Dentures vs. Implants
We don’t always have the ability to fully protect our teeth. Whether it’s due to accidents, cavities or otherwise, losing teeth is a fact of life for many people, regardless of age.
But, that doesn’t mean you have to live with a gap in your smile.
Today, you have more options than ever if the worst happens and you lose some, or all, of your teeth. The two main options are:
Dentures – which have been around for over a thousand years, but modern dental technology makes them more comfortable and useful than ever
Implants – which are the newest solution that permanently affixes a tooth to your jaw with a titanium post
Both of these solutions help get you back to your normal, so you can eat, speak and smile with confidence.
Each tooth replacement system has its own pros and cons. So, to help you decide which one is right for you, Our Lethbridge dental clinic covers the basics of what each offers (in time, comfort level and cost).
Procedure
Before you decide, it’s important to understand how each option works, and what the process will require from you.
Dentures
Getting a set of brand new dentures requires three visits to the dentist:
In the first visit, the dentist will inspect and measure your mouth to get an idea of how the dentures should fit. That information is used to create a set of preliminary dentures
On the second visit, your dentist will fit the preliminary dentures, noting how they sit and if the bite is correct. Using these additional notes, they will create a custom set of dentures that will work perfectly for you
During the third and final visit, they will give you your brand new, custom-fit dentures
Implants
Implants require a longer procedure, with added healing time between surgeries. As such, it can take six to nine months to complete the entire process.
During your first visit, your dentist will prepare your gums, including removing anything left of the tooth, or any root still left in your gums. They may also need to add bone grafts to your jaw if it is not strong enough
Once your gums are prepared and healed, the dentist will insert the implant post. This is a long procedure and will require a general anesthetic
Once your gum is healed, the abutment (where the crown or fake tooth is attached) is added
Finally, the crown is added and adjusted to your bite
Price
Dentures
A full set of dentures can cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to $2,000 depending on the design and materials used.
Implants
A single implant can cost around $3,000 dollars, including the crown.
Care
Dentures
Caring for your dentures is different from caring for your normal teeth. Instead of brushing, it’s best to take out your dentures at least once a day and clean them. You may also need to brush your gums to make sure there is nothing stuck to them that will cause discomfort when you put your dentures back in. Also, dentures shouldn’t be worn through the night. Instead, you should take them out and soak them in water or a cleaning solution.
Implants
Cleaning your implants is no more difficult than cleaning the teeth you were born with. That means brushing them at least twice a day, with a soft-bristle brush, and flossing.
Viability
While dentures can be made for just about anyone, implants aren’t so indiscriminate. Because implants are embedded directly in your jaw bone, they require a certain bone density to stay solid.
If you are unsure if your jawbone is dense enough to accept an implant, talk to your dentist.
Permanence
One of the main reasons people often choose implants over dentures is their permanence.
Because dentures are not permanently fitted, they are not able to move and change as your smile naturally does. This means over time, your dentures will stop fitting and you’ll have to get a new set from your dentist.
However, implants are as permanent as your natural teeth, and, barring any major incidents, they will stay with you throughout your life.
Making the right choice for you
When making the choice between dentures and implants, it’s important that you take into account all the above factors, as well as your own desires, needs and comfort.
If you aren’t sure which will work best, talk to an expert dentist in Lethbridge, as they will be able to guide you through the process.
Call us today at 403-381-1155 to schedule an appointment.