Did you know that nearly 60% of Americans aged 40-64 have lost at least one tooth? The fact that almost 10% of Americans over 65 have lost all of their teeth is even more shocking.
Missing teeth can cause various problems for a person, such as eating and speaking issues. But if they ignore it, it can lead to serious issues like jawbone loss. But now, fortunately, there are several options that you can consider, including dentures and implant dentures. But which one to choose depends upon your own choice. First, you need to understand both these treatment processes, their pros & cons, cost, and much more.
Orthodontists believe both are the best solutions and will help improve your life. Furthermore, they also support facial muscles. However, there are differences between the two. That’s why it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding.
In this blog post, I’ll break down everything that you need to know to make an informed decision. So, stay with me and keep reading this article.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances that are designed to replace missing teeth, no matter how much bone is left. They are usually custom-made and will fit over your gums comfortably. They are crafted from durable materials like acrylic or metal. Dentures not only enhance your smile or physical appearance but also make eating and speaking much easier.
Types of Dentures
There are 2 main types of dentures:
1- Full Dentures: This is the first type, and they usually replace all of the teeth in the upper jaws, lower jaws, or both. And it is considered the best option for those who have lost all their teeth.
2- Partial Dentures: This second type is used when you still have some healthy teeth. As the name indicates, they fill in the gaps and attach them with natural teeth with the help of connectors or clasps.
How Do Dentures Work?
First of all, a dentist takes full impressions of a patient’s gums and decides whether he/she needs a full set or a partial one. They’ll analyze bite and jaw alignment to ensure the dentures fit perfectly and support proper chewing and speech.
This preliminary set is created in a lab and will sent to your orthodontist. During the fitting process, adjustments can be made accordingly to get better alignment, comfort, and functionality. And the final set of dentures is produced, once everything just feels right.
Note: Dentures are designed precisely as your teeth to mimic the appearance of your real teeth or gums.
What are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are a type of denture that is securely attached to screws placed in the jawbone. They are considered a modern and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They offer the most stable and natural-looking way because orthodontists combine the benefits of dental implants with dentures. These screws are screw-like materials that are surgically inserted.
Types of Implants Dentures
It also has 2 types of dentures mentioned below:
1- Fixed Implant Dentures
This is the first type. As the name indicates, dentures are permanently placed inside the implants and function like natural teeth. Unlike the others, these are highly stable but require a professional dentist or orthodontist to complete cleaning and maintenance.
2- Removable Implant Dentures
These dentures offer flexibility and snap onto the implants. Furthermore, these can easily be removed but still provide a secure fit.
How Do Dental Implants Support Dentures?
Dental implants act as strong, artificial roots for your teeth. This process usually begins by extracting damaged tooth roots. But if they’re already gone, the orthodontist will carefully drill a small hole in the jawbone. Then, a metal post, which is named as implant, is inserted deep into the bone. With time, bone continues to grow around the post and will anchor it very firmly in place.
Once the implant is secure, an abutment is attached at the top of the post. This piece acts as a connector and attaches the denture or crown to the implant. In some cases, orthodontists place the abutment simultaneously with an implant. Finally, a custom-made crown or denture is fitted to complete the process.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Treatment
There are several different factors that a patient should consider while deciding on a treatment process between dentures and implants.
1- Oral Health and Bone Density
As we have mentioned above, dental implants require enough healthy jawbones to hold the implant in place securely. If someone has experienced significant bone loss or has some other ongoing oral health issues, then orthodontists or a dentist will suggest you additional procedures like bone grafts. That’s why it’s important to discuss your oral health with your dentist before starting a treatment.
2- Budget/Cost
Implants are more expensive as compared to dentures. But the best thing about it is that they are a long-term investment and need less maintenance. And dentures need replacements or adjustments. So, we always advise you to consider your cost upfront against the long-term benefits.
3- Lifestyle
A person’s daily habits, profession, workplace, and routine play a big role in this decision. Because implants are sturdy and always stay in place, which makes them ideal for those who are more active during their daily activities. On the other hand, dentures are convenient and easily removable.
Why Choose Vienna Dental Experts?
At Vienna Dental Experts, we’re so proud to own a dental office. Most importantly, we have a dedicated staff and experienced dentists with decades of experience in this field. Our services list is also large, which includes routine dental checkups, teeth cleansing, and other advanced treatments such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative care.
But what makes us stand out among many is our top-quality treatment and exceptional customer service. Unlike many dental offices that send their patients to specialized care, we offer all of this in one convenient location. So you don’t need to visit multiple places to get comprehensive treatment.
