Benefits of Implants Over Dentures – Pros and Cons

In this post, we discuss the benefits of dental implants over dentures and the pros and cons of implants vs dentures.

Live in Plano, TX and want to learn more about implants or dentures? Schedule your consultation: (972) 964-3774

A majority of adults age 35 and over are missing at least one tooth or more. Many others suffer from gum disease which threatens the loss of additional teeth.

When you are missing teeth, there are generally two options that dentists recommend to restore your smile: dentures or dental implants.

If you find yourself in this situation, you are probably wondering what are the differences between dentures and dental implants, what are the pros and cons of implants vs dentures, and which is right for you?

What are dental implants?

Implants are false teeth consisting of a titanium post covered by a crown or denture that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.look and feel like real teeth. At one time dentures were the only replacement option for missing teeth but implants have grown greatly in popularity.

Benefits of dental implants

• Preserves jawbone and maintains natural facial structure
• Have a higher success rate than dentures
• Helps restore normal chewing capacity
• Function and feel like natural teeth
• Strong, stable and securely attached to the jaw
• No need for creams or adhesives
• Easy care and cleaning
• Fit comfortably
• Long-lasting

Related: Are dental implants painful?

Cons of implants

• More expensive than dentures
• Not everyone is a candidate for implants

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable false teeth plates which with artificial teeth to replace missing teeth as well as some of the gum tissue. Dentures can be taken out and put back into the mouth as needed. Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or in both jaws. Partial dentures are used to fill in gaps between the remaining natural teeth.

Related: Doomed to dentures?

Benefits of dentures

• Lower upfront costs than implants
• Non-invasive procedure
• Not difficult to adjust as needed

Cons of dentures

• Decreasing jawbone quality may lead to further deterioration of facial structure
• Can feel fake and unnatural
• Do not look as real as implants
• Can slip and move around
• May cause discomfort
• Requires creams and adhesives
• Can\’t eat certain foods
• Will wear to the point where they need to be remade or relined
• Need to be removed frequently for cleaning

Cost of implants vs dentures

The up-front cost of dentures will be more affordable compared to implants for tooth replacement. When you add in the additional costs for dentures, including buying fixatives, cleaning solutions and denture replacement every 7-15 years, the cost of dentures goes up. The average life-span of dental implants is 25 years, meaning as a long-term investment, implants can be cheaper than dentures.

Comfort of implants

Dental implants are considered to be much more comfortable than dentures. Dentures can slip and move around when eating or speaking, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Dentures can irritate your gums. Dentures also require more maintenance and the use of adhesive paste and creams

Dental implants will function and feel more like your natural teeth. You clean them just like your real teeth, and also continue to eat all the foods you love, and generally treat them just like your normal teeth, giving you much more freedom.

Ready to learn more about dental implants?

Contact us today to set up a dental implant consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience as a cosmetic dentist in Plano and can answer all your questions and has the ability to minimize any pain. He will be able to determine if this is right for you.

We can also talk about affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774

David Wilhite is a Plano Dentist who has helped hundreds of patients with TMJ treatment and relief. He has over 30 years experience in general and cosmetic dentistry.