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When dealing with the problem of missing teeth, you may need to decide whether dental implants or dentures are right for you. There may be several factors affecting your decision, and each option has its own benefits.

Ultimately, dentures and dental implants achieve the same end goal – both help you chew food easier, improve your smile, provide support for your facial muscles, and aid speech. There are, of course, big differences between the two. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the differences between dentures and implants and provide you with the information you need to make this important decision. 

Dental Implants or Dentures – What’s the Difference?

There are two elements to every tooth – there is the root that goes down into the gum and anchors to the jawbone, and there is the crown that visibly sits above the gums providing all of the functionality you’d expect from your teeth. 

A denture replaces just the crown. You can get partial and full dentures that either replace a small number or an entire arch of teeth. Dentures can be removed for cleaning and they sit above the gum line and are not anchored into position.

Implants, on the other hand, use surgically-implanted titanium posts to permanently replace the root structure of your teeth. A single tooth can be replaced using one implant, or you could replace several teeth using All-on-4 implants. Once in place, these will not need to be removed.

Single implants would be capped off using a dental crown while All-on-4 implants typically have four implants holding several prosthetic teeth in place.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Implants are a solution that will firmly hold your replacement teeth in place. The rigidity and stability that implants provide are truly comparable to that of the natural roots of your teeth. This means that any prosthetic teeth held in place by implants will not shift as you eat or talk. 

When considering dental options, it’s always important to consider the expected lifespan of each appliance. Dental implants, when properly cared for, can last for a lifetime. The crown that sits on top of the implant may need to be replaced after 15 years due to wear and tear. 

Traditional dentures, on the other hand, will need adhesive to ensure they stay in place and may impact your speech and ability to chew effectively. Because dentures are not typically fixed into place, they’re less comfortable than implants and you will notice that you’re wearing them. 

What is the Procedure for Having Dental Implants?

The procedure for placing traditional dental implants involves several steps between which your jaw bone will be given the opportunity to fully heal. This can take several months. 

Another dental implant option would be to have Same Day Teeth. This popular procedure allows you to have implants placed in just one appointment. 

Whichever you opt for, an initial consultation will be required where we’ll take digital impressions and images of your teeth and jaw. This will help assess whether you have the necessary bone density in your jaw to hold the implant. 

When the jaw is being prepared and the implant is surgically placed, you’ll receive an anaesthetic so that you don’t feel a thing.

Once you’ve had the implant placed and we’ve capped it off with a crown, there may be some tenderness immediately afterwards, during which time you should stick to eating soft food. After the jaw has healed, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite foods once more without worrying about your teeth.

Is It Possible to Have Implant-Supported Dentures?

One option that you may wish to consider for replacing multiple teeth is to have implant-supported dentures. Cosmetic dentures supported by implants are carefully crafted to match the appearance of natural teeth and become a seamless part of your smile. 

Learn More About Dental Implants

At Nu Dental, we have several solutions for replacing missing teeth including dental implants, All-on-4s, Same Day Teeth, and cosmetic dentures. 

Get in touch today to arrange a consultation and find out which option is best for you.