One takes longer than other
Price may be big factor but so will longevity
As dental technology improves, both dentures and dental implants have become an option for many people. The question is: Which one is better?
Here is some information about both so that people can make a decision between dentures and dental implants.
Dentures
When the patient gets a new set of dentures, especially if it’s their first set ever, they will undergo a transition period where they have to learn how to speak and to eat since it’s a different feeling in their mouths.
It’s very important that they are very aware of how the dentures fit. There’s going to be a bit of discomfort initially, but then things should feel normal. If the dentures hurt, though and feels like they are cutting into the gums, then that means they don’t fit well. This is not a situation where the patient should try to gut through it – it will only get worse and may need emergency dental work if infection sets in.
The dentures need to be brushed at least once a day to wash away food particles and removed nightly and soaked in a special solution overnight to make certain that they don’t dry out and are sterile in the morning.
Dentures, when cared for properly, last roughly seven years before they need to be replaced. They have to be handled carefully otherwise they may break or need to be re-lined.
Dental implants
The dental implant process, especially to achieve the most stabilized one, is a multi-month process that involves a lot of patient waiting. There are some same-day implants, but the short-term gain of the immediate implants is traded off with more visits for adjustments as the jaw and teeth realign as the implant spots heal.
The first thing the dentist will do is ensure that there is enough bone mass in the jaw. If there’s not enough mass to support the implant, which is a titanium screen that will fuse with the jawbone to create a new root for the replacement tooth to be attached to.
Once it has been established that there is enough mass, the dentist or specialist cleans out the area and inserts the screw… and then waits for several months to allow the screw and jawbone to fuse. Then after a satisfactory exam, the replacement tooth is screwed on.
Once the implant has been inserted, it acts just like a normal tooth. One can eat and drink as close to how they previously did before the implant. They also brush and floss like normal – they don’t have to take anything out each night. It’s also far more durable, lasting approximately 25 years – which is practically a lifetime for many who’ll get it later in life.
Other Deciding Factors
The number one thing that factors into whether someone gets dentures or dental implants is the price. Even then, there’s a possibility they don’t think the entire thing through. Yes, the upfront cost of a single dental implant can be around $4,000, but it typically needs no upkeep aside from regular brushing and flossing and it lasts for up to 25 years. The same can’t be said of dentures, which may have a lower initial cost, but may need constant repairs or reclining and need to be replaced overall every five to seven years, which then will cost more money.
Even if a patient can’t afford the initial large sum, they may be able to work out financing with the dentist’s office to pay it off over time.
Whatever your decision, the staff at Esthetix Dental Spa will gladly work with you to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you wind up with the best smile possible.
