Overview: Options for Fake Teeth
Tooth loss can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence. Missing teeth can also hinder your ability to eat/chew, and speak clearly. Other negative effects include bone loss and loss of facial muscles. Luckily, modern dentistry has provided many solutions to tooth loss today.
You can restore your smile, oral function, and self-confidence by replacing missing teeth with “fake teeth”. In this regard, the most popular and effective options are dental implants and dentures. Other options, like dental bridges, can also help. However, our focus below will be solely on implants and dentures, the different types, how they work, comparison, cost, and more. Let’s get started!
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
Implants and dentures compare in many ways. Here is a comparison of definition, purpose, cost, maintenance, durability, comfort, and other factors.
Difference in Definition
Dentures can be defined as removable dental appliances that sit on your gums, while dental implants are dental appliances that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to act as a permanent solution for tooth loss.
Difference in Purpose
Dental implants and dentures may be preferred for different uses/reasons:
- Replacing one tooth/many teeth: Dentures, especially partial dentures, are used to replace multiple missing teeth, while complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. Implants, on the other hand, can replace a single tooth or all teeth.
- Preference: Patient/medical preference also dictates the purpose. For instance, patients who aren’t ideal candidates for dental implant surgery or those who prefer non-invasive options to dealing with tooth loss should get dentures.
- Temporary vs. permanent solution to tooth loss: In regard to purpose, dentures are commonly used as a temporary solution for missing teeth, while implants are permanent. However, dentures can also have a certain degree of permanence, depending on the type used. For instance, implant-supported dentures are more of a permanent solution than regular dentures.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?
As the name suggests, this type of denture combines implants and dentures. They solve a common problem with dentures: looseness. They involve the installation of dental implants, which then keep the dentures firmly in place.
What Are Snap-On Dental Implants?
Snap-on dental implants are simply implant-supported dentures, which are also known as overdentures. As mentioned, they are a special type of removable dentures securely attached to a few surgically-placed dental implants. These types of dentures are more stable and a better alternative to traditional dentures that rely solely on adhesives and suction to stay in place.
Difference in Cost of Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
Given the intense and long surgical process involved when installing dental implants, they are bound to cost more than dentures. This applies even after considering the different types of dentures and implants.
In regard to the actual cost variance, dental implants will range between $5,000 to $7,000 per implant. The difference in cost can be attributed to the level of complexity of installing the implant. Dentures cost approximately $2,000 per arch, with the upper teeth making up an arch.
The cost estimate varies more when both implants and dentures are combined. Given the variance in costs and other influencing factors, it’s advisable to see your dentist to get an accurate estimate.
For accurate dentures and dental implant costs in Toronto, contact The Little Green Building – a family dental clinic located near Bloor West.
What is the Cost of Dental Implants for Seniors?
Generally, the cost of dental implants won’t vary by age. Implants for seniors usually cost the same as those for younger individuals. However, the total cost of dental procedures needed alongside dental implants can increase the overall cost for seniors.
In many cases, seniors may require additional procedures like sinus lifts and bone grafting (linked to bone density and gum tissue issues). This makes the overall cost higher.
It’s important to talk to your dentist to get an accurate estimate, including information on dental insurance coverage, if applicable.
Difference in Maintenance and Care
Dentures need more care than implants; they must be removed daily, cleaned, and soaked overnight in a denture solution to prevent bacterial growth/buildup.
Implants are easier to care for. Since they resemble natural teeth in every sense, you just need to brush and floss them as well as go for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. In a nutshell, implants are more convenient to have and maintain in the long run.
Difference in Longevity and Durability
With proper dental care, dental implants last a lifetime. Dental implant posts are permanent. However, the crowns placed on metal/titanium posts may need to be replaced every 10-15 years. Replacement may also be necessary in rare cases of implant failure.
Dentures last a maximum of 5 to 10 years, even with proper care. They are bound to wear and tear when the jawbone changes. They can also crack or break when handled improperly or dropped.
Are Removable Dentures More Comfortable than Implants?
Removable dentures may be a quick and relatively inexpensive solution to missing teeth. However, they have a downside: they aren’t as comfortable as implants. Sometimes, dentures can slide in the mouth and cause discomfort; they are also less aesthetic than implants, as some metal parts can show.
Dental implants are firmly attached in the jawbone, making them better in terms of comfort and facial aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
While both dentures and implants serve the same purpose, they differ in many ways. Generally, dental implants are a superior option for those looking for a permanent solution to a missing tooth/missing teeth. Implants are also more durable, comfortable, better-looking, and easier to maintain. Nevertheless, they cost more and take longer to install. Dentures may be cheaper, but they may compromise on aesthetics and comfort.
All in all, your dentist should be able to examine you and help you determine the best option.
To get advice on dentures and dental implants in Toronto, visit The Little Green Building (Google Maps).
You can email: littlegreenbuilding@gmail.com, call: 416-769-8135, or fill in the online contact form to book an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Michael Paltsev, and get a personalized treatment plan.
Ask about anything, including implant removal, dental implant restorations, full arch replacements, dental implants and gum problems, full dental exams, home care instructions, and more!
