How Dental Implants and Dentures Differ

If you have lost some or all of your teeth or are soon to have them extracted, you are probably thinking about getting dentures or dental implants. Without understanding the differences between these systems, it will be difficult to make your choice. Finding a good dentist will give you a source from whom to ask questions. But if you want to know some of the basic differences, here they are.

In years past, dentures were the only option for those who needed a full set of teeth replacements. Unless you simply wanted to live without teeth of any kind, there really weren’t any good alternatives. Today, things have changed. With the combination of advanced products and better techniques, patients can now choose to have dental implants. These are usually much more expensive than dentures, but they offer a lot of advantages that other systems do not. For those who are only missing a couple of teeth, they can be a substitute for removable teeth. Many patients prefer to have a more permanent replacement.

Even today, when a full replacement of the entire set of teeth is required, many dentists recommend conventional dentures. They come in a set of upper and lower replacements. The upper plate is designed to suction against the roof of the mouth. In many cases, they are used in conjunction with some kind of special adhesive that will prevent them from falling out at an inopportune time. Of course, though this adhesive will keep the dentures in place, it will also interfere somewhat with the patient’s ability to enjoy various flavors. There are several reasons why many patients have trouble with a set of dentures. Those with a sensitive gag reflex may find it very difficult to get used to having them in their mouth. Additionally, gum recession following tooth loss can cause problems with the replacements.

With dental implants, replacement teeth are inserted right into the gums, creating a system much more similar to an actual set of teeth. The appearance of these teeth is rather more natural looking than dentures and they are certainly less trouble for the patient. As stated, however, having them surgically implanted can be expensive. Once they are in, however, they are very stable and many patients can continue to enjoy their artificial teeth just as they would their original set. Anyone who is interested in getting dental implants should discuss the possibility with their dentist to see if they are a viable candidate.