Dental Implants Versus Dentures: Which to Choose and Why?

Your confidence can take a hit when you’re missing teeth, but that’s not the only reason you should consider dental implants or dentures. Missing teeth can affect your health more than you realize. When gums are exposed, it’s easy for food and bacteria to get stuck in them. And, if these food bits and bacteria aren’t removed, they could lead to nasty infections. Infection is often followed by gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Dentures: The Pros and Cons

Dentures are a set of false teeth, and once upon a time, they were the only choice that people who experienced tooth loss had in order to improve the function and appearance of their mouth. To secure the teeth in place, a denture adhesive or paste is needed. Without this adhesive, dentures can slip out of their proper place while speaking and eating, and this can result in considerable embarrassment. Partial dentures are available if you have some teeth remaining, but they can promote decay and infection in the remaining teeth if they don’t fit properly.  
But, there are some benefits with dentures and why people continue to choose dentures and some dentists recommend them. If you have an unhealthy or weak jaw or gums, dentures are a great way to ensure that you can still have the appearance of an entire set of teeth. Advances have also been made to make false teeth look more natural, so you don’t have to let everyone know that you are wearing dentures. The upfront costs with dentures are also less expensive than dental implants, but it is important to note that you will likely need to replace them every few years.

Dental Implants: The Pros and Cons  

Dental implants are a modern solution to correcting an age-old problem-- missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants serve as an actual replacement. They are implanted into the jaw or gum so that they serve as an anchor for dental crowns. This long-term solution to tooth loss is superior, as implants won’t move or slip. There is no need for special cleaning or adhesives, and maintenance is simple and easy. You will be able to chew foods more easily. Some patients even report that food tastes better!
True, dental implants cost more initially than dentures, however, when you consider the additional costs of dentures spread over a lifetime (think cleaning solutions, adhesives, repairs, and possibly having to replace them), dental implants are often a better financial solution in the long run and worth the extra upfront cost. Simply care for your implants the same way that you would for your natural teeth, and the dental implants will be a lifelong, more cost-effective solution to tooth loss. 

Let Us Help You

Whichever dental system you favor, rest assured that the dental professionals at Forest & Ray-Budapest can help you and stand ready and willing to do so. Contact us today to learn more about how you can smile with confidence again!