What Is The Difference Between Dentures & Dental Implants?

If you want to replace one or more missing teeth in Riverside, you may be considering dental implants or dentures. But what are the differences between these treatments? 

In this blog from Riverside Tooth Co., we’ll explain the differences between these treatments, and how they compare when it comes to versatility, cost, longevity, and oral health benefits. 

VERSATILITY – BOTH IMPLANTS & DENTURES CAN REPLACE ONE OR ALL MISSING TEETH

Both full and partial dentures are available. Full dentures replace all of your teeth. They require the extraction of any remaining teeth, and fit perfectly over your gums to restore your smile. Partial dentures clip onto your remaining healthy teeth, replacing one or more missing teeth.

Dental implants are similarly versatile. You can use one implant to restore a single missing tooth, or several implants to replace a few missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges can be used to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth, and implant-supported dentures can replace the entire upper or lower arch of your teeth. 

That means both treatments are very versatile, and either one may be a good option if you are missing one or more teeth.

ORAL HEALTH – IMPLANTS PROTECT & PRESERVE YOUR JAW BONE, UNLIKE DENTURES

Dental implants use titanium rods that are surgically implanted into your jaw and gum tissue. When you chew or bite, they transmit pressure into the jaw bone, stimulating it and strengthening it, and preventing bone resorption after tooth loss. This keeps your jaw healthy and strong.

In contrast, dentures do not do this. The jaw bone under your dentures will continue to deteriorate over time, which can eventually result in changes to your appearance, and require your dentures to be re-fitted. Because of this, dental implants are better for your overall oral health.

COST – DENTURES ARE CHEAPER THAN DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dentures are typically quite a bit less expensive compared to dental implants, and are almost always covered by dental insurance, while some insurers don’t cover the full cost of dental implants.

Whether you choose partial dentures or full dentures, you won’t pay nearly as much for your new smile, so dentures may be a good option if you’re on a tight budget.

LONGEVITY – DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST MUCH LONGER THAN DENTURES

Despite being more expensive, dental implants actually are a better value than dentures, because most patients are able to keep their implants for the rest of their lives. On the other hand, dentures usually wear out and need to be replaced every 5-10 years. 

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS IN MORE DETAIL AT RIVERSIDE TOOTH CO.

Making the decision to get dental implants or dentures isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t go it alone. Contact us online or give Riverside Tooth Co. a call at (951) 435-8264 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kabir Sandhu. As an experienced restorative dentist in Riverside, Dr. Sandhu can give you an estimate for the cost of your treatment, compare your options, and help you make the right choice.