When faced with tooth loss, choosing the right solution that works for you can seem complicated. You will need to consider things like your health, the cost, the process, functionality, and aesthetics. Removable dentures have been the go-to solution for many years.
However, a more advanced type of restoration is gaining popularity because of the list of advantages they hold over basic dentures. Dental implants are now the number one dentist-recommended way to replace your missing teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White today at their Chapel Hill, NC dentist office today to learn more about each option.
Dental Implant vs Dentures: How to Choose
Procedures
The process to have removable dentures made will take several weeks and requires several visits to our Chapel Hill dentist office. We will take several impressions and measurements of your mouth. Then we will send them to a dental lab where they will create you new teeth. When ready, they will ship them back to us. You may need several “try-on” sessions before they fit correctly.
The dental implants process, on the other hand, will take many months to fully complete. Dental implants require surgery and several months to heal. During this time, the posts will integrate with the surrounding bone making them very stable. You will need to wear a temporary set of dentures until the implants are ready to load. Next, we’ll attach the abutments and secure a custom-made denture.
Cost
The price of a complete set of removable dentures is significantly less than an implant-supported denture. In fact, the cost of one set of dentures is comparable to replacing a single tooth with a dental implant.
However, when discussing cost, you must be fully aware of the type of lifestyle you will live with each option. Denture implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. You can eat all types of foods with little restrictions and there is less embarrassment involved. Removable dentures often shift in the mouth causing slurred speech and difficulty eating certain foods.
It is also worth discussing how dentures will not last forever. They will need to be adjusted, re-based, and eventually replaced. There is also the added cost of keeping them clean. These costs add up over time and may even eventually exceed the price of dental implants. Our Chapel Hill dentists will recommend investing in implants because the quality of life is better.
Health
Many people may not realize that tooth loss will lead to bone loss in the jaw. Teeth roots not only keep a tooth alive, but they also help the bone regenerate. Once one goes missing, the bone will slowly begin to deteriorate. With removable dentures, bone loss is inevitable.
The structure of your face will begin to change and make you look older than you really are. The dentist will insert the dental implants into the bone which will provide enough stimulation for the bone to regenerate. In fact, this is the only solution that prevents bone loss.
You may have difficulty chewing certain foods with removable dentures including many healthy foods. This will affect your ability to eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Implant dentures have fewer eating restrictions allowing you to eat a more healthy diet.
Comfort
Most dentists will warn you that it will take weeks and maybe even months to get used to wearing dentures. They can be bulky in your mouth and you may have issues talking, smiling, eating, and laughing. Removable dentures also have a bad reputation for slipping around in your mouth and even falling out.
Denture implants are more secure in your mouth so there is no need to worry about them slipping around, falling out, or causing any embarrassing situations. They also are the next best thing to a natural row of teeth.