General Dentistry

Dental Implants vs Dentures: What's the Difference?

Are you missing one or more teeth? Then you may be wondering if you should opt for dental implants or dentures? 

While both medical interventions offer us alternatives to our natural teeth, helping us restore our oral health and beautiful smiles, there are a few significant differences between implants and dentures

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are used to replace natural teeth, including the root. They are a permanent solution for missing teeth and they act and look very much like natural teeth. 

Dental implants require a more complex process and it can take up to six months until you can see the final results. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements of the natural teeth that are missing, as well as the tissue surrounding them. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing, and partial dentures are used when only a part of the teeth is missing. 

What is the difference between dental implants and dentures?

Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Comfort 

While both are solutions for missing teeth, dental implants are a permanent choice. The implant is placed in the jawline and has a natural-looking crown. Dentures are removable and need more care than implants, as they are not a fixed and permanent option.

  • Maintenance

Dental implants need the same care as natural teeth. That means proper oral hygiene as well as regular dentist check-ups. Dentures need more care as they have to be removed in order to clean them after each meal. You will also need to check the adhesive that lingers on your gums.

  • Cost

Dental implants do offer a more permanent and easy to maintain solution, compared to dentures, but this also affects the costs of having them. The material is also more durable, and the procedure involves more steps than dentures. Dentures are the more affordable option, especially if more teeth need to be replaced

  • Durability

Dental implants offer a long-term solution, and they can even last for a lifetime if they are properly taken care of. Dentures need periodical replacement. In the long term, dentures can cost the same or more than implants.

Dentures are an option if:

  • You need a quick fix for missing teeth
  • You don't have the funds for implants 
  • Your jawbone is not that strong 

Implants are an option if:

  • You want to replace the whole natural tooth
  • Look for a permanent solution
  • Don’t want to deal with the cleaning routine of dentures

We Can Help 

Dr. Friberg’s mission for Thrive Family Dental is to provide comprehensive dental care to Porters Neck and the surrounding areas with a well-trained and well-rewarded staff. This practice does not offer sedation of any kind. However, they do have a rehabilitative facility dog named Meadow who is there to help patients with dental anxiety.

Contact us today and let our staff help you and your dental health.

Do you have a question? Contact us now!

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