The Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures

Traditional dentures are reliable tooth replacements. For centuries, people have depended on dentures and partials for chewing and smiling. Dental implants are a relatively “new” treatmen by comparison, but that doesn’t mean the concept hasn’t been around just as long.

If you need to replace one or more teeth, you have a few good reasons to think about getting one of today’s modern dental implants instead of a removable full or partial denture.

Implants vs Dentures: Aesthetics

When you compare dentures with implants, which look better? Both can be made to appear very natural. Implants, however, have a slight advantage.

Dentures, full or partial, could be seen in your mouth if someone was looking closely enough. Implants, however, are virtually undetectable.

Implants are metal “roots” that stay seated snugly below the gums. They’re topped off with a lifelike ceramic restoration like a dental crown or bridge. The metal part of the implant is completely hidden. Only the natural-looking restoration is visible, so no one ever has to know that it’s not a “real” tooth.

Implants vs Dentures: Eating

You can chew a wide variety of foods even if you have dentures, but it may take a little practice to become proficient. With dentures, biting pressure is greatly reduced. Most likely, there will always be some foods you’ll have to cut up if you want to eat them with a removable prosthesis, such as:

● Apples
● Steaks
● Lettuce
● Tough breads and rolls
● Pizza

Dental implants on the other hand, have a solid anchor in the bone. This makes them just about as strong as a natural tooth when it comes to chewing food. An implant can handle almost anything natural teeth can.

Implants vs Dentures: Security

Probably the biggest reason people don’t like dentures is the fact that they can rock and slip around. A well-fitted denture shouldn’t cause you any trouble. But you could suffer from the constant fear of what would happen if you sneezed at a party!

Once an implant is in place, it won’t go anywhere. There’s no need for any denture adhesives, either.

Implants vs Dentures: Smile Shape

There is one more added benefit of implants that you may not be aware of. That’s their potential to preserve the shape of your smile.

Traditional dentures rest directly on top of gum tissue. They put pressure on the underlying bone when you bite down. Over time, this kind of force can cause bone in your jaw to shrink away and make your smile look shorter and sunken in.

Because implants are set inside the bone, they can help stimulate it to keep growing much like natural tooth roots do. It can actually be good for the bone in your jaw when you bite down on your implant to chew food. Your soft facial tissues are supported as a result.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Although dental implants have several advantages over traditional dentures, they aren’t automatically a good option for everyone. Some people will do better with dentures because of their individual circumstances and preferences.

There are certain dental and overall health requirements you must meet in order to qualify for a dental implant procedure. Your dentist is your best resource in determining which tooth replacement option is right for you.

Contact a local implant dentist today to schedule a consultation.