Dental Implants VS Removable Dentures

The choice between dental implants and dentures depends on several factors, including the condition of the missing teeth, oral health, budget, and the patients comfort needs. Each option has its own advantages and limitations, so choosing one method should be based on individual needs and the advice of your dentist.

1. Dental Implants

Advantages of Dental Implants

Permanent replacement of missing teeth

• Dental implants are placed in the jawbone and function like natural teeth, allowing you to chew food and speak with confidence.
• No need to remove: This type of denture does not need to be removed for cleaning like removable dentures, making it convenient and eliminating the need to worry about it falling out or moving.

Function and appearance like natural teeth

• Dental crowns on dental implants have the same shape and color as natural teeth and do not affect speech or chewing.

Jawbone Treatment

• Dental implants help maintain and prevent the jawbone from resorbing, which often occurs when there are no teeth in the mouth.

Durable and long lasting

• Dental implants are made of durable materials, such as titanium, that last a long time and don't need to be replaced as often as with removable dentures.

Limitations of dental implants

High cost

• Dental implants are often more expensive than removable dentures due to the more complex implant placement and treatment process.

Long healing process

• Dental implants take several months to osseointegrate with the jawbone.

Must have good jaw bone health

• If a patient has significant jaw bone loss, bone augmentation may be required prior to tooth transplantation, which lengthens the process.

2. Removable Dentures

Advantages of removable dentures

Low cost

• Removable dentures are cheaper than dental implants and are an economical alternative to dental implants.

No surgery required

• Removable dentures do not require any surgery, so there is no recovery time.

Can be easily changed

• If dentures are damaged or do not fit properly, they can be easily replaced or adjusted without surgery.

Limitations of removable dentures

Inconvenient

• Removable dentures must be removed for daily cleaning and can cause discomfort if the dentures are loose or do not fit properly in the mouth.

Unstable

• Removable dentures can move while you talk or chew, which can be inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Complex maintenance

• Dentures require careful care as they can easily accumulate food residue or bacteria if not cleaned properly.

Does not help preserve the jawbone

• Removable dentures cannot stimulate jawbone recovery. Without dental implants, the bone may gradually dissolve, and if dental implants are needed in the future, it may cause bone insufficiency and require additional bone augmentation.

Comparison between dental implants and removable dentures

Summarize

• Dental implants are ideal for those who want a more durable and stable denture that feels and functions like natural teeth and can help preserve the jawbone in the long run, but are expensive and require a long treatment process.
• Removable dentures are ideal for those on a budget or who do not want to undergo surgery. They are quick and easy to insert and remove, but do not provide the same stability as dental implants and can be uncomfortable or inconvenient to use at times.
• Choosing the best method depends on your oral health, budget, and comfort level. Consult your dentist to find the most suitable option.