Are Dentures Better than Dental Implants?

Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace all or many missing teeth. They attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps, forming a suction seal that keeps them in place. Dentures are custom-made for every patient.

There are different types of dentures, including:

- Complete dentures

- Partial dentures

- Overdentures

- Immediate dentures

- Implant-supported dentures

Complete dentures replace all of the teeth on one or both dental arches. Partial dentures replace one or a few teeth. Overdentures are dentures that go over your dental implants. Immediate dentures are dentures that are created before your teeth are extracted, and can be worn immediately after removal. Implant-supported dentures are dentures that attach to dental implants.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into your jaw. Once the posts are healed, an abutment and crown are placed on top. The crown is the visible portion of your smile. They look and feel just like a normal, functioning tooth. Dental implants are the right choice if you have healthy gums and adequate jawbone structure to support the procedure. Dental implants are more expensive than dental bridges and dentures, but they offer many benefits.

Which Treatment Is Better for Me?

Unfortunately, dental implants can take many months to complete. First, you’ll need to have the initial procedure to place the dental posts in your jawbone. This can take several months to heal, but afterward, you’ll return to have the abutments and dental crowns attached.

However, some people prefer to get dentures, which can typically be completed in just one appointment and can be placed on the same day as your initial tooth extraction.

Dentures are removable and can be applied quickly. However, they need to be replaced every 5-10 years and can cause some discomfort. While dental implants are permanent, they do require oral surgery.

Dental implants also don’t impact the surrounding teeth like bridges. Since your remaining teeth are not altered, your remaining teeth are not at risk for decay.

To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments, visit Wedgewood Dental offices at 713 Salem Avenue Suite A, Rolla MO 65401 or 1116 S. Main Street, Salem MO 65560. You can also reach us at (573)368-7325 or (573)729-7701 and schedule an appointment.