Dentures VS Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

31 October 2022

Categories: Aesthetics

Dentures vs Implant

Having a complete set of teeth help us to go about our every day life. With a missing tooth, it can affect our jaw function, cause malocclusions, affect our speech, and prevent us from enjoying the food that we love. It can also cause panic because our teeth are the only parts of the body that do not regenerate!

Discover Your Options

Ever wondered what you should do if you lost a tooth? There are several options to explore depending on your oral health, bone density, and budget. Your dentist is the right person to be a part of your decision-making.

In summary, your options include dentures and dental implants which are restorative treatments used to replace missing teeth.

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are customised and fitted into your mouth. There are two types of dentures – full dentures and partial dentures. The former is when you have lost or extracted all your teeth and the full dentures will help you retain your mouth function. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are suitable for those who have lost a tooth or two and still have some healthy teeth left. Partial dentures will be attached to the bridge of your mouth and fill the gap of your missing tooth or teeth with prosthetic ones.

Pros: Dentures are removable and it does not involve an invasive procedure. It is suitable for those with low bone density such as the older individuals. They are also easy to clean.

Cons: Dentures require more attention and maintenance as it needs to be removed and cleaned daily. New dentures may be uncomfortable until you get used to them. You will also need to replace your dentures after a couple of years, and there is also a risk of them slipping out of your mouth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants involve replacing the missing tooth entirely from its root. Your dentist will anchor the implant into a pre-drilled socket in your jaw bone, and secure a dental crown or dental denture in place which has been customised to match your teeth.

Pros: Dental implants do not require additional maintenance attention. All you will need to do is to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for your scheduled check-ups. Dental implant is the most permanent option available. Besides that, it looks more natural and is more comfortable as compared to dentures. Last but not the least, dental implants are a lifelong investment.

Cons: Dental implants are more expensive than dentures, and they are an invasive procedure whereby it involves surgery to remove and replace the root of your tooth. You may also require more than one dental procedure to help your mouth and jaw prepare for a dental implant.

Debunking 3 Myths on Prosthetic Teeth

Myth #1 – They are only for the elderly
Tooth loss can happen at any age. It is often assumed that it affects the elderly because bone density tends to depreciate as one gets older. The truth is, tooth loss can happen not only because of one’s bone health but also due to other factors such as accidents and poor oral hygiene.
Your age may be a prerequisite for your ideal prosthetic teeth option. For example, dental implants are generally recommended for younger adults due to their bone density and for more hassle-free maintenance.
Myth #2 – They do not look natural
There is no doubt that your real set of teeth is the best. However, in circumstances where you lost your tooth or teeth, prosthetic ones can be very helpful in enhancing your smile and appearance by filling the gap between your teeth.
Prosthetic teeth can be customised to suit your natural teeth by blending the shade with the rest of your teeth. More often than not, most people may not even realise that you have prosthetic teeth fitted. Just like your natural teeth, good oral hygiene is essential. If you do not maintain your oral hygiene, there is a risk of yellowing your prosthetic teeth and they may stand out more than your natural teeth.
Myth #3 – They are painful
When it comes to dental implants, it is normal to feel anxious as it is a surgical procedure. Nonetheless, there is no need to worry as you will be given anesthesia to numb the area and you will not feel any pain during the procedure. However, just like any surgical procedure, the healing process may have some discomfort, and this can be relieved by having a cold compress and taking your medication.
Dentures, on the other hand, do not require a surgical procedure but you may experience some sores forming on your gums and discomfort initially. It is just a matter of time before you get used to your dentures and be accustomed to your new prosthetic teeth.

Denture or dental implants? Both options are equally effective when it comes to filling the missing gap in your mouth. Our dentists at i.Dental are here to help you make an informed decision for your teeth. Make an appointment to discuss further with us today.

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