Losing one or more natural teeth will severely impact the overall quality of your everyday life. When thinking about replacing lost teeth, there are two major options to consider – dental implants and traditional dentures. Both are classified as dental prosthetic and whilst they will restore your smile completely, they do utilize very different methods and materials. Knowing the differences between these two options will help you decide which is the best choice for your personal health goals.

Structure and Integration of Dental Implants and Dentures Explained

The main difference between dental implants and traditional dentures is how they attach and integrate with your mouth.

• Dental Implants – Dental implants are artificial roots made from titanium. They are implanted directly into the jaw bone so will fuse with the bone naturally.
• Traditional Dentures – Traditional dentures are a form of removable prosthetic. Full dentures will require suction to hold onto your gums. Partial dentures use metal clasps to attach to other natural teeth.
• Implant Supported Dentures – If you’re looking for something in between, implant supported over-dentures are a great option. A removable denture will snap securely into place around two to four dental implants.

How Tooth Replacement Options Affect Your Jawbone Density and Health?

Whether you have artificial roots or not will affect how your jaw bone reacts.

• Bone Density – When you eat using natural teeth or implants, the pressure will travel down into your jaw bone. This will trigger your body to maintain the natural bone height and density.
• Bone Loss – Traditional dentures sit on top of your gums with no stimulation to your jaw bone. Natural bone will begin to be lost due to no stimulation from the root.
• Loss of Fit – Over time your jaw will begin to dissolve underneath your traditional dentures. This will cause your dentures to no longer fit correctly meaning they will require regular relining or resizing every few years.

Eating Comfort and Speech: Comparing Modern Tooth Replacement Options

One of the most obvious differences between natural teeth and dentures is how they effect how you eat and talk.

• Natural Bite Strength – Dental implants will give you back around 80-90% of your natural bite strength.
• Poor Bite Strength – Traditional dentures will give you around 20-30% of your natural bite strength. Often you’ll have to cut up your food into very small pieces to help you eat.
• Natural Speech – Implants will never move due to being firmly attached to your jaw bone. This will allow you to have natural movement of your tongue meaning your speech won’t be mumbled, clicking or moving.

Daily Cleaning and Care Tips for Implants and Removable Dentures

To ensure a happy long term result, you’ll need to consider how easy they are to incorporate into your daily routine.

• Dental Implants – Dental implants are very easy to keep clean. Simply brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss around the post and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash. You’ll also need to have your teeth checked every 6 months by a dentist.
• Traditional Dentures – To keep your dentures clean you’ll need to take them out every night. You’ll need to gently clean them using special non-abrasive denture cleaners. They’ll also need to be soaked in water overnight.
• Gum Care – When wearing dentures you’ll need to clean your gums, tongue and roof of mouth using a soft brush to avoid fungal growth which can cause sores and irritation.

Comfort, Confidence and Appearance After Tooth Replacement Treatment

How comfortable your dental restoration makes you will impact how confident you feel.

• Comfortable – Dental implants are firmly attached to your jaw bone meaning you’ll feel, look and function just like natural teeth. They won’t cause any bulky feeling in your mouth thanks to no plastic plate on your roof. You’ll also still be able to taste everything as normal.
• Uncomfortable – Traditional full upper dentures will cause your food to lose flavor due to the acrylic plate sitting on your hard palate. Lower dentures can easily fall out when moving your tongue in an excited conversation or laugh.
• No irritation – Often dentures will cause irritation due to slipping. This can cause painful sores on your gums. Implants will not cause any irritation or movement.

Dental Implant and Denture Costs: Initial Price and Long-Term Value

Traditional dentures will cost much less initially.

• High Initial Cost – Traditional dentures will cost much less initially.
• Investment – Whilst implants are a bigger investment, they have a high 95-98% success rate. This means they can last you up to 25 years or even a lifetime with little repair costs.
• Cost Over Time – Over 10/20 years you’ll incur costs due to needing regular relines, paste, soak and replacement every 5-7 years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants and Dentures Answered

Can everyone have dental implants?

Most people with healthy jaws can have dental implants. You will need to have enough bone density and healthy gums. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smokers, undergoing radiation treatment on your jaw or have serious autoimmune conditions this can affect your bone healing and risk of failure. Specialist medical attention would be required.

Are implants more painful than dentures?

Dental implants are done under local anesthetic or sedation meaning the procedure itself will be pain free. You may feel some mild discomfort following treatment which can easily be managed with over the counter anti-inflammatory pain killers. Dentures do not involve any surgery however you may feel some soreness on your gums initially.

Can I convert from traditional dentures to implants?

Many people who have worn dentures for a long period of time choose to upgrade to implants or implant supported over-dentures. Due to bone loss caused by wearing dentures for a long period of time you may require a bone graft to build up your jaw prior to having implants.

Do implants look more natural?

Both modern implants and dentures look fantastic thanks to natural colored ceramics and realistic gums. However, implants are more natural as they will grow from your gums and there is no bulky acrylic plate.

Ultimately your choice will depend on your oral health, bone density, budget and lifestyle. Dental implants offer the best permanent solution to replace your teeth with no bone loss, full bite strength and easy cleaning. Dentures are an affordable non-surgical option that will quickly restore your smile. Speak to your dental specialist today to find out what type of jaw you have and what the best option for you is.