Dental Implants or Dentures

It’s no myth that Full Dentures are difficult to wear and adapt to and this is especially true for Full Lower Dentures. Patients often complain about ill-fitting, floating full lower dentures that move excessively and many have difficulties eating even the most common foods such as leafy greens. As we grow older the need to have functional teeth plays a very important role in maintaining good health through nutrition and this can also be an issue when only missing a couple of teeth. You may think that dentures or implants aren’t necessary, as your chewing isn’t that affected by the loss of these teeth. Unfortunately missing teeth, loose ineffective Dentures with excessive movement can be a major contributor to dental problems and poor nutrition. To combat this, a Dental Prosthetist can provide patients with high functioning dentures such as SEMCD (Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Dentures or construct Implant Retained Dentures. If you’re contemplating getting false teeth, you may be wondering if dental implants or dentures are right for you. To help you we have compiled the pros and cons of dental implants or dentures, and which options could be best suited to your dental needs.

Dental Implants or Dentures

Dentures

Dentures can be provided in both partial and full options and are designed to replace missing teeth along with chewing function. Partial dentures are a great option if you have a few teeth missing, as the prosthesis is secured onto the remaining teeth using metal clasps and can be made from Acrylic, Chrome Cobalt, Titanium, Gold and other materials. Partial dentures can often be the first introduction to wearing dentures and be worn and added whilst transitioning into a Full Denture situation. Partial dentures for missing teeth are cost-effective and un-invasive in comparison to other replacement options. Partial dentures do require an exact fit, as even a millimetre of difference can make the dentures unwearable. We suggest a full dental check up with your dentist prior to construction of any partial denture.

Can I get a partial denture for one tooth?

It is possible to get a partial denture for one tooth, although a dental implant could be more beneficial. As a denture requires a plate to be worn, it may be easier for a patient to adjust to an implant instead of wearing an entire appliance.

Full dentures are used when a patient has no natural teeth remaining and work by forming suction onto the surrounding tissues/gum. Dentures for missing teeth are available in a few different styles pending on cost, dental structures, dental needs etc

The pros and cons of partial and full dentures include:

Pros

Dentures are affordable and can last up to 8-10 years if maintained properly.
Dentures are less invasive and require no surgery or down time.
If more teeth are lost in the future, partial dentures can be designed to be added to.
They can be easily removed to allow the mouth/gums to recuperate
SEMCD (Suction Effective Mandibular Complete Dentures) offer an outstanding fit and stability allowing some patients to achieve suction on their lower jaw similar to what can be achieved on the Upper Jaw.

Cons

Some patients report that their dentures drop, which can make it difficult to speak or eat.
Partial dentures can weaken the surrounding teeth.
There’s an increased risk for gum disease if food gets trapped between the gums and denture base and not cleaned properly.
The thickness of the plate can take some time adjusting to on the palate of the mouth.

For additional security, a Dental Prosthetist may recommend Implant retained dentures. These types of dentures are secured onto dental implants in the gums and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone where there are missing teeth and usually done under local anesthetic. Once in place, this allows replacement/ artificial teeth to attach to them securely (crowns/dentures etc) Dentures can be difficult to wear for some, making chewing and talking a challenge. The development of implant dentistry changed the way lost teeth are now treated. The biggest benefit to dental implants is that the implant is fused to your jawbone, providing stability and support.

The pros and cons of dental implants include:

Pros:

Dental implants can last up to 25 years or more
Unlike dentures, patients won’t have to worry about implants slipping out.
Implants replace the root of your teeth, which means bone loss is less likely to occur.
Dental Implants Are the Most Advanced Dental Option and give the patient the least restriction to foods that Denture Wearers struggle with.

Cons:

There is a time period that you must wait for the Titanium Implants to integrate with the jaw bone.
Dental implants are more expensive than dentures
Maintenance of your Implants is ongoing and need to be checked and monitored.
Implants can fail with smoking being one of the highest contributors.

Contact us

If you’d like to discuss the benefits of Implant Retained Dentures or Dentures in general please contact Pearl Denture Studio to make an appointment at one of our Northern Rivers denture clinics. One of our friendly staff members will make an appointment for you in either our Coastal or Country Practices.