Dentures vs Implants
If you are missing a tooth or teeth, your dentist will most likely recommend a dental prosthesis. A dental prosthesis is a tooth or a set of artificial teeth replacing an absent, missing or damaged tooth. Overall, there are two types of prostheses:
* The fixed dental prosthesis is sealed or glued: it can be a crown, an implant, a bridge, a fixed prosthesis on an implant.
* The removable dental prosthesis is a device that can be removed and are commonly called dentures.
When should I have a dental prosthesis fitted?
Generally, there are two cases requiring the fitting of a dental prosthesis:
* The loss and / or the extraction of a tooth: a single missing tooth can cause several dental problems: gum or aesthetic problems, migrations or premature wear of other teeth, digestive disorders due to insufficient chewing.
* Very damaged teeth: especially when the tooth (s) are too damaged or dilapidated due to tooth decay, or when the tooth has to be devitalized.
One or more missing teeth also results in an increased risk of cavities and a loss of the natural meshing of the teeth, which in turn causes bruxism (grinding of teeth), muscle contractures and pain in the mandibular joint.
Today, there are solutions for replacing one or more missing teeth. You have the option of having a dental implant fitted, or of having dentures made.
What are the differences?
Dental implants are small titanium screws that the dentist will place in the jawbone, under local anesthesia. After a healing period of 2 to 3 months, the dental implant will serve as an artificial root to make the new tooth, which will be composed of a false stump and a ceramic crown. This part is performed by the dental laboratory and may take a few weeks in order for the result to be the best possible.
Removable dentures are prostheses that can be removed as desired. Especially for their daily maintenance. They can be partial or total depending on the needs of the patient and the number of teeth to be replaced. Thus, a partial removable dental prosthesis replaces only one or more teeth. It is supported on the gum and on the remaining teeth with the help of hooks. The complete removable dental prosthesis will replace all of the teeth in the jaw; it simply rests on the gum tissue.
Which is more comfortable?
The dental implant is the solution that most closely resembles a natural tooth. Indeed, the comfort and stability of the implant are ensured by anchoring in the jawbone, like a natural root. Talking and eating become pleasures again. The care required for maintaining dental implants is the same as for natural teeth, that is, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss.
When it comes to dentures, it is necessary to know that they tend to move slightly when chewing, and when speaking. In the beginning, an adaptation period is necessary in order to withstand the irritation caused by rubbing against the gum tissue. However, there are techniques to limit the movement of prostheses, such as pillars locators. These are abutments fixed on two dental implants which allow the prosthesis to be clipped. More comfortable, the prosthesis on locators is an intermediary between dental implants and removable prosthesis.
Who are each of these solutions for?
Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing or damaged teeth. However, they are not recommended for patients with unstable diabetes, or for heavy smokers, as the jawbone may not heal and the implant may become embedded in the bone. If the bone is too thin in the jawbone, it is possible to perform a bone augmentation in the sinus, so that the dental implant can be placed. Dental implants are surgery, and your overall health must be considered when thinking about any surgery. Generally, if you are in good health, dental implants are a viable option for you if you are missing teeth.
Dentures are used in the same way, most often being to replace the entire dentition of a jaw. But unlike dental implants which provide better esthetics and are more comfortable, making a prosthesis costs less and allows the replacement of teeth even when the jawbone is not strong enough to support the installation. dental implants. Dentures are also a good option for people who have uncontrolled diabetes or other chronic illnesses that affect healing.
How long does each solution last?
Dental implants can last a very long time if you practice good oral hygiene every day. Visits to the dentist every 6 months will allow for a deep scaling of the implants.
Dentures need to be rebased, that is to say readjusted. Indeed, in addition to the wear of the device, it is necessary to take into account the phenomenon of bone resorption, that is to say bone melting because it is no longer stimulated by the pressure exerted on the roots. dental or implants. Regular visits are necessary in order to readjust the device and avoid friction and irritation due to a bad fit. Over time, a new prosthesis will need to be made because the structure of the jaw will change with age. Good oral hygiene must be maintained to prevent the development of bacteria in the prosthesis.
Conclusion:
Generally, the process of replacing teeth with dentures is quick and less expensive than an implant, but prostheses require a lot of adjustment, demanding maintenance and may not be supported by all patients. Dental implants also have downsides, such as the price and the time it takes for the implant to heal and osseointegrate into the bone. Arguably, at best, replacing a tooth with an implant can take around 4 months. But dental implants remain a great option to replace one or more teeth, both in terms of comfort and aesthetics, but also for the maintenance of other teeth. We recommend talking to your dentist and thinking about your lifestyle when considering both of these options.