Table of Contents

• Understanding the Differences Between Dental Implants and Dentures
• The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement
• When Dentures May Be the Better Option for Your Smile
• Key Factors to Consider Before Replacing Missing Teeth
• How Your Dentist Can Help You Choose the Right Replacement Solution
• Find Your Best Restorative Option at Fletcher Family Dental

Even just one missing tooth can have a major impact on your day-to-day life. Changes in your smile, bite problems, and jawbone deterioration can take a toll on your confidence, comfort, and happiness. But, with so many dental prosthetics on the market, it can be difficult to determine which is best for restoring your missing teeth.

Two of the most common options include dental implants and dentures. Each offers unique benefits, but it can be difficult to determine which is best for your long-term oral health, especially if this is your first introduction to dental prosthesis. Thankfully, with the support of  your dental team, you can make the best choice for your smile.

In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between dental implants and dentures to ensure you make the best choice to address your missing teeth. 

Understanding the Differences Between Dental Implants and Dentures

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are two incredibly common options dental patients will consider, including dental implants and dentures. While both of these are reliable replacement options, they are very different in initial installation and long-term reliability, and you need to consider this before making the investment.

The biggest difference is in the initial installation. Dentures are a non-surgical tooth replacement option, allowing you to restore your bite as soon as the prosthetic is designed. However, dental implants can be a time consuming investment. You may need a bone graft before placing the implant post. Once this has healed, your dentist can place the prosthetic. 

Additionally, there is a significant difference in cost. Dentures are one of the least expensive dental prosthetics on the market. Whether you are replacing a few missing teeth or an entire smile, you can restore your bite in under a few thousand dollars. Conversely, implants cost up to $6,000 per tooth, which is a far more costly option than you can justify. 

The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement

While dental implants are the most expensive option for replacing missing teeth, there are so many incredible benefits to this prosthetic. Some of the most significant benefits of investing in dental implants include: 

• Jawbone Preservation: The implant stimulates your jawbone, helping you avoid resorption and supporting the skin and muscles of your face.
• Prevent Misalignment: With the implant in place, you don’t have to worry about the adjacent teeth shifting out of their spots. 
• Avoid Slipping: Because of the insertion into your jawbone, you don’t have to worry about the prosthetic moving throughout the day. 
• Easy Maintenance: This prosthetic is designed to be treated just like your natural teeth, making it easy to care for across its life.
• Long Lifespan: High-quality dental implants are designed to last 15 years or longer, saving you from frequent dental bills. 
• High Success Rate: About 95% of patients who invest in implants will experience clinical success and don’t have to worry about post-installation complications. 

When Dentures May Be the Better Option for Your Smile

Although dental implants are incredibly appealing to dental patients, they are an expensive option that some people cannot justifiably invest in. Thankfully, dentures are also a great dental prosthetic to remedy missing teeth. If you are experiencing any of the following, dentures may be the better option for your smile:

• Bone Density: If you don’t have enough jawbone to support the implant post, dentures may be the best option for restoring your missing teeth. 
• Health Concerns: Individuals with conditions that slow healing or complex health issues may need to consider dentures as a safer option.
• Non-Surgical Preference: Those who are weary about surgery may appreciate the non-surgical solution provided by investing in dentures. 
• Extensive Tooth Loss: If you’ve lost all or almost all of your teeth, dentures can help you restore your entire smile at a lower cost. 

Key Factors to Consider Before Replacing Missing Teeth

Before you choose your dental prosthetic to address your missing teeth, there are a few key factors to consider. If you are preparing to schedule an appointment with your dentist, make sure to consider the following:

• Jawbone Health: If you’ve lost some jawbone density, you may need to consider the cost of a bone graft if you want implants or an alternative prosthetic option. 
• Insurance Coverage: If your insurance isn’t going to provide coverage for your restorative option, you will need to consider the upfront cost of your prosthetic. 
• Timeline: Dental implants are a time-consuming investment that can take up to six months to complete. If you’re on a short timeline, dentures may be best. 
• Comfort: Dental implants are stable in your jaw, which may be a more comfortable option for everyday wear than dentures. 
• Convenience: Because they can be designed and installed in as little as a few weeks, dentures are an incredibly convenient option for immediate change. 

How Your Dentist Can Help You Choose the Right Replacement Solution

While it is important to choose the right dental prosthetic for your long-term oral health and goals, it is equally important that you choose a reliable dentist for this process. Working with the wrong team may mean spending far more on a dental prosthetic than you planned and the risk that you won’t feel confident in your decision.

When you’re working with a reliable dentist, they will perform a comprehensive assessment of your oral health and X-rays. From there, they can discuss your budgetary constraints and talk about the longevity of each option. They will also make some considerations based on the amount of missing teeth to ensure your bite and speech is restored.

Once all of this is done, your dentist will discuss your personalized treatment plans for each. With their treatment plans, your budget, and your oral health goals in mind, you can trust that you, and your dental team, will make the best decision to improve your smile, confidence, and comfort  for years to come. 

Find Your Best Restorative Option at Fletcher Family Dental

Whether you’ve decided that dentures, dental implants, or another prosthetic is right for replacing your missing teeth, our Fletcher Family Dental team is here to support you through every step. We know how daunting extensive dental care like this can be. With our team on your side, you can go into your upcoming appointments confident that you partnered with the best team in Fletcher, NC. Don’t let fear and anxiety prevent you from replacing your missing teeth.

Contact our team today to schedule an appointment and trust that you’re going to make the best decision for your smile.