Dental techniques have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years, and that means that dentures are no longer the only option if you’ve lost a tooth or two. Patients often feel self-conscious about their missing teeth, trying not to laugh in front of their friends and family with an open mouth due to the gaps in their smile. But missing teeth aren’t just a cosmetic problem – they can also cause issues with speaking or eating, or even cause surrounding teeth to become crooked. Your dentist can inform you of all the alternative options you can take to replace your absent teeth so that together you can find an option that’s best for you. Two of the most common solutions are dentures and dental implants. This article will cover the most important benefits and drawbacks of both dentures and dental implants.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are otherwise known as traditional false teeth. If you’ve lost teeth due to damage or wear and tear, false teeth are a good option. False teeth are created from cast metal, an acrylic base and porcelain teeth. They’re tailor made to be positioned to fill the empty spaces of lost teeth. Dentures can move around when you speak or eat food, which can be inconvenient. They can also cause saliva build up in the mouth if they’re not located securely in place. Dentures can become worn easily and need regular dental hygiene routines. On the flipside, they give the mouth and jaw a more natural look, structurally supporting the cheeks and lips.

Who Are Dentures Suited To?

Dentures often bring forth the vision of seniors, but just about anyone can wear dentures if they’ve lost teeth. Some people opt for dentures because medical conditions make them unsuitable candidates for implants. Full dentures are the most economical route if you need to restore an arch of teeth, while partial dentures are more appropriate for replacing one or a few teeth. For more support, an implant or bridge might be suggested by your dentist.

The Benefits of Dentures

• Less expensive
• A good alternative if you can’t have implants
• A simple solution that doesn’t require oral surgery

The Drawbacks of Dentures

• Slippage of dentures while eating or speaking
• Regular cleaning is necessary
• Dentures wear out and need replacement

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a durable option for replacing misplaced teeth. Implants are created from metal and titanium and are a permanent solution that’s inserted into the bone socket and jaw. The jawbone will amalgamate automatically with dental implants.

Who Are Dental Implants Best For?

Dental implants are a popular solution when only one or a few teeth need to be restored. They provide more mouth support than dentures do and require less maintenance time. Dental implants can even be used for whole arch replacement with the help of just four implants. It’s important to ensure that your dental hygiene is on point before dental implants are put in. If there’s any hint of tooth decay or gum disease, this needs to be cleared out as a first step. Smoking can inhibit the success rate of dental implants, so you may consider giving up before getting implants.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

• A secure bond between the implant and bone means no slipping
• Little maintenance required
• Look and act like natural teeth in every way

The Drawbacks of Dental Implants

• More expensive than dentures
• Requires oral surgery

May require a bone graft before implants can be conducted