Dental Implants Vs. Dentures: What's the Difference?

Taking care of your teeth is a lifelong effort, but sometimes things don’t exactly go your way. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you’re likely looking for the best solution to take care of this issue.

Missing a tooth is more than just an aesthetic problem. Missing teeth can impact your self-esteem and change your bite permanently, which can affect your chewing ability and lead to even more issues down the line. 

Two popular solutions for missing teeth are dentures and dental implants, but if you don’t know which one would suit you best, this short guide can help.

How Do Implants Work?

Dental implants are directly attached to the jawbone in place of the missing tooth. The implant itself resembles a screw that is inserted into the gap, after which a crown is added on top to restore your full, happy smile.

The procedure is done in a few separate sessions, the number of which depends on the current health of your teeth. Sometimes, if bone mass and density aren’t optimal, patients need a bone grafting procedure to restore the jawbone before the implant can be added.

Even so, it can take a few months for the bone area to heal around the implant, and for the crown to be added to the abutment.

How Do Dentures Work?

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are custom-made for your mouth. These are removable and can be added even if jawbone density or mass has been affected.

In some cases, patients can require full-arch dentures that replace the entirety of their teeth. But, it’s also possible to get partial dentures that simply replace a few teeth, which are known as partial dentures.

It’s important to analyze the patient’s jaw and bite when taking the mold for the dentures to make sure this prosthetic doesn’t affect the patient’s quality of life. They are fitted with a special type of adhesive that glues the denture to your gums while remaining easily removable for cleaning.

Which One Is Right for You?

Both dentures and dental implants are designed to look like natural teeth, and they still require a strong at-home hygiene routine and regular dentist visits to make sure your dental health is optimal.

As for choosing which one is the best option for you, it can depend on a few different factors:

• Your budget
• The extent of your dental damage
• The number of missing teeth, as well as their placement
• Your medical history, etc.
  

Nashoba Valley Dental Can Help You Make the Right Choice

If you’re not sure whether you need dentures or implants, you don’t have to make this decision yourself. Dr. Annese is here to help you make the best decision for your dental health and can explain what your best treatment options are.

Reach out to our practice online, or call us at (978) 425-9088 Calls on Click to book your consultation with Dr. Annese.