Tooth loss is one of those problems that can affect anybody’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can handle the problem of missing teeth.
Dental implants and dentures are among the most common and best choices today. In this article, we will also draw a step-by-step comparison of dental implants and dentures. It will include pros, cons, costs, and suitability of what they might bring to you will be included, so you can determine which you should get.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants act as artificial tooth roots that are mainly made from titanium alloy. They are placed surgically by dentists into the jawbone in order to support replacement teeth or bridges. These implants are basically made by process called osseointegration. They are fused and integrated to the bone by dentists. That means it builds a stable, permanent foundation for prosthetic teeth. This integration is a solution for tooth loss. Dental implants function and look like your natural teeth.
Pros and cons of Dental Implants
Pros of Dental Implants
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Natural Appearance and Functionality: Dental implants appear and function like real teeth. It is a permanent solution to lost teeth.
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Durability and Longevity: With proper care, dental implants will last a lifetime. Eventually, they end up being the most cost-effective dental replacement option.
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Bone Preservation: The jaw bone from bone loss is prevented by implants. It keeps the jawline and prevents you from having hollow cheeks due to missing teeth.
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No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Neighboring teeth do not need to be changed for implants. They do not also need to maintain the natural structure.
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Improved Oral Health: They are also easier to keep clean between teeth. This is obviously good for overall oral health.
Cons of Dental Implants
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Cost: They are initially more costly, however. An average of between $1,500 and $6,000 per tooth, and upwards of $40,000 for a complete implant set.
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Surgical Procedure: The dentist can place dental implants while they are in. But it requires surgery, which comes with infection risk, nerve damage and slow healing. Make sure, if you schedule an appointment with the dentist, that the dentist explains the risks.
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Time-Consuming Process: The entire implant process, which includes the placement of the implant, typically takes from three to six months, from the initial consultation to final restoration. It all depends on how comfortable you are, how quickly your anatomy will heal, and the complexity of your bite.
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Not Suitable for Everyone: Not good for someone with poor bone density. Additionally people who suffer from certain illnesses can't go with it.
What are Dentures?
All or some of your teeth and surrounding tissues of your mouth, is replaced by denture or prosthetic devices. They come in two main types. Included are complete dentures, which replace all teeth within an arch. Others, partial dentures, are used to replace gaps from missing teeth and preserve remaining natural teeth. Acrylic resin dentures with or without metal reinforcement are typically used.
Pros and cons of Dentures
Pros of Dentures
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Affordability: Because they are often more expensive than dentures, some people cannot afford them.
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Non-Invasive Procedure: The process of giving a denture, since it is not a surgery, is less likely to be complicating to the patients condition and can be given to the patients who cannot be operated upon.
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Quick Solution: Dentures are removal of many or all of the natural permanent teeth and replacement with artificial teeth, a fairly quick procedure to make and fit.
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Versatility: Dentures can replace your teeth if you have few teeth left (partial denture or several teeth) or if you need all your teeth replaced (complete denture).
Cons of Dentures
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Comfort and Fit: Also, they can be bulky and uncomfortable and they may slip or move around your mouth while eating or talking, which is embarrassing or uncomfortable.
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Maintenance: To insure your oral hygiene and avoiding infections or bad breath, you must clean and remove your dentures daily.
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Bone Loss: Implants stimulate the jawbone on a daily basis, preventing its resorption as with dentures; thus, they do not change facial appearance and denture fit over time.
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Durability: Changes in the position of the teeth in the mouth and wear will make dentures worn often need to be replaced or adjusted every 5 to 10 years.
Cost comparison
The cost of dental implants and dentures is influenced by several factors like how many teeth are being replaced, kind of materials are you using in the implants and dentures and if you are living in which part of the world.
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Dental Implants: Though the single dental implant cost ranges between $1,500 and $6,000. All on 4 implants, for example, can range anywhere between $15,000 even for one arch to $40,000-plus for a complete mouth implant procedure.
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Dentures: Complete dentures are $1,600 for upper or lower. Partial dentures can be less expensive, and if used, depend on how many teeth are being replaced and the materials used.
At first, dentures cost less, however, they will need to be replaced and if the liners are changed or any other adjustment, the total cost can add up.
Although they are obviously more expensive upfront than other procedures, often times they actually end up being less costly in the long term as they are durable and tend to need little to no maintenance.
Best tooth replacement option
Besides, no one option will work for all purposes of tooth replacement. The best option for you will depend on your budget, oral health status, life style and personal preference.
For those who need to have a permanent real looking solution, with sufficient jaw bone density to hold in the implants, Dental implants are a perfect choice. These are for people who are willing to have a surgical procedure and be willing to buy a long term solution.
Dentures may be a cost-effective, non-surgical treatment if several teeth are missing. Yet they work for people who may not have sufficient bone density to support the implant but want a faster restoration.
Just like any other part of your dental status, checking in with a dental professional to learn which works best for you is important.
Conclusion
You have two such options of restoring tooth with each of them having an array of advantages. Implants are a durable, stable, good looking option but more expensive and involve going under the knife. It is not only available, cheaper and without being invaded, but not the comfort, nor the stability, of the implants. In the end, it depends on the preferences of the dental professional as well as those responsible for these health conditions, as well as lifestyle and finances.