Dental implants and dentures are widely used solutions for people with missing teeth. However, there are some notable differences between these two options that can make them a better fit in specific cases. Understanding your needs and the pros and cons of these two options is key to finding the right tooth replacement solution.

Choosing the right tooth replacement option for you.

Dental Implants: Pros and Cons

Dental implants are a versatile tooth replacement option that can restore a patient’s smile if they are missing one, several, or all of their teeth. These implants are embedded in the jawbone, providing a variety of benefits, but they are not a suitable option for every patient.

The Pros of Dental Implants

The most notable benefit of tooth implants is that they deliver superior stability and functionality, essentially serving as a direct replacement for your natural teeth. Implants use the jawbone as a foundation, meaning your new teeth won’t budge. This also means that you’ll have the stability and bite strength to enjoy a diet without restrictions.

Dental implants are also highly aesthetic, providing the most natural-looking option available. Implants offer a perfect match for a natural smile, while the superior stability ensures that awkward slippages don’t draw attention to them.

Finally, implants are made of strong, biocompatible titanium and are expected to last a lifetime. Of course, the prosthetic teeth attached to the implants may wear over decades and need replacement, but you only need an implant placement once. And, thankfully, it’s a simple procedure to switch out implant-supported dentures or crowns.

The Cons of Dental Implants

One of the most significant factors that keep people from choosing dental implants is that implant placement is a surgical procedure. Furthermore, not all dentists offer implants, leaving patients wondering, what kind of dentist does tooth implants? After all, you can’t just choose any family dentist in Boise, ID. You need to ensure they have the necessary oral and maxillofacial surgical capacity to offer implants.

The next consideration is cost. Due to the high-quality titanium implants and carefully customized tooth replacements—not to mention the skilled surgery and sedation dentistry requirements—dental implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options. This can put them out of reach of some patients, although options such as financing can help them get the care they need.

It’s also important to note that the full dental implant treatment process can take several months, discouraging patients who want immediate results. After implant placement, you’ll need to wait roughly three to four months for the implants to integrate with the jawbone before the implant-supported dentures are attached.

Dentures: Pros and Cons

Dentures are a traditional tooth replacement solution that continues to improve the quality of life for people with missing teeth. While they provide many benefits, there are also downsides to consider when compared with more modern treatment options.

The Pros of Dentures

Dentures are a non-invasive option, requiring no surgery. This means they’re suitable for almost any patient, regardless of factors that can preclude surgery (such as existing medical conditions).

Dentures are also among the most affordable tooth replacement options; you won’t have major up-front costs like you would with dental implants. But dentures need to be replaced every few years, so the cost can add up in the long run.

The turnaround time is much faster than implants, however. You can have temporary dentures right away, and your fully customized dentures will be ready in a few weeks.

The Cons of Dentures

Unfortunately, dentures offer limited stability. Many patients use dental adhesives to remedy this issue, but there is still some slippage and discomfort. This can make eating with dentures a challenge.

Dentures also have additional maintenance requirements, and over time, even properly cared for dentures will start to change shape. Even slight changes can cause discomfort, so you may need regular adjustments.

When you have missing teeth, the lack of stimulation from tooth roots leads to your jawbone deteriorating and shrinking. Dentures only sit on the gums, so they don’t stimulate the jawbone like dental implants do. This means that patients with dentures can experience jawbone deterioration, leaving them with a sunken facial appearance.

Finding the solution that’s right for you.

Both tooth implants and dentures have a lot to offer. However, weighing the benefits and downsides for your individual needs and oral health can be a challenge. The best way to find out which tooth replacement option is right for you is to have a consultation with your dentist. They can assess your case and develop your unique treatment plan.

At Staley Dental, we provide our patients with dental implants, dentures, and other tooth replacement options. We take the time to understand your needs so that we can provide the highest quality care and best outcomes. Schedule your consultation today to better understand your options for dentures and dental implants in Boise, ID.