Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?

Our dentists use both dentures and dental implants to replace teeth. Do you know what tooth replacement options are right for you? Each patient is different which is why it’s important to know the pros and cons of each.

We are here to help you make an informed decision about your dental treatment. For more information, contact our office today to request a consultation with one of our dental implant dentists in Grand Rapids, MI.

Dentures Vs. Dental Implants

Dentures

Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentists may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth.

Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your dentures, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleanser so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp.

Types of Dentures

We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, conventional or complete, and immediate dentures. Let’s briefly run through each type.

• Immediate Dentures: Usually temporary for transitional purposes and often placed immediately after tooth extraction. They may not fit as well due to the muscular readjustment required and natural shrinkage of the gums.
• Conventional Full Dentures: After time, permanent dentures that conform to your mouth can be fabricated. These are crafted to look and function like natural teeth.
• Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs): Typically made of cast vitallium, these metal-based removable dentures are much lighter and less obtrusive than plastic alternatives.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown. Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth.

This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures. Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily.

Which Option Should I Choose?

While dentures are more affordable than dental implants, they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it’ll start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere.

Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be weakens and deteriorates. Teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space.

Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to wear dentures.

The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid long-term health issues caused by missing teeth.

Am I a Candidate for the Dental Implant Procedure?

You’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant. For successful osseointegration, there has to be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone.

Our dental implant dentists will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for the dental implant procedure. Even if you’re not a candidate for dental implants, we can help you explore your other tooth replacement options.

Schedule an Appointment

Our dental implant dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, are dedicated to helping you restore your smile after tooth loss. To request an appointment at Contemporary Family Dental, call (616) 209-3969.

This blog post has been updated.