Losing teeth can be stressful. Whether it’s due to age, an accident, or dental issues, missing teeth can make everyday tasks like eating and speaking more challenging. You might also feel self-conscious about your smile.
Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your needs. Let’s break down six key differences between them so you can choose with confidence.
1. Appearance and Comfort of Dental Implants vs. Dentures
If you’re looking for a solution that looks and feels as close to natural teeth as possible, dental implants are often the better choice. They are surgically placed into your jawbone, which helps them stay secure and feel natural. Once healed, they blend in with your existing teeth, making them almost indistinguishable.
Dentures, on the other hand, are removable. While modern dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth, they may not always fit perfectly. Over time, they can shift in your mouth, especially if your jawbone structure changes.
2. Stability and Functionality in Daily Use
Imagine biting into an apple or enjoying a crunchy snack. With implants, you don’t have to think twice. Since they are anchored in your jawbone, they provide strong, stable support, allowing you to eat almost anything without worry.
Dentures, however, may not offer the same level of stability. They rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place, which means they can slip while eating or speaking. Some foods, like sticky or hard items, can be challenging to chew.
3. Longevity and Durability
One major difference between dentures and implants is how long they last. Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, though the crown on top may need replacement after 10-15 years.
Dentures, however, have a shorter lifespan. Over time, your gums and jawbone change, which affects the fit of your dentures. Most people need to replace or adjust their dentures every 5-7 years. This means that while dentures may seem more affordable upfront, they could require more maintenance and replacements in the long run.
4. Bone Health and Jaw Structure
One lesser-known benefit of dental implants is that they help maintain jawbone health. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area starts to shrink over time. Since implants are placed directly into the bone, they stimulate it just like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss.
Dentures do not provide this stimulation. In fact, wearing dentures for years can lead to bone resorption, where the jawbone slowly shrinks. This can cause changes in facial structure, making the face appear more sunken over time.
5. The Fit and Feel of Custom Fit Dentures vs. Implants
If you opt for dentures, getting custom fit dentures is essential for comfort. These are designed specifically for your mouth, ensuring they fit better than generic or poorly made ones. However, even the best-fitting dentures may take some getting used to, and adjustments may be needed over time.
Implants, once placed and healed, feel almost identical to natural teeth. Since they don’t shift around, there’s no discomfort from movement or irritation from friction against your gums. If you struggle with the idea of a removable appliance, implants may be the better option.
