Dental Implants Vs Dentures – A Comparison

Dental implants are made of titanium screws and metal which is fully compatible with the human body.  The dental implant itself is drilled into the jaw and bone socket. The process is completely painless as you are given a local anaesthetic and this will numb the whole mouth. Once the implant is inserted it needs to fuse with the bone. Thereafter it takes 5-8 months to fix the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.  Dental implants are very stable, as they have a root-like portion that fits into the bone socket, like natural teeth. People who have implant-supported artificial teeth can chew efficiently.

The advantages of implants:

• The titanium screws act like a root making the crown more stable
• Some people can be allergic to the materials that are used to create dentures whereas implants are completely bio-acceptable
• Speech is generally better with implants as dentures can be quite irritating and they have to be removed at night.
• There are no sore points with implants as they do not move
• Your ability to chew is completely restored

Disadvantages:

• Dental implants do take longer to be fitted as opposed to a denture
• Implants are more expensive
• If you grind your teeth at night then implants may not be the best option for you

Dentures

Dentures are essentially false teeth and they are often made of materials like porcelain, acrylic or cast metal. They fit into the space where teeth have been lost. Before deciding on the right solution for you, your dentist will evaluate your current dental needs. When the decision is made, the teeth are then extracted and an immediate denture is fitted on the same day. Depending on each situation, the denture may need to be relined three to four months after the extraction.

To make dentures, your dentist will take impressions and moulds of your teeth and jaw, which are then sent away to a specialist laboratory technician. Your dentist can help you to decide on which tooth shapes, sizes and colours fit your mouth and suit you best. Once the dentures are sent back to your dentist, you’ll be contacted for an initial fitting and any necessary adjustments to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. You may be required to return for subsequent appointments to address any soreness and make further adjustments.

Advantages:

• The process is fairly quick and simple
• Same day dentures can be available
• More cost-effective than dental implants
• Recommended for patients with a weak jaw or gums
• Dentures provide support to your facial muscles so that your teeth can maintain a more natural look

Disadvantages:

• Without denture adhesive, dentures are susceptible to moving or dislodging while talking or chewing
• Can cause some discomfort and be inconvenient
• May cause some difficulty with eating and speaking
• Require ongoing cleaning and maintenance as opposed to dental implants that can be cared for as natural teeth
• Will take time in getting used to wearing dentures

Cleaning your dentures

If you have dentures, it’s important to keep them clean and leave them overnight in some denture solution, sterodent is the best solution to leave them to soak. Looking after them can be much easier than looking after your natural teeth, as you can take them out and have a good look to make sure you haven’t left any old food behind.

Implant Longevity:

A face without teeth can sag and can sink in. Dental implants allow you to maintain the natural shape of your face and smile. Adjusting to removable dentures can mean struggling to pronounce everyday words and also produce a lot of saliva. Dental implants allow you to keep your teeth in place and you won’t need to worry if your dentures might slip or fall out.

Dental Implants have a record of reliable, long term and successful outcomes and they are often considered more predictable than other treatments to repair or replace missing teeth, including bridge work, removable appliances and treatment of failing root canal therapy.

Dental implant surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthesia (numbing the area where the implant is to be placed) and is a relatively comfortable procedure. You may experience some minor vibration during the preparation of the implant (bone) site, but it is quite tolerable. Since there are no open wounds following implant surgery and it is minimally invasive, there is little post-operative discomfort. You will be given a course of antibiotics to take home and use over the following week.

A single implant usually needs to be left for a period of two to four months to fuse to the bone before a crown can be attached. The healing time will vary from person to person, but ultimately depends upon the bone density at the site of the lost tooth and the denser the bone, the quicker the healing. The next step is to make a crown to fit on the implant that will look and functions exactly like a normal tooth.

Cost: Implants usually start from £2095 (£1100 + £985) and from £65.00 (36 months)

Dentures are from £1250 and from £38.96 (36 months) and a reline is £195

Perfect Smile Spa based in Hornchurch Essex is a Leading Cosmetic and Implant Dental practice and is dedicated to PAINLESS dentistry. We work very closely with our prosthodontist who is on the specialist register.

Call us for a free consultation on 01708 442 114 or email care@perfectsmilespa.co.ukDental Implants Vs Dentures – A Comparison was last modified: June 29th, 2018 by Dr Jas Sagoo