Dentures or Implants? 9 Key Differences You Need To Know
Many people living in Oakbrook Terrace and Lemont get to the point in your life where they're missing most or all of their teeth. When this happens, you have a serious decision to make.
Do you get removable dentures like the majority of the population?
Or do you opt for permanent dental implants?
As with all of life’s biggest decisions, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. Then you can decide which option is best for you. That's why Start Smiling Dental Implant Centers is here, to help answer your cosmetic dentistry questions and keep you informed about missing teeth solutions like dental implants.
Here are some of the differences between dental implants and dentures:
1. Process
You might think the dentures process is less painful and complex than the process for dental implants, but you might be surprised to find out that's not usually the case. Dentures require tooth extractions, a healing period, molding and waiting. Dental implants, on the other hand, only have a few more steps. For either procedure, you can rest assured you will feel minimal pain thanks to modern technology and anesthesia.
2. Speech
Denture-wearers in Chicago often complain about lisps or whistling noises when they speak. Dental implants don’t have any affect on speech.
3. Function
Dental implants look like your natural teeth, but they feel and function like them, too. That means you can eat whatever you want, with no diet restrictions. Dentures require certain limitations, like avoiding hard and sticky foods.
4. Jaw Preservation
Your jaw needs stimulation from tooth roots to avoid deterioration and sinking over time. This can lead to wrinkles, which is what most people want to avoid. Dental implants replicate tooth roots, thus preserving the bone and your facial appearance for the long run.
5. Convenience
With dental implants, you can care for them like your natural teeth. Dentures have more inconveniences, such as creams, adhesives and soaking solutions.
6. Comfort
As mentioned above, dental implants feel like your natural teeth, so you hardly notice they’re there. (Especially when you choose an expert dental implant dentist like Dr. Petrungaro.) Dentures, on the other hand, usually come with sore spots and may not fit perfectly.
7. Affordability
Dentures are more affordable... at first. You’ll likely have to replace them multiple times, though, whereas dental implants are a one-time investment. While a higher cost upfront, the ROI pays off in time.
8. Appearance
Both dental implants and dentures look better than discolored, decayed or missing teeth. Dentures are removable, however, so there is a slightly artificial look to them. Implants look just like natural teeth.
9. Security
Dental implants are permanently secured to the bone in your mouth. They don't move. Dentures, on the other hand, tend to slip or move around when you’re eating or talking.
If you’d like to know more about the differences between dental implants and dentures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Petrungaro at our Start Smiling Dental Implant Centers today!