Confused Between Dentures or Implants: Know How to Choose

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: January 7, 2024

FACT CHECKED

One of the most difficult decisions you may have to make about your oral health, comfort, and way of life is whether to opt between dentures and dental implants. Let’s compare them for you:

Dentures

Pros:

1. Affordability: Dentures tend to be cheaper at the outset than implants.
2. Non-invasive: There is no need to surgically insert dentures.
3. Variety: They can replace a few or all of the missing teeth in partial or full dentures.
4. Easily modified: They are quite easy to alter or substitute in the case of need.

Cons:

1. Maintenance: They have to be removed often for cleaning and replaced.
2. Bone loss: Wearing dentures does not halt the resorption process of the bone in the jaw. Additionally, dentures will likely need changes because the form of the jaw will change over time.
3. Less stability: They are not as stable and can interfere with talking and eating.
4. Replacing: Dentures are typically replaced every 5-10 years.

Dental Implants

Pros:

1. Longevity: They can last very long, even up to a lifetime, if looked after properly.
2. Stability: They feel and function like natural teeth, hence they offer excellent stability when eating or speaking.
3. Preservation of bone: They integrate with the jawbone, hence reducing the level of bone loss.
4. Low maintenance: They do not require any special cleaning or removal for maintenance.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost: These implants are more expensive initially, as compared to dentures, but they are worth it as a long-term investment.
2. Surgery: Most Implant placements involve a surgical procedure, including the healing period.
3. Time: The process from placing to final restoration takes some months.
4. Requirement of Healthy Gums and Jawbone: In addition, not all people can avail of implants due to issues in the densities of bones or gums.

How to Choose

1. Budget: Keep in mind your budget and whether you are comfortable with the initial investment involved in implants.
2. Health: Take a look at your oral health, bone density, and condition of your gums; consult with a dentist if you are a suitable candidate for implants.
3. Lifestyle: Depending on your lifestyle and your activities of daily living and your preferences, it may be considered whether you want more permanency or if you prefer an easier, hassle-free alternative; in which case, implant treatment may be preferred. On the other hand, if one desires flexibility or initial cost to be more critical, dentures can be recommended better.
4. Long-term goals: If the aim is for a durable, long-lasting solution, implants will probably align more with your goals.

Conclusion

Whether you choose dentures or implants is based on certain factors, including your budget, health, and lifestyle, along with your long-term goals. Of course, a qualified dentist or prosthodontist will be able to give personalized advice on your needs. Ultimately, both options have their positive features, and the best option is derived by considering these factors and weighing all pros and cons.