When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two well-known options are dental implants and dentures. But there are pros and cons associated with each, so before you decide which one of these is best for you, keep reading to learn more about them.
What You Need to Know About Dentures
Pros
Today’s dentures are better than those of the past, and they are a rather simple solution when you need to replace some or all your teeth. They tend to be inexpensive, particularly when compared to dental implants, and you don’t need to undergo an invasive procedure to get them.
The key is to be sure you see a dental professional who will ensure your dentures are made correctly. When they are properly fitted to your unique mouth, they will be less likely to get in the way of your speech or slip out of place. And, in the case of partial dentures, they’ll be less likely to cause infection or tooth decay in nearby teeth.
Dentures also might be the ideal option if your jaw or gums aren’t in the best shape and, therefore, would not be able to support implants.
Cons
One of the drawbacks of dentures is that they are removable, and they might need to be secured into place with a special adhesive. They also need to be cleaned when you take them out of your mouth.
Even when in place, dentures might not function like real teeth because they aren’t secured into your jaw. Complete dentures might be uncomfortable, they might make your gums sore, and they might even affect the way you taste food. And when you do things like cough, smile, speak, chew, and yawn, the dentures might even shift or click.
Finally, dentures might last up to 15 years, and they may need to be adjusted if your gums and facial structure change as you get older. Therefore, you’ll need to factor in the cost of replacing them whenever necessary.
What You Need to Know About Dental Implants
Pros
You can get a single dental implant, or you can have all of your teeth replaced with implant-supported dentures. Provided that your jaw and gums are healthy enough, dental implants can serve as a long-term solution to missing teeth. With proper care, they might even last a lifetime!
Because they’re surgically implanted into the jawbone, implants are more comfortable than dentures. They look and function just like real teeth, so they don’t get in the way of your speech or your ability to chew and taste food. You can even brush and floss them, just like your natural teeth, to keep them clean.
Also, unlike dentures, because implants are placed into the jaw to replace tooth roots, the bone will be less likely to deteriorate over time. This can help prevent problems like facial sagging and changes to your smile.
Cons
One of the biggest drawbacks of getting a dental implant is the fact that this is a surgical procedure that requires multiple steps. As a result, implants are much more expensive than dentures, typically costing thousands of dollars.
You will need to undergo an invasive procedure to get a dental implant. Additional steps, such as having X-rays taken, are necessary, and some patients also need a bone graft as well.
The entire process of getting implants is typically completed over the course of several appointments, and you might experience pain along the way.
No Matter What You Decide, the Right Dental Insurance Can Be Really Helpful!
Whether you opt for dentures or implants will depend on a variety of factors, including your dentist’s recommendations, but no matter which solution you go with, having dental insurance can put your mind at ease when it comes to paying for these services.
Pro tip: Be sure to read the fine print to see if implants are covered if that’s the route you’d like to take to restore your smile. Not all dental insurance policies will help cover their cost.
To find the ideal dental plan to suit your needs and expectations, check out the Direct Benefits Marketplace, where you can easily compare plans and sign up for one whenever you’re ready. Then, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank if you need dentures or implants!
Sources:
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adults/implants-vs-dentures/
https://www.acfdga.com/blog/2018/9/6/should-i-get-dental-implants-or-dentures-heres-your-answer
https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/
https://www.perio.org/consumer/full-mouth-implants
https://forestparkdental.com/dental-implants-vs-dentures-best-2/