When you lose a tooth, several teeth, or perhaps all of your natural teeth, one of the first things you are likely to think about is how to replace them. There are a few possibilities available, but dentures and dental implants are two of the most commonly discussed. They are quite different approaches, and the price can also be very different at the outset. This can make dentures appear to be the obvious choice if you are looking purely at the initial cost.<\/p>\n
But is the cheapest option necessarily the most cost effective over the years?<\/p>\n
Dentures have been used successfully for generations and remain a perfectly good option for many people. They can replace individual teeth, several missing teeth, or an entire set, usually without the need for surgery. Their initial cost also makes them attractive to a lot of our Ipswich patients for obvious reasons. Dental implants, on the other hand, involve placing the implant into the jawbone. These can then support replacement teeth, such as individual crowns, bridges or implant-retained dentures. The treatment is more involved, and this is reflected in the initial cost.<\/p>\n
However, it is worth looking at what you are actually getting for that money and how long you expect the replacement teeth to last.<\/p>\n
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A well-made denture can last for some time, but it will not necessarily last forever. The mouth changes as we get older, and after teeth have been removed<\/a>, the bone that previously supported their roots can gradually reduce. This can alter the shape of the gums and affect the way a denture fits. This is one of the main reasons that dentures start to move around or become uncomfortable. Sometimes, it may be possible for an existing denture to be adjusted or relined. Eventually, though, a replacement may be needed. These are costs that are easily overlooked when comparing the price of dentures with dental implants.<\/p>\n One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they are fixed in place rather than simply resting on the gums. For patients of the Foxhall Dental Practice who have struggled with loose dentures, this can make a considerable difference. Implant-supported teeth generally feel more secure when eating and speaking. There is also no need to use messy denture adhesive to keep them in position. For many patients, this makes everyday life much more comfortable and easy to manage.<\/p>\n Dentures can work very well, but some people find that they need to adapt to them. Certain foods are often more difficult to eat, particularly if the denture moves when chewing. Some people become reluctant to eat hard or particularly sticky foods and may avoid them altogether, limiting their options when eating out. Dental implants provide a more secure biting and chewing solution. This is due to the fact that, unlike dentures, an artificial tooth root has been placed into the bone, providing a solid and secure \u2018anchor\u2019 for the replacement teeth to be fixed to.<\/p>\n There is another difference that is less obvious because it is happening beneath the gums. Natural tooth roots stimulate the surrounding jawbone. When a tooth is removed, that stimulation disappears and the bone can gradually reduce. A dental implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth and provides stimulation to the surrounding bone. This may help support the appearance of the face and gums over time.<\/p>\n There is no simple answer to this question because both dentures and implants are affected by factors such as oral hygiene, general health, smoking, the condition of the gums and how much they are used. Dentures may need replacing or adjusting during their lifetime whether through facial changes or through damage such as dropping the dentures while cleaning them. Dental implants can last for many years and, with good care, can potentially remain secure in place for decades. The crown, bridge or denture attached to an implant may need maintenance or replacement before the implant itself does.<\/p>\nImplants and stability<\/h3>\n
Eating with dentures and implants<\/h3>\n
Bone loss<\/h3>\n
How long does each option last?<\/h3>\n
Implants have other benefits too<\/h3>\n