Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
Decaying or loose teeth can adversely affect your eating habits due to the struggle with biting and chewing. Moreover, debilitating oral health can lead to other problems like migraine and headaches, jeopardising your overall well being.
Consequently, it is exponential to opt for immediate medical attention. Dental experts, including periodontists and prosthodontists, use effective orthodontic treatments like dental implants and dentures to make sure your oral hygiene is properly restored.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a screw-shaped metal or ceramic post placed in a patient's jawbone or cheekbone. Alternatively, in some instances, a metal frame containing several such posts is fitted beneath your gums.
The purpose of this endosseous fixture is to provide stable support to the replacement tooth a dentist puts in the place of a missing tooth. In other words, these posts perform the role of an artificial teeth root to create a foundation to ensure the artificial teeth can perform similarly to their organic counterparts.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures, on the other hand, are orthodontic plates containing a single or a set of artificial teeth replacing the natural ones on your gum lines. The tissues of the surrounding oral cavity ensure that this device remains stable in your mouth during eating and speaking.
Dentures are made of hard acrylic resin, so it is also capable of imitating the functions of the gums when providing support to the teeth.
What Are the Differences Between Dental Implants and Dentures?
The effectiveness of dental implants and dentures can vary based on a case-to-case basis. Suffice it to say, these two procedures have some unique characteristics which set them apart from each other.
So, take a look below at the differences between dental implants and dentures. This can help you make an informed decision on which procedure is an ideal choice for your oral health.
| ParParameters | Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Purpose | Implants are used to replace original tooth roots. | Dentures are a prosthetic substitute for the teeth. |
| Connection to Bone Density | Traditional dental implants require a healthy jawbone. | It is possible to fit the dentures in a patient's mouth irrespective of the bone density. |
| Permanency | Dental implants are, in general, permanent in nature. | Dentures are removable and need replacements after a certain period. |
| Resorption Risks | Because they surrogate natural roots, implants can resist the jawbone structure from decay. | As they are placed on top of your gums, dentures can not help in protecting your jawbone from corrosion. |
| Natural Teeth Preservation | Implants do not hurt the surrounding teeth or the natural tissues. | Fitting and movement of dentures are capable of damaging your adjoining teeth. |
| Eating Comfort | There are no restrictions regarding foods that can/cannot be consumed with your dental implants. | As these appliances are prone to slide away often, you need to avoid biting into hard foods, so there is no denture dislocation. |
| Slurring Risks | With implants, there is no risk of slippage leading to slurring while speaking. | Ill-fitting dentures can lead to slurring your words, affecting your self-confidence. |
| Cost | Dental implants are comparatively costlier, as the price can go up as far as 50,000 INR. | Dentures are a comparatively budget-friendly alternative, as the maximum cost averages around 25,000 INR. |
| Ideal Age Group | In general, people in their early 20s to their 60s are considered the ideal recipient of dental implants. | Older individuals are more likely to use dentures, as the invasive procedures of an implant may not be the best-suited option for them. |
| Sinus Infection Risks | Fitting dental implants can inadvertently trigger your sinus tissues. | With a proficient dentistry expert, there is no such risk of a sinus infection. |
Why Is It Important to Opt for Dental Implants and Dentures?
Leaving a missing tooth without the proper attention can lead to a number of health concerns. Getting a denture or an implant according to your dentist's suggestion is a reliable way to avoid complications such as:
- The adjoined teeth gradually become misaligned and crooked
- Facing difficulties with maintaining your natural dietary habits, leading to secondary health problems like malnutrition.
- The risks of more teeth loss and gum disease increase exponentially. These problems can become a contributing factor to further complications down the line, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart issues.
- A higher chance of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) in the long run caused by continued ignorance in fixing the oral issue.
- Muscle pains and dental sensitivity caused by a malocclusion.
- Your facial structure is getting adversely affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should dentures be avoided?
If you are struggling with Periodontal disease, it is best not considering dentures a viable option. Additionally, if you have a high pharyngeal reflex, then adjusting a bulky denture can feel troublesome on your end.
When should dental implants be avoided?
Dentists suggest young children and pre-teens must not get an implant, as they do not have a fully developed jawbone tissue. It is also ideal to postpone this surgery if you are pregnant. Moreover, there can be negative ramifications of dental implants if you have the habit of smoking, haemophilia, and certain immune deficiencies.
What are the best practices to keep your teeth healthy?
Flossing and brushing regularly go a long way, so you should not skip these practices. Gently brushing your teeth and tongue helps in maintaining your oral health by resisting plaque build-up inside your mouth.
Is mouthwash effective for your dental health?
The mineral-rich mouthwashes are highly effective in sustaining your gum and teeth's overall well being. In addition to removing plaques, these can prevent gingivitis and cavities. Furthermore, rinsing your mouth with fluoride-rich mouthwashes is also effective in getting rid of bad breath.