Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Many customers will approach our staff at Ready 2 Smile Dental Group with missing, chipped, or cracked teeth, and inquire what services we offer that can replace them. Fortunately, these individuals have more than one option. Two of the most popular replacement options today include dental implants and dentures. Both interventions function to help replace missing teeth and allow a patient the ability to eat and talk with a full smile again, but they replace teeth in different ways. If you are a patient looking into both replacement options and trying to decide which solution is right for you, consult the information below to help make an educated decision.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a tooth replacement method that involves using a number of materials to help create one strong, functioning tooth. Titanium alloy rods are utilized to act as the tooth “root”, and are screwed into the patient’s jawbone. A crown is later put onto this rod, to act as the physical, top part of the tooth. Dentists will ensure that this crown matches the size, shape, and color of the rest of your natural teeth so that they all blend in together. This is considered a phenomenal dental solution for many patients, since they are strong, durable, and last for 20 years or longer. 

There is not one single type of dental implant. In fact, there are dental implant services for patients needing only one dental implant, and there are different services for individuals who need multiple implants. If a patient is looking to replace multiple teeth, especially in a row, they may be steered towards looking at all-on-4 or all-on-6 services. At Ready 2 Smile Dental Group, we also offer dental implant repairs and replacements, for if a dental implant does fall out.

Dentures Explained

Dentures are a tooth replacement intervention that utilizes artificial teeth and gums. In order for these to be made, a dentist will take a mold of the patient’s teeth, and then create the dentures based on this mold. Dentures can either be full or partial. While this option only lasts 3-5 years, they are the less expensive option.

Positives and Negatives

As an implant dentist, we can replace both the root and tooth. When you use dentures or a dental bridge to replace teeth, they only replace the visible portion of the tooth. While an effective way to restore your smile and ability to eat and speak, this does not provide the level of stimulation that your jawbone needs to prevent resorption. Your root and tooth stimulate your jawbone every time that you bite down and chew. This informs the body that your jaw is serving its purpose by supporting your teeth. Without teeth, your body will begin to leach calcium from your jawbone to distribute to other areas of the body. The loss of bone density can give you a sunken appearance and make you appear far older than you actually are. In addition, dental implants do not move around or “slip” the way that dentures do. 

Though dental implants are more stable than dentures, dentures are the more cost-effective solution. They are less invasive and do not involve any complex procedure. This can be a good solution for any patient looking to get their missing teeth replaced, but stay on a certain budget. 

Ready To Start Your Dental Journey?

At Ready 2 Smile Dental Group, we have been helping clients in the Temecula, CA area choose between dental implants and dentures for over 8 years. While we believe that both services can successfully help to replace a patient's missing teeth, we like to sit down with each client and educate them about their options. To learn more about our teeth replacement services, contact our office today!