Dentures vs Dental Implants: What’s Right for You?

Studies estimate that approximately 178 million people in the United States have at least one tooth missing, and about 40 million are edentulous or missing all their teeth. In the past, limited options existed for replacing missing teeth, and even less were available if you were missing several or all of your teeth. But improved dental materials such as dentures and dental implants now make it possible to replace teeth with natural-appearing alternatives. But what’s the right option for you? Learn more, below. And for dental implants we offer services in North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island and Hanahan, SC.

At Trident General Dentistry, we are pleased to offer restorative dentistry services such as dentures and dental implants in our Charleston, SC offices. Book an appointment with us today!

What Are Dentures?

Dentures replace missing teeth and gums with a removable dental appliance. If you’re missing all or several of your teeth, dentures can help you improve your smile, chew food more easily, and speak more clearly. The two kinds of dentures available are complete dentures and partial dentures. The option that’s right for you depends on if you have any remaining natural teeth:

Complete Dentures

Approximately 40 million people in the United States have no natural teeth. Complete dentures replace a row of missing upper or lower teeth. Complete upper and lower dentures replace all missing natural teeth. Advances in denture technology allow dentists to create high-quality and comfortable dentures to provide you with a natural appearance. 

Complete dentures consist of artificial teeth and a base that simulates natural-appearing gums. Most dentures are made of acrylic resin, although some have porcelain teeth. A complete upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while a lower denture is U-shaped and fits over the teeth, leaving room for the tongue.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture replaces several missing teeth and uses natural teeth to retain the denture. The remaining natural teeth must be strong and healthy enough to withstand the denture’s added stress. Typically, removable partial dentures contain a combination of acrylic and metal.

Pros of Dentures

Here are the pros of dentures:

  • Usually involve less treatment time than procedures such as implants.
  • Can provide a natural appearance.
  • Supply support for facial muscles to prevent their sagging. 
  • Are an affordable solution to replace missing teeth.
  • Easy to maintain.

Cons of Dentures

Here are some cons of dentures:

  • Require an initial period to adjust to eating and speaking while wearing them.
  • Need remaking every few years due to loss of underlying supporting bone.
  • May cause a decrease in the ability to taste some foods.
  • Can slip while eating or speaking.

What Are Dental Implants?

 A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. Most implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy that fuses to the bone of the jaw for a secure, comfortable, and natural feeling. After implant placement, a crown is used to replace the natural tooth and is visible in the mouth. Dental implants can help restore a single tooth, several teeth, or all teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges replace several missing teeth by permanently attaching the replacement teeth to existing ones. Many people prefer this instead of a removable partial denture.  

The advantages of implant-supported bridges include:

  • Help preserve the supporting bone of the remaining teeth.
  • Deliver a more natural feeling than removable partial dentures.
  • Cause no damage to the remaining teeth.
  • Offer a very natural appearance.

The disadvantages of implant-supported bridges include:

  • Increased cost.
  • More treatment time.
  • The need for a sufficient healthy bond to support the implant.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures combine the benefits of implants and dentures. They rest on four to six dental implants.

 The advantages of implant-supported dentures include:

  • Helps prevent the loss of supporting bone.
  • Easy home care.
  • Ability to eat a regular diet with no limitations.
  • Supply a more natural feel to dentures.
  • More stable.
  • No slipping of the denture while eating and speaking.
  • A more permanent solution than traditional dentures due to preservation of supporting bone.
  • Greater comfort and less movement of dentures.

Implant-supported dentures require surgical placement of implants which makes it a more costly and time-consuming choice.

Contact Trident General Dentistry

Whether you need to replace several or all your teeth, Trident General Dentistry can discuss whether dentures or dental implants are right for you. Contact us for a consultation to learn more.

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