March 6, 2021
Dental implants are fast gaining popularity as a superior substitute for missing teeth compared to dentures.
Dentures are made by Prosthodontists whereas a trained Implantologist performs implantation.
In this article we will understand what purpose they serve, the pros, and cons and which one is more suitable for you.
What are Dentures?
As a given, dentures are removable dental accessories for the mouth that restore missing teeth. They are made to size and fit snugly.
They consist of artificial crowns fitted on a pink acrylic base ( like gums) and a light wired framework.
You might have seen them lying at your grandparent’s bedside in a cup of water.
One can just slide them into the mouth whenever required( for eating) or keep them on all the time. They need to be removed and cleaned every day.
Dentures are of two types:
- Complete
- Partial
Complete Dentures
Complete means the full semi-circle. You have two sets of teeth, upper and lower.
The complete denture replaces the entire upper or lower set. They get positioned directly on top of the toothless gums.
You can remove them for cleaning and also wear them again without requiring any help.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures fill in the gaps where teeth have been extracted. Most people who have some teeth remaining require partial devices only.
These are smaller and have built-in clasps to fit into adjacent dental structures.
A small movement in these dentures is always there and requires getting used to. Discuss this with your dentist.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry, we provide you with the best solution that works for you and which you wouldn’t have to reverse in the future. We work for your smile.
Also Read: Teeth Whitening- The Zoom Teeth whitening Procedure
Comparison with Implants
Advantages of Dentures
Removable dentures cost less than implants. They can also be used as an interim treatment before permanent replacement teeth can be placed.
As opposed to implants, they do not necessitate any grinding of adjacent teeth to fit them.
They are the best option when bone growth is poor because they don’t attach to the bone.
It is a non-invasive technique whereas implantologists drill the artificial tooth into the bone.
The entire process is relatively quick.
Disadvantages of Dentures
Partial or complete, dentures are uncomfortable and it may take you a considerable time to get used to having a device in the mouth.
Speaking and chewing become a little uncomfortable and there is undue salivation.
They are not as good for bone growth. Eventually, the bones and jaw move and the denture has to be remodeled.
The functioning is not as good as implanted teeth and the look is not so natural too.
While eating, food particles tend to get lodged between the apparatus and the gums.
What are Dental Implants?
Implants are synthetic individual structures that are permanently drilled into space where a tooth is missing.
It is like a screw attached to the bone underneath to support the restorative tooth or crown.
They are surgically placed by a professional implant dentist. An implant looks feels and functions just like a real tooth.
They require normal care similar to that of natural teeth and can last for more than 20 years or even a lifetime. They are made of titanium that fuses naturally with bones.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry Mr. Gaurav Sharma has 300+ hours of Continuing education from the prestigious AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry).
He applies for the latest research & advances in dentistry to provide the best dental care to patients.
Comparison with Dentures
Compared to dentures, dental implants provide a long-term, permanent, natural, and value-for-money solution. They might require some grinding or crowning of other teeth to adjust.
Implants are permanent posts that hold replacement teeth whereas dentures are removable devices.
They preserve your youthful looks by maintaining the jaw structure while dentures do not maintain the jaw and lip line.
Replacement teeth protect the natural jaw bone and promote its growth.
You do not have to worry about the restorative implants slipping or clicking when you talk, eat, laugh or kiss.
There is no food lodgement between gums and artificial teeth.
They are low maintenance. One does not need to take them out and clean them each night. They only require oral care as you would do for all your pearls.
Final Words
Dental implants are the closest one can get to having natural & healthy teeth.
The advantages far outweigh those of dentures, as demonstrated above. Expensive as they might seem, they provide long-term value for money.
Everyone may not be a candidate for them though, as they require healthy bones and gums.
More than 3 million people in America have them and the number is increasing day by day.
So what you are waiting for? Schedule your appointment with the best dentist in Kirkland for the weekend.
