Dentures vs Implants: Which One is for You ?

In terms of whether you should opt for dentures or implants, it’s the same as any choice you have to make. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. You should familiarise yourself with what’s entailed in each procedure, as well as their performance and longer-term aftercare, and decide for yourself which you feel is most suitable for you and your lifestyle. The best way for you to do this is to talk it over with your dentist.

In essence, dentures and implants have the same goal and purpose. They help you chew types of food that may be difficult to eat without them. They also support the facial muscles and improve your speech.

These factors all impact an individual’s self-esteem, reducing their self-consciousness and enabling them to eat, talk and smile more naturally.

However, there are also notable differences between the two. One of the biggest of these is the procedure needed to carry out the dental work.

Implants need a strong base so that the dentist can install screw-like implants that are then capped with crowns. They are durable and so naturally mimic the patient’s own teeth that it’s almost possible to forget they’re not natural for many people. They have become ever more popular in recent years, particularly with people aged between 55 and 64, according to a recent study.

The first stage in having a dental implant fitted is to remove the damaged root. Then, a hole is drilled into the jawbone, where a metal prosthetic root (also called a post) is implanted into it. The top of the post holds the crown. But before the crown can be put in place, the dentist has to ensure that bone has grown around the post to secure it firmly in place.

Only then can the crown or artificial tooth be fixed to the post.

Dentures, on the other hand, are removable prosthetic teeth that are made to fit the individual’s mouth. These are typically the solution to missing teeth if there is not enough bone density in the jaw to support a post. However, some patients opt for these even though they’re suitable for implants, whether because of cost or because they consider the process of fitting them to be altogether less invasive.

Usually, dentures are made to replace a whole set of teeth on the lower or upper jaw, but they can also be designed to replace two or more missing teeth. In the latter case, these are called partial dentures.

Dentists take an impression of the appropriate area on the lower or upper gums, or both, depending on the case. Then, before the dentures are made, a dentist will  study the way the patient bites and how their upper and lower jaws align. This way, they can design the denture in an optimal way to support speaking and chewing.

A preliminary set of dentures is made in a dental lab. The dentist then fits them to the patient’s mouth to see if any adjustments are needed. After testing and tweaking the design to ensure the best fit, the final dentures are made.

Dentures are made to resemble natural teeth and gums as closely as possible and are held in place by special adhesives that help bond them to your gums.

Even if you source the cheapest dental implants abroad, there is still a significant cost difference between the two, with dental implants being far more expensive than dentures.

How you care for dentures or implants is also different.

Caring for implants is very similar to looking after your natural teeth. The patient should brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss once daily, and go to the dentist regularly for check-ups.

Dentures, on the other hand, require greater maintenance. For a start, they must never be worn overnight; instead, they should be soaked in water or a special cleaning solution.

To clean dentures, you should remove them from your mouth before you brush them. Ideally, this should be done after every meal. You should also clean away any residue left by the adhesive that may be lingering on your gums.

Dentures must also be refitted regularly because a person’s bite changes over time; this is not an issue for dental implants, however, because they are permanent fixtures. Implants only need to be replaced if the original crown is broken, cracked, or lost.

There are notable complications with both replacements. Dental implants are usually safe and effective, but the fitting can cause infection. There may be mechanical problems like cracked crowns, but these occurrences are rare, occurring in only 5% of patients, according to a recent survey.

The common issue for dentures is their tendency to slip from time to time. Most new wearers also suffer from sores on the gums while they get used to the plate.

When choosing between the two, there are a few factors to consider.

Age is often a deciding factor for many patients when choosing which to have. Because implants are permanent solutions, people aged 60 and younger may opt for these as they are lower maintenance, look and act more naturally, and last for decades.

Older people, or people who don’t want to go through the long process of having teeth implanted, may opt for dentures instead.

Another factor, and one that is beyond a patient’s control, is their natural bone density. Because implants need a certain amount of jawbone material, some people tend to be disqualified on these grounds. Having said that, dental bone grafting can help increase bone density, but that entails yet more cost and is a more complex process.

Dental implants are often considered to be more comfortable when chewing and to eat than dentures are. Some patients may even choose to have a hybrid of dentures and implants.

Choose the Right Clinic to Help You

When you are deciding between dental implants and dentures, a good dentist can help you choose the right one for you. They can provide guidance and advice on which they believe would best suit your lifestyle. If you are worried about getting full mouth dental implants abroad, then you can find a local clinic that can provide you with high-quality service.

However, it is a simple matter to find a reliable and trusted provider of dental implants services abroad that are both high-quality and more affordable than many you might find in the UK. Dental Implants Abroad can help you become more confident in your smile again. We provide solutions that are safe, affordable, and guaranteed. As well as implants and dentures, we also address overbites, underbites, and just about any other dental issues.

Get in touch with us today with any queries about our services, and we’ll be more than happy to answer them.