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. However, as removable appliances, dentures required daily care and often left patients with uncomfortable smiles and necessary changes in their diet.
Today’s patients enjoy options that can give them back a permanent, secure new smile. Dental implants are now the top choice to replace missing or damaged teeth! Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry in Owings Mills offers dentures and dental implants to our patients in the Baltimore, MD, area.
Our team is able to provide complete services for the placement of dental implants under one roof. 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 arch of missing teeth, it can be overwhelming to decide on a replacement. We want to help you make an informed decision about which solution is best for you. The first step is a consultation where we can evaluate your needs and discuss expected results from suitable treatment options.
What is All On Four?
The All On Four process allows many patients to receive an implant denture using four or more strategically placed implants. The number of dental implants will depend on your unique oral health condition and needs. Dr. Doroshenko will work with our dental care team to use advanced digital imagery and technology to plan and place your new smile. This strategic approach is the foundation for more predictable outcomes and the ability to place the implants and a temporary denture in one visit.
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
Dr. Doroshenko can also place a traditional implant denture using more implants to secure your denture. The traditional method of placing an implant-denture will require several months of healing time between phases for a successful result. While both offer the same stable, permanent new smile, the overall condition of your oral health and other factors will be taken into consideration when we make recommendations.
What is a denture?
A denture is a set of false teeth linked together. Removable appliances needing daily care, dentures were 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. All On Four has made it more cost-effective for patients to achieve a stable new smile with implants.
You can receive dental implants if you are interested in dentures but want a longer-lasting restoration. If you currently have removable dentures, we can offer implant treatment to secure your smile properly. Over time, dentures can become poorly fitted and irritate the gums and soft tissues in the mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental implants ever need to be replaced or repaired?
The implant itself rarely needs replacement if properly integrated with your bone. Success rates exceed 95% at 10 years. The crown or bridge attached to the implant typically needs replacement every 10-15 years due to normal wear and aging materials.
Occasional maintenance might include tightening or replacing small connecting screws or repairing chipped porcelain on the restoration. Regular professional monitoring catches small issues before they compromise the entire implant system.
Will implants make eating easier than traditional dentures?
Yes, implants provide a stable, secure bite, making it much easier to chew tough or crunchy foods. Unlike dentures, they won’t slip or shift while eating. This stability allows you to eat a wider range of foods comfortably. Many patients regain near-natural chewing function after switching to implants.
What are the biggest long-term benefits of implants compared to dentures?
Dental implants help prevent jawbone loss, maintain facial structure, and offer permanent support for crowns or bridges. They don’t rely on adhesives or require removal like dentures. Implants also provide better chewing power and comfort. Over time, they require less maintenance and feel more like natural teeth.
Can implants replace both upper and lower teeth?
Implants work beautifully for upper and lower full-arch replacements with slightly different approaches. Upper implants typically need more support points than lower implants due to softer bone quality in the upper jaw. Most patients require 4-6 implants per arch for fixed bridges or just 2-4 implants for removable implant-supported dentures. The specific number depends on your bone volume, quality, and the type of restoration planned.
Is there a difference in daily maintenance between dentures and implants?
Yes. Implants are brushed and flossed like natural teeth and don’t need to be removed daily. Dentures require soaking and special cleaning and may need adhesives. Implant maintenance is simpler and more convenient for most patients after healing.
Are dental implants better for speech than dentures?
Yes, implants improve speech because they stay fixed and feel like natural teeth. Dentures can shift or move, making it harder to pronounce certain words. Implants eliminate that movement, helping you speak clearly and confidently. This is especially helpful for patients who struggle with loose dentures.
Can I switch from dentures to dental implants later on?
Absolutely. Many patients who start with dentures upgrade to implants for better comfort and stability. If you’ve experienced bone loss, a bone graft may be needed first. Dr. Lazer will assess your jaw and plan a safe transition to implants that fit your needs.
If you would like to learn more about 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.
To learn more about our dental implants in Owings Mills, see: