Losing your teeth is serious and you should address and treat it as soon as possible. So many aspects of your life will change, and choosing the best replacement option should be well thought out. If you are missing most or all of an arch of teeth, you will have the choice between a denture and dental implants in Philadelphia, PA.
Weighing the pros and cons of each option can be difficult. Dr. Derek Conover, a leading reconstructive dentist in Philadelphia, recommends dental implants over dentures to patients because they are the next best thing to your natural teeth. Below, we lay out the pros and cons of both options.
Dental Implants vs Dentures in Philadelphia, PA
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a tiny titanium screw-like post. We surgically implant a set of implants into your jawbone to anchor a new set of teeth. After surgery, you will need to wait until the posts have healed and fused with your jawbone.
Next, we attach abutments to the implants, and your final restoration to the abutments. When an entire arch of teeth is missing, Dr. Conover will implant as few as four strategically placed dental implants that will secure a cosmetic denture. When you compare dental implants to dentures, there are many pros to choosing implants, including:
- The next best option to natural teeth
- Better quality of life
- Will not slip or wiggle because we surgically implant them
- The presence of the implant in your jawbone will prevent bone loss
- Not bulky and will give you a natural appearance and smile
- You will have a 100% normal chewing function
- Over a 95% success rate
- Comfortable and not bulky
- With proper care, they can last a lifetime
Dentures
A denture is a removable set of false teeth. If you are missing an entire row of teeth, we fit you for full dentures. If most teeth are missing, we fit you for partials. Your dentist takes impressions of your mouth and teeth. We then send them to a dental laboratory, where they make the dentures.
Dentures typically have acrylic resin and a metal base that will rest on your gums. The teeth portion is attached to the base and is typically made of plastic or porcelain but can differ based on quality, color, and size.
When you compare dental implants vs. dentures, choosing a denture has cons. Traditional dentures:
- Are bulky and noticeable
- May take up a lot of space in your mouth
- Require adhesive to stay in place in your mouth
- Take ample time to adjust to them
- Require time-consuming daily maintenance
- Slip around in your mouth to make it difficult to talk and eat
- Only restore 30-40% normal chewing function
- You must rebase them as your jawbone diminishes and the fit changes
- Require periodic maintenance
- Don’t compare to fully functioning and natural teeth anchored to your jawbone
Comparing Implant and Denture Treatment Time
One big difference between dentures and dental implants is how long each treatment takes. If you choose dentures, the process moves much faster. Your dentures will be ready to wear in just three to six weeks. This quick turnaround can be helpful if you need to replace missing teeth right away.
Dental implants can take often six months or more from start to finish. The slower pace is because implants require careful planning and surgery to place them in your jawbone. You also enough healing time for the bone to fuse with the implants.
After this healing period, Dr. Conover dentist will attach the final restoration that will look and function like real teeth. Once everything is done, your implants will feel so natural you might forget they aren’t your original teeth.
While dentures are faster to get, they come with their own challenges. Many people need weeks or even months to get used to wearing them, as dentures can feel bulky or uncomfortable at first. Dentures may also require adjustments over time.
Implants take longer at first. Once your implants are in place, they provide a more permanent and stable solution that feels like your own teeth. Our dentist can help you decide which option fits your timeline and lifestyle best.
Comparing the Costs
There is quite a large cost gap between the cost of dental implants vs. dentures. Dentures can run anywhere from $300 to $3,000 based on your circumstances and the type of replacement teeth you need. According to a 2010 article in the New York Times, replacing a full or partial set of damaged or missing teeth with dental implants can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $45,000.
Dentures may seem like the cheaper choice initially, but they come with ongoing costs that add up over time. They typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, and you may need adjustments or repairs as your jawbone changes shape. Dentures also require special cleaning products and adhesives, which means regular trips to the store for supplies. Over the years, these extra expenses can sometimes cost more than implants would have in the long run.
Dental implants are an investment in your oral health. While implants cost more upfront, they provide a permanent solution. Implant posts ensure your new teeth look, feel, and function naturally. Dental implants also help preserve your jawbone to prevent future dental problems.
Dentures may be the right choice for some budgets, but implants offer lasting benefits that many people find worthwhile. Dr. Conover can help you weigh the costs and benefits to decide which option works best for your needs and budget.
Get Implant Treatment
Do you have questions about dental implants vs dentures in Philadelphia, PA? Call Opus Dental Esthetics today at (215) 395-6076. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Conover online.
Please let us know if you have missing teeth and want to find the best tooth replacement for your mouth. We will be happy to help.
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