Dentures Vs. Dental Implants: What's Right For Me? 5 Things To Consider

Dentures and dental implants from Nova Cosmetic Dentistry are both great ways to replace missing teeth, protect your oral health, and restore your bite and your smile. 

However, they are very different procedures. Some patients may be better off with dental implants, while others may be more suitable for treatment with dentures. What’s the best choice for you? Read on, and find out as we discuss 5 things you should consider when choosing between dentures and dental implants.

1. Total Budget

If you are on a tight budget, dentures may be a better way to replace your teeth. Dentures are pretty affordable. Insurance usually covers dentures up to applicable yearly limits, which also keeps the cost down.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are a lot more expensive than dentures. They last longer and have lots of other benefits, but the high up-front cost means they may not be the right choice if you don't have a lot of money to spend on replacing your teeth.

2. Expected Treatment Lifespan

Full dentures usually last somewhere between 5-10 years before requiring replacement. Partial dentures last a bit longer, typically up to 10-15 years. This is pretty good, but still a lot shorter than dental implants.

Dental implants usually last 30+ years with proper care, and many patients are able to keep them for a lifetime. Implants may be a better option if you want long-lasting results.

3. Overall Treatment Time

Dentures can be fitted and made in about 3-4 weeks, in most cases. This allows you to restore your smile pretty quickly after tooth loss. Dental implants take a lot longer than this.

This is because, after your dental implant surgery, the implant has to bond with your jaw bone. This process is called “osseointegration,” and it’s what permanently locks the implant into place. However, this takes at least 3-6 months for most people.

4. Comfort & Convenience

Dentures are fairly comfortable when they’re fitted properly, but they do take some getting used to. They can still occasionally slip when you eat, speak, or bite, though. They also require a lot of special care, like soaking overnight, and removing your dentures and cleaning them after every meal.

Dental implants do not move or slip, and will look and feel completely natural. They can also usually be treated similarly to natural teeth. Just brush and floss regularly to keep them in good shape. 

5. Bone Health And Density

If you have a healthy mouth and a strong jaw bone, dental implants may be a good choice for you. Even if your jaw bone is weak or not healthy enough to support an implant, you can usually get a “bone graft” to restore and strengthen your jaw, and successfully get implant treatment.

However, this does cost more money, require additional surgery, and prolong the implant treatment process by up to 6 months. Some patients may simply choose to get dentures instead, particularly older individuals who may not want to wait more than a year to restore their teeth. 

Should I Choose Implants Or Dentures? Find Out At Nova Cosmetic Dentistry! 

Both dentures and dental implants have their pros and cons, and it may be hard for you to choose the right option for your situation. But you don’t have to go it alone! At Nova Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Lana Waibel can discuss each of these procedures in detail with you, and help you choose the one that’s right for your unique needs, your budget, and your preferences. 

So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (267) 405-2727 to schedule a consultation today, and take the first steps toward restoring your smile with dentures or dental implants in Ambler.