Why Dentures When You Can Get Implants Instead?

As dental technology advances, treatment options advance with it. Implants have emerged as an effective solution for patients who are missing some or all of their teeth. In fact, many patients are choosing implants as an alternative to traditional dentures! Why are implants so popular, and why would anyone consider getting dentures instead?

Learn more about the benefits of implants, the reasons why dentures are still a viable treatment option, and the ideal solution for most patients.

Benefits of Implants

Let's start with the benefits of implants. Why do so many people prefer implants over dentures?

Comfort

Implants are significantly more comfortable than dentures. They are permanently fixed to the jawbone, which means that they do not slip or fall out, something that dentures have the habit of doing. This slippage is what makes dentures cause irritation.

Appearance

Implants look more like natural teeth than dentures. They also preserve the jawbone, unlike dentures, which maintains the fascial structure and makes the wearer look younger. Again, implants do not slip like dentures, saving the wearer from embarrassment.  

Strength

Implants are stronger than dentures, which means they do not break during use and will not need to be fixed or replaced.

Ability

Chewing is a lot more natural for people who have implants than it is for those who wear dentures. Implants also cover less of the palate and gums than dentures, which allows for more taste. It is estimated that people who wear dentures lose 70% of their ability to taste.

Ease of Use

It is difficult to transition to dentures after a lifetime of natural teeth. Implants make this transition easier. They look and act more like natural teeth and they are cleaned by brushing and flossing. Dentures must be removed for cleaning and sleeping.

Health

Implants are more beneficial to overall dental health than dentures. As mentioned, they preserve the jawbone. Implants also do not trap food and promote decay as dentures can.

Cost

Although dentures are typically cheaper than implants at first, implants typically come out cheaper over the long term. This is because they do not require expensive creams, adhesives, cleaning solutions, and replacements.

Longevity

Whereas dentures last 7-15 years on average, implants last upwards of 25 years. That's 10 more years of life!

Reasons for Dentures

With this many benefits in favor of implants, why do people choose dentures at all? There are two primary reasons:

1. Health - Implants require dental surgery. If for health reasons a patient cannot undergo surgery, their dentist will not recommend implants.
2. Cost - Many people cannot afford the high, initial cost of implants, so they opt for paying less for dentures upfront (more long-term).

Although there are many benefits to implants, dentures are still a viable treatment option for many people!

Ideal Solution

With all of this in mind, what is the best option for most patients with missing teeth? It is actually a combination of implants and dentures! Today, most dentists are placing 2-4 implants in the jaw to support a denture that snaps into place.

Are you missing some or all of your teeth? We would love to talk more about treatment options with you. At South Anchorage Dental Center, we have been providing comprehensive, family dental care for many years, including implant and denture treatments. Give us a call!