Summary
While both dental implants and removable teeth restore your ability to smile, speak, and eat, dental implants clearly offer superior effectiveness across the board. From improved comfort and bone health to better aesthetics and long-term value, implants are quickly becoming the gold standard in tooth replacement.
The Effectiveness of Dental Implants vs Removable Teeth
When it comes to the replacement of lost teeth, two solutions are in high demand: dental implants and removable teeth (also referred to as dentures). Although both are geared towards restoring your smile and enhancing functionality, both are quite different concerning comfort, endurance, oral health advantages, and long-term satisfaction. Knowing the efficacy of each can guide you towards making an effective decision that suits your way of life and dental requirements.
Understanding the Basics
- Removable Teeth (Dentures):
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They may be full (replacing all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw) or partial (replacing some missing teeth while securing to other natural teeth). Dentures sit on the gums and are removed for cleaning and sleeping.
- Dental Implants:
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted in the jawbone to serve as artificial roots for teeth. The posts are supported by crowns, bridges, or dentures and serve as a permanent and stable way to replace missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are not taken out daily and become integrated into your mouth structure through osseointegration.
Comfort and Stability
- Dentures
One of the most frequent complaints about dentures is the instability. Dentures can loosen over time due to changes in the jawbone, resulting in slipping, sore spots, and chewing and speaking difficulties. Adhesives will assist, but they are not as stable as the natural teeth.
- Dental Implants:
Implants provide superior stability since they are implanted into the jawbone. They replicate the root of the tooth, eradicating movement. Patients with dental implants tend to forget that they have them because they feel and function exactly like natural teeth. This creates a feeling of security while speaking, eating, or laughing.
Verdict: Dental implants offer greater comfort and stability.
Oral Health and Bone Preservation
- Dentures
Wearing removable dentures does not stimulate the jawbone. Consequently, the bone under the missing teeth slowly disintegrates over time, causing facial sagging, appearance changes, and ill-fitting dentures. This bone loss is a natural result of failing to replace the tooth root.
- Dental Implants:
Dental implants are healthy for jawbones. The implant post only stimulates the bone as a natural tooth root, not causing bone resorption and thus supporting the facial contours. This doesn’t only enhance oral health but also keeps a person looking younger.
Verdict: Dental implants ensure long-term bone health and are therefore a more effective biological solution.
Functionality and Diet
- Dentures:
While dentures allow a patient to eat and speak again, there are compromises. Hard foods or foods that are sticky are challenging to chew, and chewing efficiency is compromised. Most denture wearers are forced to exclude certain foods from their diets.
- Dental Implants:
Implants replace up to 90% of your natural biting force, and you can eat almost anything you could when you had teeth. There are no dietary limitations, and chewing is comfortable. Speech is also better, with no concerns about slipping or clicking noises.
Conclusion: Implants surpass dentures in terms of functionality and freedom of diet.
Aesthetic Beauty
Dentures:
Today’s dentures are made to resemble teeth, but they usually don’t match the specific color, contour, and gumline of real teeth. Eventually, bone loss can also alter the fit and appearance of dentures.
Dental Implants:
Implants are designed specifically to resemble the same color, size, and shape of your current teeth. They seamlessly integrate with your own smile and prevent facial contours from diminishing by providing support to the bone and soft tissues.
Verdict: Dental implants provide a more natural and long-term appearance.
Maintenance and Care
- Dentures
Dentures need to be taken out and cleaned daily and must be soaked overnight. Neglecting this cleaning can lead to bacteria development, bad breath, and mouth infection. They also need adjusting or replacing with changes in bones over time.
- Dental Implants:
Implants need to be treated exactly like natural teeth—brush regularly, floss regularly, and get regular checkups. Implants are implanted permanently and don’t have to come out, so they’re more convenient and simpler to keep clean.
Verdict: Dental implants are easier to maintain and cleaner in the long term.
Durability and Longevity
Dentures:
Dentures last between 5 to 8 years before they require replacement. Over time, they deteriorate and lose their efficiency because of jaw structure changes.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants last for 20 years or longer with proper care and many times a lifetime. The crown (the visible tooth) may eventually require replacement from wear and tear, but the implant post is extremely long-lasting.
Verdict: A more permanent answer is a better investment for the long haul.
Cost Factors
- Dentures
Dentures are cheaper initially and can be partially covered by insurance. Yet they are frequently subject to relining, repair, or replacement due to passage of time, thus contributing to the expense.
- Dental Implants:
Implants are pricier initially but prove to be more economical in the long run due to their longevity and lack of need for much maintenance. More and more dental clinics are now offering financing schemes to ease the cost.
Verdict: While dentures are more budget-friendly in the short term, implants are more economical in the long run.
Which Is Right for You?
The choice between dental implants and removable teeth depends on several factors, including your oral health, budget, personal preferences, and lifestyle.
You might consider removable teeth if:
- You need a quick, affordable solution
- You’re not a candidate for surgery
- You prefer a non-invasive option
- You might consider dental implants if:
- You desire a permanent, natural-looking result
- You want to maintain bone and facial architecture
- You want low maintenance and optimal function
Conclusion
While both dental implants and removable teeth restore your ability to smile, speak, and eat, dental implants clearly offer superior effectiveness across the board. From improved comfort and bone health to better aesthetics and long-term value, implants are quickly becoming the gold standard in tooth replacement. If you’re looking for a solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth, dental implants are hard to beat.
Prior to making a decision, talk to a dental specialist who has experience in both choices. They can examine your unique situation and lead you to the optimal solution for your overall oral health and long-term happiness.
Dental Implant Centers is the leading provider of dental implant treatments in San Diego. We are an All-Inclusive dental implant practice which provides all aspects of your treatment in one office and by one doctor. You will not be referred to other doctors or offices. This will avoid confusion of seeing 2 or more doctors, ensure smooth and fast treatment, less cost, and better result. Dr James Khazian has been practicing dental implantology for over 30 years, has had extensive training and education in the field, and has performed thousands of dental implants, different types of bone grafting, sinus grafting, All On 4, and All ON 6 surgeries. He has been awarded as Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), and the Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI).
For more information about dental implants, all-on-4, all-on-6, bone grafts, sinus graft, full mouth reconstruction, snap on dentures, and cosmetic dentistry, you may request a free consultation with Dr. James Khazian by clicking here or call 866-4my-smile (866-469-7645)