Wouldn’t it be easier to make a decision if the alternatives were boxers in a match? They could battle, and you’d go with the winner! Well, if you’re choosing between dentures and dental implants, you can imagine them as fighters as you consider various pros and cons.
Let the match begin! After three rounds, you may see which one typically stands above the other.
Round 1: Affordability
Early on, dentures get the upper hand and cost significantly less than dental implants, making it appealing to many patients. In fact, those who choose this form of tooth replacement often cite cost as the primary reason.
Then again, if you have a long-term view of the finances involved in tooth replacement, you may see a different outcome. About every 5 years, traditional dentures need to be replaced with a new set. With time, these costs can add up and surpass the upfront cost of dental implants. Therefore, in the long run, dental implants may come out on top in affordability.
Round 2: Strength
When you first receive your dentures, they should fit snugly in your mouth. After you adjust to eating with them in, you should be able to eat most foods you like when you cut them into smaller pieces. Furthermore, studies show that traditional dentures give you about 25 percent of your original biting force, which means you might still enjoy a juicy steak or a raw apple, but you’ll need to take extra steps to aid biting and chewing.
In contrast, dental implants restore about 70 percent of your biting strength, meaning these replacements pack a powerful punch! These natural-feeling prosthetic teeth enable you to eat basically whatever you could eat before tooth loss.
Round 3: Jawbone Preservation
Tooth loss not only takes away the visible part of the tooth but also the root, which essentially stimulates the jawbone. Without the root structure, the jawbone loses density with time, becoming weaker and shrinking. Although dentures can prevent total facial collapse when closing your mouth, they do nothing to stop this deterioration process.
Dental implants, on the other hand, step up and replace the entire tooth, root and crown. As a result, the jawbone remains stimulated and preserved, and your facial shape stays intact for the long term.
At this point, you might as well call it a knockout! In general, dental implants are the most recommended treatment option because they are clearly advantageous in many ways over traditional dentures. However, each situation is unique and deserves individual consideration and collaboration with your dentist. So, instead of wrestling with yourself, talk to your dentist about your replacement options and pick the right one for your smile.
About the Author
As the daughter of a naval dentist, Dr. Jenny Miedema decided to follow his example. After dental school, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the VA Dental Clinic in Togus, ME, where she got not only to serve military veterans but also to learn advanced treatment and procedures like dental implants. If you would like to meet with Dr. Miedema, you can contact her Winham practice Roosevelt Dental online or call the office at 207-894-5580.