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Dental Implants vs Dentures
Similarities
Differences
Basic Function
Most people are familiar with dentures, even if they personally have not experienced them. Dentures have been around for a very long time, largely because there just hasn’t been a better option until implants.
With dentures, we are using a plastic prosthetic that sits on top of the gum tissue to replace natural teeth. Some patients tolerate dentures better than others, but many denture patients find they only wear them in social situations because they are not always comfortable for all day, every day use. Also, over time, without natural teeth in place, the jaw bone will deteriorate. This is especially alarming for patients who may only be in their 40s or 50s. Once a patient goes down the denture path, bone loss is unfortunately inevitable. Once too much bone has been lost, we no longer have the option to place implants.
Process
The processes for these two options differ as well. To be fitted for dentures, patients must first have any remaining teeth pulled. We will take impressions, and then create the denture to fit the patient as accurately as possible. The total process is faster than it is for implants. However, that is not to say that the patient won’t need periodic adjustments, or possibly a new set later, since the gums shift without teeth to keep them in place. If you are considering dentures, it is important to note (especially when looking at cost) that the set you get now is likely not the last set you will ever have to purchase.
In a full arch implant, the process takes longer than it does for dentures. Any remaining teeth will still need to be extracted, but we will also need to place the implant posts and then allow three to six months of healing, so the bone can fuse to the titanium posts. Once the healing is complete, we can create the prosthetic that fits onto the posts. This type of denture snaps onto the implant posts, and it is removable. However, with the implants, we get:
- A stronger foundation
- A more comfortable and consistent fit
- Better long-term bone density