02 Dec Dentures vs. Dental Implants: What’s The Difference?
Dentures aren’t the only solution for missing teeth—dental implants are another great option for smile restoration. There are many differences between dentures and implants, and choosing the right option depends on a variety of factors. At Hicks Dental Group, we’re happy to answer your questions regarding different dental restorations. For your convenience, we’ve put together a guide to help you compare dentures vs. dental implants and understand the differences between them.
Dentures vs. Implants: Pros and Cons
If you are missing multiple teeth, both dentures and dental implants can improve your oral health and boost your confidence in your smile. If you do not fill the gaps in your teeth, the rest of your teeth may start to shift and impact your speech and your ability to eat certain foods. Dentures and implants also prevent food from getting stuck in your exposed gums, which protects your mouth from gum disease and other infections.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dentures
Pros:
- Dentures are less expensive than implants.
- They do not require invasive surgery.
- Dentures can be customized to naturally fit your mouth.
- You can decide to start with dentures as a “trial run” and get implants later.
- They’re easy to fix or modify if necessary.
Cons:
- Dentures tend to look and feel fake.
- They require different care and cleaning steps than natural teeth.
- You cannot wear dentures overnight.
- Dentures typically require replacement every few years.
- Your jawbone and adjacent teeth (with partial dentures) may continue to deteriorate.
- You cannot eat certain foods like apples or corn on the cob.
- If food gets trapped under your dentures, it can increase your risk of gum disease.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Implants
Pros:
- You can easily brush and floss implants just like your natural teeth.
- Implants look and feel more natural.
- You can eat tougher foods with implants.
- Implants preserve the adjacent teeth and your jaw bone.
- They will last for decades with the proper care.
Cons:
- You cannot change your mind about implants like you can with dentures.
- Implants can be very expensive.
- They require invasive surgery and a long recovery process.
- The installation requires two dental appointments to complete.
Cost of Dentures vs. Implants
The cost of dentures depends on the material, quality, and whether you need a partial or full set. The price of a basic set of dentures starts at around $300, with standard dentures at $600, but the price of higher quality dentures can start at $2,000. On the other hand, implants typically cost around $2,400 per tooth with at least an additional $500 for each crown placed over an implant.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Deciding whether implants or dentures are right for you depends on a variety of factors:
- Whether you prefer the quick procedure of dentures or the long-lasting effects of implants.
- If you’ve lost too much bone density, implants may not be suitable.
- The amount of work you need to have done, and the size of your budget.
- Insurance coverage—some dental insurances will partially cover the cost of dentures, but they will not cover implants.
Dental Restoration in Prescott, AZ
If you’re looking for a solution for your missing teeth, contact Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, Arizona. We offer a variety of restorative dental services and can help you determine the right course of treatment. To learn more about choosing dentures vs. dental implants, call us at 928-445-6030 today to make an appointment. We’d be glad to take a look at your mouth and discuss your options with you.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/2/2021). Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash