Dentures vs. Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing missing or damaged teeth, patients in Toronto have a few options, with dentures and implants being two of the most popular.

Why People Get Implants or Dentures

Dentures and implants both have the same purpose: to replace missing teeth. They allow patients to chew food, support facial muscles by restoring the natural jaw shape, improve speech, and many of our patients report increased self-esteem and decreased negative feelings about their appearance as a result of their treatment.

Why Choose One Option Over the Other

Other factors will determine which of the two options is best for you because they have the same end goals. Price, preference and the health of your jawbone and remaining teeth are all factors to consider.

Advantages of Implants

One of the biggest advantages of implants is that they don't require a lot of special care. Regular dental care is required to care for your implant(s); brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will keep your implant clean alongside your natural teeth. Another benefit of dental implants is that they are a more permanent solution, so patients in their 60s and younger may prefer them because they can last for decades (provided they are well cared for).

Some find that dental implants provide better chewing and comfort than dentures do.

Disadvantages of Implants

Implants are generally more expensive than dentures, which may be one of the reasons why patients choose dentures over implants. Another issue is that implants require a certain amount of bone density to be affixed to a patient's jaw, so if you've had bone loss in the past, they might not be a good fit for you.

Implants are also potentially subject to a number of health complications including infection and mechanical problems, such as loose posts or cracked crowns.

Advantages of Dentures

When compared to implants, dentures have the most immediate appeal because they are less expensive. They're also a better option for people who have lost bone in their jaw and don't want to undergo the more invasive treatments and procedures required to install a dental implant.

For these reasons, some patients are more likely to prefer dentures to implants.

Disadvantages of Dentures

Dentures are less permanent and removable than implants. Dentures also necessitate special care to keep them clean. Dentures must be removed and brushed after each meal in order to be cleaned (which should be done daily). It's also a good idea to brush away any leftover adhesive from your gums. Furthermore, you should not sleep with your dentures on. While you sleep, soak your dentures in water or a special cleaning solution.

You should also be aware that your mouth changes over time. To accommodate this, your dentist will need to refit your dentures on a regular basis. Implants are typically not required because they are permanent.