Dental Implants or Dentures

If you are missing one or more teeth, due to the advancement of dental technology over the past few decades, there are many safe and effective options to address problems like missing teeth. If you have lost one or more teeth, you can choose from a dental bridge, dental implant, or even natural-looking dentures to restore your smile. In this article, we compare dental implants and dentures.

Dentures are one of the most common ways for people in and around Melbourne to replace missing teeth due to decay or trauma, especially if they are entirely edentulous (missing all teeth).

In the end, only you can decide on the right solution, and we encourage you to pick up the phone and come in for a consultation with one of our smile restoration dentists.

Dental Implants or Dentures, What Are the Differences?

Stability and Strength

If it’s strength and stability you’re after, then there is no question that dental implants are going to be the best option. This is because dental implants are permanently attached to your jaw bone, forming part of the structure, just like normal healthy teeth.

Comfort

Since dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth, once the healing is complete and the crowns have been attached, they are very comfortable. With dentures however, there is a bit of a learning curve for a few months to get used to eating and speaking.

Periodic Maintenance

Once your dental implants have settled in, you’ll come in to see us on a regular basis for a dental exam, just like you would if you have natural teeth. There is no adjustment needed on the implants because they are permanently fixed to the jaw bone. In addition, the jaw bone continues to be stimulated by the implants as you bite and chew. With false teeth however, there isn’t as much stimulation, and over time, the jawbone can shrink. When this happens, you’ll need to come in and get your dentures adjusted.

Function

If you like to eat, you’ll be happy to know that there are no food restrictions. You can eat all of your favourite foods, including steaks and vegetables. Just like natural teeth though, you’ll want to avoid biting on hard nuts and other hard objects like pens and fingernails as they can damage your teeth.

If you wear dentures, some foods will be difficult to eat, especially tough or chewy food. Some of our patients have mentioned that their dentures move or make a clicking sound when they speak.

Care

Dental implants are easy to maintain. You brush and floss as if they were your natural teeth. Dentures need to be removed every day and soaked in denture cleaner.

Price

Many dental professionals consider dental implants to be the healthiest restoration solution, but that comes with a bigger price tag. Your initial investment will be higher, but they can last a lifetime with proper care, plus they need no periodic adjustments. When you have dentures, your gums tend to change over the years, which requires regular adjustments.

When you’re ready to sit down and discuss your options to replace a missing tooth, and are not sure how to choose between dentures or dental implants, call one of our helpful staff and set up an appointment to meet with one of our tooth replacement dentists. We will be happy to explain the pros and cons of each so you can make a confident and informed decision about your treatment. Our dental practice is conveniently located in South Melbourne and you’ll love meeting our friendly staff.

Want to know more about the benefits of dental implant technology? Click here.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.