Implants vs Dentures – The Ultimate Standoff Between Two Tooth Replacement Options

It is a well-known fact that tooth loss is relatively common for the elderly and young adults. When you lose a tooth, not only does it have an impact on your self-esteem and confidence, but it also endangers your overall health. Well, it has happened. You have lost a tooth and are now looking for an excellent tooth replacement option to fill the unseemly gap in your mouth. Your dentist will recommend lots of options to replace the lost tooth, but the two foremost ones will be implants and dentures. So when it comes to implants vs dentures, how do you choose? Landing on the most suitable option that works for you depends on several factors, such as preference, level of invasiveness, pricing, and other related elements. 

Spring Creek Dental can answer all your burning questions about implants and dentures so you can make a perfect choice. 

What are Implants?

If you mention to your dentist about getting a tooth replacement that is permanent in most ways, the first recommendation they will give you is to get implants. Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to fill the gap left behind by a lost tooth. 

With the help of titanium posts placed on to our jawbone, the dentist can provide an anchor, also known as a crown.

This crown or cap is created to match the exact description of your remaining teeth. This includes shape, contour, size, and color. Creating a matching crown similar to your teeth ensures the replacement looks and feels natural to you and the onlookers.  

Dental implants are recommended by most dentists and offer many advantages. It is, however, also necessary to know the disadvantages associated with it. 

Pros	Cons
Getting a dental implant means you do not have to forego your favorite foods that might be hard or sticky. This is a major bonus point for implants if you are struggling with the implants vs dentures issue.	Not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure. Oral problems such as smoking, periodontitis and issues with jawbone density can prevent you from getting an implant.
Losing a tooth causes bone mass beneath to lie stagnant with no exercise. Dental implants can prevent this problem by supporting the jaw and promoting the growth of bone density.	Implants require invasive surgery that is performed after administering local anesthesia. If you are someone who is not comfortable with surgical procedures, then an implant is not the right choice for you.
Dental implants are considered to be permanent tooth replacements. As long as you care for your implants properly, they should last for decades.	If you suffer from poor oral health, you could be at risk of gum diseases or damage to the surrounding blood vessels and nerves after implant surgery.
Implants are easy to maintain. You only have to follow the proper oral hygiene routine daily to ensure your implants remain tip-top. Brushing and flossing twice daily, visiting your dentist regularly, and cutting down on sugary food and drinks can help you easily maintain your implants.	Implant installation takes about six months, not including follow-up appointments with the dentist. If you want a quick fix for your smile, then dentures are way ahead of implants in the implants vs dentures face-off.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made replacement teeth to fill in the gaps of your missing teeth and support the surrounding tissues. Dentures help restore full function to your oral cavity, allowing you to chew, eat and speak naturally. 

A full denture replaces a complete set of teeth in the arch of your jaw. A partial denture is also a great option if you are missing one or two teeth. 

Dentures come with their own set of pros and cons.  

Pros	Cons
Anyone can benefit from dentures. Young or old, male or female, dentures work for everyone irrespective of the person’s oral health or habits.	Dentures are not a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth. If the basis of your tooth replacement decision is permanence, then implants emerge victorious in implants vs dentures.
Dentures are just as aesthetically pleasing as any other tooth-replacement option but much easier to install. They are the perfect quick fix for enhancing your smile.	Dentures cover the upper palate of your mouth. This may create difficulty in tasting your food properly.
Dentures are great for supporting a sagging facial structure, giving your jaw and face a natural appearance.	Dentures have to be adjusted by your dentist regularly so that they fit snugly around your tooth and do not create discomfort. This means multiple visits to the dentist.
Dentures are super easy to design and install. The entire denture procedure can be completed within six to eight weeks. The ease of installation is where dentures come out on top in the implants vs dentures clash.	Dentures could also be responsible for an allergic reaction to your gums and remaining teeth. This can lead to abscesses or severe infections.

Implants vs Dentures – The Final Showdown 

If you are still unable to choose between implants vs dentures, read on to find out what other factors you can consider to make your final decision easier. 

Cost-Factor

The dreaded cost factor is the one thing that can make you flip from one decision to another, especially when it comes to dental procedures. 

Dental implants are considerably costlier and can put you back about $1600 to $2200, which is the cost per implant. Dentures are comparatively cheaper, and an entire arch can cost you about $1600. Dentures are, therefore, a much more cost-effective tooth replacement option. 

Maintenance 

A maintenance discussion of implants vs dentures is critical if you are not into elaborate maintenance and care routines. 

Implants are much easier to maintain and require following the usual oral hygiene routine and regular doctor visits. Dentures, in comparison, require greater maintenance. You can’t wear dentures overnight and must use a special cleaning solution to keep them pristine. 

Insurance Coverage

Dental procedures can burn a hole in your pocket. Still, tooth replacement is an integral procedure to maintain your overall health, so you are willing to spend the required money. Good insurance coverage can make a big difference to any dental treatment costs. 

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for dentures. However, implants can be classified as a cosmetic procedure, so there is less likelihood of your insurance supporting an implant surgery. 

Replacements

When we talk about replacements in the context of implants vs dentures, dental implants are a comparatively longer-lasting solution. Implants do not require regular replacements and are considered the best alternative to replace a missing tooth permanently.

Dentures are another story. The support for dentures tends to erode over time. As a result, dentures require regular relining, replacement, or adjustments to ensure proper oral function. 

Still Confused About Implants Vs Dentures? Spring Creek Dental Can Recommend a Victor

If you are still confused about the choice of implants vs dentures, Spring Creek Dental has amazing, experienced professionals who can give you a perfect recommendation. Our personalized service and excellent dental insurance plans set us apart from others. 

The dental staff at Spring Creek Dental creates an environment of compassion and warmth while providing expert dental care. Our faithful customers are a testament to our service and treatment.

We are open from Monday to Thursday if you want to meet in person. You can message us if you have any questions or request an appointment via our website to see us at our clinic. 

Spring Creek Dental – where dentistry meets compassion.