Many adults have missing teeth. Whether it’s a result of the aging process, tooth decay or gum disease, tooth loss is common among adults. Estimates from the American College of Prosthodontists show that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Approximately 40 million adults over age 65 don’t have any natural teeth remaining.
If you find yourself in need of dentures, your dentist likely will recommend either full dentures or partial dentures. To determine which type of denture is right for you, your dentist will examine the health of your gums and any remaining teeth and also consider your preferences and budget.
Dentures vs. Implants: The Differences
There are some significant differences between dentures and implants that make the latter a superior choice for seniors who want to eat, speak, smile, and laugh with confidence after losing their teeth.
Dentures are typically made of acrylics or other synthetic materials that fit over your gum line, where teeth used to be. Dentures can be either a partial or full set of teeth, depending on the needs of the patient. Dentures are removable at any time for cleaning and are fastened to the gums by adhesive pastes. Dentures give most patients a more youthful appearance by filling in sunken areas in the face where tooth loss has occurred. Partial dentures generally have metal clasps that attach them to your remaining teeth for extra support and stability.
Implants are permanent solutions to missing teeth. With implants, the senior does not have to worry about removing them for cleaning, or about denture adhesives. Implants look like natural teeth. Implants allow for the natural appearance and feel of real teeth. They also improve a senior’s speech. Implants are potentially more comfortable than dentures over a long period of time; they do not slip around in the mouth as dentures may do.
Both dentures and implants have their advantages
While dentures and implants both have their advantages and disadvantages, there are many who favor the implants because they offer the best value. Implants are more expensive than dentures, but if you are looking for a long-term solution to tooth loss, implants may be your best option. Dentures look more natural than implants and can also be a little more comfortable for your mouth as well.
However, as we have mentioned, dental implants outperform dentures for a variety of reasons in terms of maintenance and functionality.
Dentures come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the patient’s needs and budget. Since they are constructed from fake teeth that resemble natural teeth, there is no need for any special care or maintenance after the initial surgery has been completed. If you decide that you want to have an implant instead of a denture, you will still only need to visit your dentist once every six months for checkups.
Dentures and dental implants are the most popular methods
Dentures and dental implants are the two most popular options when it comes to addressing missing teeth.
When an elderly person loses all of their teeth, they face a choice: do they get dentures or dental implants? Both removable dentures and dental implants are suitable for seniors.
It’s important to note that seniors who have lost all of their teeth don’t have to make a choice between the two options. Some seniors get one implant for every tooth that is missing in their mouth. Other seniors choose to get a partial denture for the front of their mouth and elect to get just a few implants in order to secure the appliance.
Dentures vs. Implant: Cost
Implant dentures start at around $1,000, but can cost up to $3,900 or more depending on the type of implant and whether it is used in conjunction with other dental work. Dentures can run anywhere from $1,200 for a simple pair to over $4,000 for an intricate set that looks realistic and covers all areas of the mouth. You will likely find that dentures will be less expensive than implants in your area if you choose a standard set.
How many teeth do you need to replace?
If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, dentures are an excellent choice because they are less expensive than multiple dental implants and less time-consuming than implants or any other tooth replacement option. If you need just one or two teeth replaced, however, implants might be the best option. They look and feel more like real teeth than any other replacement method.
We believe that these tips have helped you regain a bright smile!
