Over 30 million Americans are living with missing teeth. For some, they only have one missing tooth. While others may have a whole row missing. Or they may have teeth missing on both jaws. There are many reasons why someone may be missing a tooth, like decay or gum disease. But whatever the reason, if you have a missing tooth or teeth, you have some options, dentures or dental implants.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and choosing the right option depends on a few factors. The option available to you depends on the price, what you prefer and the condition of your jawbone, and the teeth you have left.
Dentures and dental implants are different in many ways, and there are pros and cons for each.

Dentures vs. Implants: What is it?

Dentures are removable false teeth. It doesn’t matter how much bone is in your upper and lower jaw, dentures can still be fitted to your mouth. Dentures can be made as a complete set or partial. A complete set can replace all teeth on both the upper and lower jaws, while a partial denture can replace a few missing teeth.
The procedure for dentures is pretty painless. An impression is taken of either or both the upper and lower jaw. Your dentist will examine your bite and how your gums align. This will ensure that the denture length will be comfortable for eating and speaking.
A set of dentures will be made in the lab, but these are not the final set. These dentures will be sent to your dentist and then put in your mouth to make sure they are right. Your dentist will examine how they fit and see if any adjustments need to be made. If so, they will be sent back to the lab for correction. Once everything is right, the final set is made.
Your dentures will be held in place by an adhesive. You don’t want a weak adhesive because then the dentures may slip out. If you choose dentures, be sure to ask your dentist about the strongest adhesives for dentures.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are implants screwed into your jaws. But for dental implants to be an option, you have to have enough bone in your jaw for the screws. If you don’t, your implants may start to wobble, and they won’t fit as snug as they should.
If there isn’t enough bone in your jaw, then a bone graft will need to be done. The root of the tooth is removed, and then your dentist will drill a hole into your jawbone. Then a false metal root or post is implanted into the bone. A crown is fitted onto the top of the post once the bone has begun to grow around it. This will keep it in place and may take a few months. When the post is ready, the crown will be attached and made to look like the rest of your teeth.

Dentures vs. Implants: Pros and Cons

When it comes to which one you should choose, you should pick the option that is best for you. But there are some advantages and disadvantages to choices.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Treated like your natural teeth and can be brushed and flossed.
• Look and feel like your natural teeth.
• You can eat anything including hard and sticky food.
• Allow you to speak normally.
• Bones and other teeth are not affected.
• Can last for a long time.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• Dental implants cost can be expensive.
• Getting the implants is a surgical procedure and can require a long time to heal.

Advantages of Dentures

• More affordable.
• Easy to try out.
• Makes it easier for your body to heal before getting dental implants.
• Depending on location of missing tooth may be the best option.
• Noninvasive.
• Easily modified to accommodate any future missing teeth.

Disadvantages of Dentures

• They can make it hard to eat and speak because they can slip out of place.
• Can’t eat certain foods.
• Risk of gum disease.
• Need to be replaced every 3 to 6 years.
• A partial may weaken the surrounding teeth.

Dentures Vs Dental Implants: The Procedure

The process is not an invasive process which why so many people prefer it. Your dentist will first make an impression of your upper or lower jaw. If you need dentures to replace teeth on both jaws, then an impression will be made for both.

Once the impression is made it will be sent to the lab and they make a beta set. This beta set will be sent to your dentist and fitted into your mouth. They will make sure that it fits correctly, the alignment is right, and the length of the teeth allows you to eat and speak normally.
If everything is okay, they make the final set. Ask your dentist about the best adhesives for dentures to ensure they don’t slip out.

Dental Implants

The procedure for dental implants can be an invasive one that can take a while to heal.
First, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. They will need to understand if there is enough workable bone surface to hold the dental implants in place. If not, the first step would be a sinus lift. In addition, long term, dental Implants is the one of the most affordable tooth replacement options.

A sinus lift is done by lifting the maxillary sinus to create more room for more bone. Once the sinus cavity is lifted, bone is grafted into the new spot. With this new bone, your dentist will be able to do the dental implant. But it will take some time for it to heal, up to 10 months. Once everything heals, they remove the damaged root, and your dentist drills a hole into your jawbone.
A false metal root is implanted into the bone, and then the top is fitted with a crown. The crown will look as close to your natural teeth as possible.

Dentures Vs Dental Implants: The cost

Dentures cost are much more affordable than dental implants. Dental implants cost may vary depending on location and other factors. An implant can cost anywhere from $1,600 to $2,200 per tooth.
While dentures cost is much more affordable at $1,600 for a complete set. Your dentist can give you a dentures cost break down. They can also tell you the average cost of tooth implant and the average cost of dentures.
The dentures cost break down will rely on the type of dentures you pick.

See Also: Bone Grafting Cost in North Hollywood
See Also: Cost of Dentures with and without Insurance

Dentures Vs. Implants: How to maintain

Dentures require daily care. Don’t wear them all night. When you go to bed, soak them in a cleaning solution. Clean them daily by brushing.
To maintain dental implants, treat them like you do your natural teeth. You should brush and floss at least twice a day and go to the dentist regularly.
Over time dentures will need to be refitted because your bite will change. But dental implants will not.

Dentures Vs. Implants: Potential Complications

They both can come with a few complications. Dental implants are one of the best treatment for missing teeth, but an infection, cracked crowns, or a loose post can happen.
Dentures is another one of the best treatment for missing teeth, but they can slip and cause ulcerations on gums.

Dentures vs Dental Implants: Deciding Factors

When it comes to the debate on dentures vs. implants, there are some factors to consider.

• Age: If you are in your 60s or younger, you may want to go with the implants. You will have years of using your teeth, and implants would be easier and feel more natural. If you are older, the invasive procedure could be a drawback.
• Bone: If you have experienced bone loss which can happen through old age, injury, or gum disease, implants may not be for you. A bone graft can help, but it makes the process a lot more expensive.
• Comfort: Dental implants are more comfortable.
• Care: If you think that you will not be able to care for and clean your dentures every day, implants would be a better option.

Dentures vs Dental Implants: Alternatives

There are other options if you have missing teeth and don’t want either of the options listed above.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is attached to your surrounding teeth. Dentists use it to replace one or many teeth.

Partial

A partial denture or flipper looks like a retainer with one or many teeth. They are affordable, but they don’t last long. Usually, if someone is waiting for an implant or bridge, they will be given a partial denture until it is ready.

Snap-in

A snap-in denture is a combination of both. There is no adhesive to keep it in place instead, implants keep it secure.
A snap-in denture may have a couple of snaps at the bottom that will attach to the post in your jaw. These types of dentures can be permanent or removed when cleaned.

When it comes to the dentures vs dental implants in North Hollywood, it depends entirely on what is best for you. To decide the best option for you, you should speak with your dentist. If you have ever searched for a dentist near me, you are in luck. If you are looking for the bests dentist in town, look no further. The bests dentist in town is at Victory Plaza dental group in North Hollywood.
Contact us for a consultation at Victory Plaza dental group in North Hollywood, and we will speak with you about your options. We can discuss the procedures, the average cost of tooth implant, and the average cost of dentures.