Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which is Right for You?
February 14, 2025 9:00 amIf you’re missing teeth, you’ve likely considered both dental implants and dentures as options for restoring your smile. Each has its benefits, and the best choice depends on your needs, budget, and long-term goals. Let’s break it down.
Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acting like an artificial tooth root. Once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached on top.
Pros of Dental Implants:
Long-lasting – With proper care, implants can last decades or even a lifetime.
Natural feel and function – They look and work just like real teeth.
Preserves jawbone – Implants prevent bone loss by stimulating the jaw, just like natural tooth roots.
No slipping – Unlike removable dentures, implants stay securely in place.
Cons of Dental Implants:
Surgical procedure required – Placement involves minor oral surgery.
Healing time – Full integration with the jawbone can take several months.
Higher upfront cost – However, they may save money long-term by lasting longer than dentures.
Dentures: A Non-Surgical Option
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They come in different types, including full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures.
Pros of Dentures:
Non-invasive – No surgery is required.
More affordable upfront – A budget-friendly alternative to implants.
Can replace multiple teeth at once – Full dentures restore an entire arch, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth.
Cons of Dentures:
May feel less stable – Traditional dentures can slip or shift while eating or speaking.
Requires adhesives – Many patients use pastes or strips for a more secure fit.
Bone loss over time – Without tooth roots, the jawbone may shrink, affecting the fit of dentures.
Needs replacement – Dentures typically last 5–10 years before needing adjustments or replacement.
What About Implant-Supported Dentures?
If you like the idea of implants but need to replace many teeth, implant-supported dentures could be the perfect solution. These dentures snap onto implants for extra security, reducing slipping and improving comfort. They also help preserve bone structure better than traditional dentures.
Choosing the Right Option at Bellevue Dental Oasis in Bellevue, WA
Choosing between dental implants and dentures depends on your lifestyle, budget, and oral health. Dr. Hyejin Cheong and the team at Bellevue Dental Oasis offer implants, partial dentures, full dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Schedule a consultation today to discuss the best solu
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Categorised in: Dental Implants, Dentures