Comparing Dental Implants & Dentures
In the past, people only had one option to replace all or almost all of their missing teeth: dentures. Dentists use full dentures to replace upper and lower teeth and partial dentures to replace a few missing teeth. Thankfully, a new option is now available. Dental implants are now the top choice to replace missing or damaged teeth! Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry in Baltimore offers dentures and dental implants to our patients in the Baltimore, MD, area.
Our dental professionals complete the surgical and restorative phases of your dental implant procedure in Owings Mills. Dr. Andrey Doroshenko has extensive training and experience in Prosthodontics. As a prosthodontist, he offers exceptional results for tooth replacement with implants. He focuses on restoring the full function and health of the smile through prosthodontic treatments, including restorative care.
If you have an entire row of missing teeth, it can be overwhelming to decide on a replacement. Below, we have laid out a comparison of two common tooth replacement options. We want to help you make an informed decision about which solution is best for you.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that an oral surgeon places into your jawbone. The surgeon will place about four to eight implants to support a denture. This number of dental implants will depend on the location and number of teeth missing. Then, the dental implants will heal and fuse with the bone over three to six months.
Afterward, your dentist will secure the new denture to the implant posts. This method of replacing missing teeth has many benefits when compared to traditional dentures, such as:
- Improved chewing ability
- Jawbone support
- Reduced facial sagging
- Improved speech
- Easier eating
- Reduced risk for oral cancer
- Improved sense of taste
What is a denture?
A denture is a set of false teeth linked together. Dentures are traditionally the only option for people missing most or all of their teeth. They are fabricated in a dental lab using impressions of your mouth taken by your dentist in Baltimore. Dentures have a base typically made of acrylic resin and metal that will rest on your gums.
The teeth portion is attached to the base and is typically made from various types of resin or porcelain. However, denture teeth can differ in quality, color, and size.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures in Baltimore, MD
Dentures and dental implants differ in their procedures, stability, and function. There are multiple factors you should consider when comparing implant-secured restorations and traditional dentures:
The Cost
The main reason most people shy away from choosing dental implants is the cost. Dentures cost significantly less than dental implants in the beginning. The thing that most people do not realize is that dentures require a lot of maintenance. Eventually, you will need to replace or rebase your dentures.
That cost adds up over time! While dental implants do cost more upfront, they hold much better value over time. Dental implants themselves will not require replacement because they are permanent.
Jawbone
Once a tooth goes missing, that loss of the tooth root will immediately cause the bone to deteriorate. Dental implants replace the tooth root and stimulate the jaw bone to prevent bone loss. They are currently the only replacement option that does this.
Bone loss in your jaw makes a person’s face look sunken and appear much older in age. Losing natural jaw bone can create a sunken-in look. Dental implants will help maintain your facial structure and youthful appearance.
Stability
Dentures have come a long way in terms of stability. Still, they will most likely begin to shift and slip around in your mouth at some point. However, dental implants do not shift and move around. The dentist surgically secures the dental implants to the jaw bone. Dental implants will not slip around in your mouth or fall out when eating or speaking!
Eating
Dental implants function just like your natural teeth. They deliver a 100% eating function that allows you to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
Dentures give you a lower chewing ability. You must avoid certain hard, crunchy, or sticky foods while wearing traditional dentures. As a result, you can lose nutrients that you would have received from those foods. If you receive removable dentures, you will have to change your diet and may need to take more supplements.
The Process
With dentures, your treatment time will take up to three weeks. This is a significantly shorter time frame versus the four to eight months it will take to get dental implants. Implants require oral surgery and a long healing period. While dental implants require a longer treatment time, their results last longer. If you are dedicated to a lasting dental restoration, implants may be worth it.
Appearance
Dentures tend to look bulky and noticeable. Implants are the closest thing to your real teeth. They will hold your facial structure and properly support your cheeks and lips. While dentures and implants use false teeth, implant-secured restorations often feel and look more natural.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Dental implants are clearly one of the best restorative options to replace missing teeth. Implant-secured restorations offer lasting benefits and affect your quality of life. Dental implants can be costly, but the positives can outweigh the negatives. Implants are permanent restorations that can look and function just like natural teeth.
You can receive dental implants if you are interested in dentures but want a longer-lasting restoration. If you have removable dentures, we can offer implant treatment to secure your smile properly.
If you want dental implant treatment, call Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry at (410) 697-6290. Feel free to request a dental implant consultation on our website. Please ask us questions or voice your concerns about treatment during your dental visit. We’re here to help you find the best restoration for your smile.
Learn More About Dental Implants