and worn chewing surfaces.
With the introduction of dental implants, the need to suffer with uncomfortable restorations has been eliminated. Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that your dentist surgically places into the jawbone. Dental implants are permanent dental replacements that are both natural looking and extremely functional. Implants look better, feel better and offer the same force for biting as natural teeth. They are composed of titanium metal that “fuses” with the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration,”. Dental implants will never slip, move or make embarrassing noises that advertise the fact that you have “false teeth”. They also never decay and since dental implants fuse with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem.
Dental implants are a major investment and the entire procedure can be very time consuming. But dental implants are a dependable and long lasting solution to missing teeth. Implants are considered to be the strongest and most durable tooth replacement method that is available on the market today. Compared with dentures, which can be loose and unstable, implants provide a permanent solution that is both functional and natural in appearance, giving you the opportunity to smile with confidenc
