Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which is Best for You?
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As we get older, it might become necessary for us to replace some or all of our teeth. Many people experience tooth loss as they age for some reason or another. But for most of us, missing teeth can be embarrassing and if you have lost a tooth, you may have found yourself covering your mouth when speaking or avoiding smiling. Thankfully, there are several things that can be done to correct tooth loss and give you your smile back. Some of the most popular options include dentures and dental implants. So, what are the pros and cons of both?
Dentures
Dentures are basically a set of false teeth. In the past, they were the only option out there for people who had lost a tooth or teeth, in order to improve their smile and make it easier for them to eat. A denture paste or adhesive is required to keep the teeth in place, otherwise, it is all too easy for them to slip out of their correct place when speaking or eating, which can be just as embarrassing as having a missing tooth.
Pros of Dentures
- They are an ideal choice for anybody who has an unhealthy or weak jaw or gums.
- Modern dentures are quite advanced and have been made to make false teeth look very natural, so it’s impossible for anybody to tell that you are wearing dentures.
- Dentures tend to be less expensive than dental implants overall.
Cons of Dentures
- They can slip out of their correct place while speaking and eating if they are not fixed correctly.
- Dentures that don’t fit properly can lead to decay and infection in your remaining teeth if they are ill-fitting.
- You will usually need to replace your dentures every few years.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a modern, innovative solution to a missing tooth or teeth. Unlike dentures that create the appearance of having your natural teeth, dental implants are a complete replacement that works in much the same way as your regular teeth would. They are implanted into the gum or jaw, where they become an anchor for dental crowns. Unlike dentures, dental implants do not move or slip out of place when you are eating or speaking. They don’t require any removal, special cleaning, or the use of adhesives or pastes to keep them where they should be in your mouth.
Pros of Dental Implants
- They act as a complete replacement for your natural teeth.
- They are very easy to maintain – all you need to do is clean them in the same way that you would clean your natural teeth.
- They are hard-wearing and can be a lifelong solution.
Cons of Dental Implants
- They can be more expensive to get than dentures, but many people who have had both say that it’s worth paying the upfront cost. If you’re interested in getting a quote for dental implants, check out Woodborough House based in Reading who break down their prices very easily. You can use their price guide and payment options page to work out exactly how much you may need to budget.
Choosing the Right Option for You
As we get older, it’s more and more likely that we are going to have to face the decision about how to deal with tooth loss. Whether you have completely lost a tooth or teeth or have been told that you will need to have a tooth or teeth removed due to decay, chances are that you will be faced with the decision of whether to opt for dentures or dental implants. Consider a few key factors, such as:
- Ease of use: Would you prefer an option that looks and feels exactly like your natural teeth?
- Maintenance: How would you prefer to maintain your false teeth? Are you prepared to put in the extra maintenance that dentures require or would you prefer to simply continue cleaning your teeth as normal?
- Your lifestyle: Which option would suit your lifestyle best? For example, if you are still highly social, dental implants might be an option that provides you with more peace of mind compared to dentures as they will not slip out of place during conversation and embarrass you – but there’s a chance that dentures could do this.
- Your budget: How much are you willing to spend? Do you have dental insurance that would cover the cost of either procedure?
Speak to Your Dentist
If you have weighed up all the different factors that apply to you and still aren’t sure about the best option for you, the best thing to do is speak to your dentist. They will be able to advise you on the best choice and give you some pointers in the right direction. For example, if they see that aside from tooth loss, some of your teeth are damaged, they may recommend to check out these veneers in Clifton to get them fixed.
Generally speaking, dental implants are more secure, easier to manage, and while they tend to cost more upfront, they can be cheaper in the long run since they will not need to be replaced.
Image from Pixabay.
