Dental Implants Vs Dentures: What’s Right for You?

A dental implant by itself is not a tooth – it’s actually a small titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone, on top of which an abutment (or extension) is placed to support the artificial tooth or teeth. A fixed bridge, partial denture, or a full denture can also be attached to the post. They are used to:

• Restore a person’s appearance
• Help with speech
• Improve the ability to chew
• Provide support for artificial teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures

The two types of dental implants are:

• In the bone (Endosteal) – these are the most common type of implant and are often used as an alternative for patients who wear bridges or removable dentures. Each implant can hold one or more artificial teeth and various forms including screws, cylinders, or blades that are surgically placed into the jawbone.

• On the bone (Subperiosteal) – these are placed on top of the jaw with metal framework posts that project through the gum to hold the implant in place and are often used for those unable to wear conventional dentures or who don’t have enough bone height to support an endosteal implant.

There are several different types of dental implant procedures:

• Single Tooth Dental Implants – used to replace a single missing tooth.

• Multiple Tooth Dental Implants – used to replace several missing teeth.

• Full Mouth Dental Implants – used if all teeth are missing.

• Sinus Augmentation – a procedure that changes the position of the sinus floor and improves the quality and quantity of bone in that area so that dental implants can be used on the upper rear jaw. This is normally one of the most difficult areas in which to successfully place dental implants due to inadequate bone quantity and density and sinus augmentation is a method used to correct this problem.

• Ridge Modification – In this procedure the gum is lifted to expose an area where bone may be missing caused by a deformity in the upper or lower jaw. The space is filled with bone or bone substitutes to increase the integrity of the ridge which has been shown to significantly improve the appearance of the jaw and increase the chances of a successful implant.

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth and can come as a complete denture that replaces all the teeth or partial ones that replace just some.

Dentures are matched to each individual’s unique smile and bite and can improve facial appearance and self-confidence. They may also improve speech problems caused by missing teeth and will improve chewing. For patients missing some, but not all, of their teeth, a removable partial denture may be a viable option. This type of denture usually consists of a metal framework with small metal clasps that hook onto the natural teeth to stay in place. They have plastic or resin denture teeth with pink plastic to replace any missing gum tissue. The number and location of the missing teeth will affect the comfort and stability of the denture and in some cases, dental implants may be the best solution.

The main difference between implants and dentures is that implants are permanent fixtures in the mouth, whereas dentures sit on top of the gums and are removable.

Other differences are:

• Longevity – Implants are more durable and last longer than dentures

• Stability – Implants are much more stable than dentures, particularly partial ones

• Cost – implants are more expensive than dentures, although they offer long-term cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction

If you would like to know more about the services, we provide at MySmile Dental, contact us today! We serve patients from Anaheim Hills CA, Yorba Linda CA, Tustin CA, Villa Park CA, Irvine CA, Corona CA, Orange CA, and Santa Ana CA.