Full Arch Implants vs Dentures

As you get older, your risk of running into dental problems and subsequently losing teeth increases. While dentures used to be the end-all-be-all of masking missing teeth, advancements in dentistry have produced a new option – dental implants.

At Kitty Hawk Dental Care in Livermore, we offer a wide range of dental implants, including single-tooth and full arch implants or mini-implants as well as dental implant restoration.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-term replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace one or two teeth or if a whole arch of teeth needs to be replaced, then a full arch dental implant will be used. Dental implants are made of durable metal and titanium materials that fuse with your jawbones.

A minor operation is made on the jawbone and typically you will be given an anesthetic to avoid pain. Keep in mind that dental implants are only an option for healthy teeth free of gum disease and cavities. You should quit smoking if you are considering dental implants, as this increases the chance of successful implants.

Full arch dental implants don’t shift or move and feel as natural as your real teeth. However, they can be more costly upfront. They could still be the best option for you depending on your goals, as implants offer you more flexibility in the foods you can eat, and last for a much longer time too.

Benefits:

• Operate just like your normal teeth
• You can consume most foods
• Last much longer than dentures
• The insertion of implants into your jaw stimulates new bone growth which prevents further bone loss
• Very secure & won’t fall out
• A prosthesis rests comfortably on your gums to protect your gums and bone from irritation.
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Much more expensive than dentures
• Requires oral surgery
• Small jaws will need bone grafting
• Doesn’t look as natural as dentures
• It is a more invasive procedure with more appointments

What are Dentures?

Dentures are false teeth that can be inserted over your gums in place of missing teeth. They are easily removable and assist you in chewing, though people commonly experience problems in eating certain chewy foods like tough meat.

Dentures are less costly but will not last as long as dental implants. Some common problems associated with dentures include excessive saliva production, reduced chewing capacity, slippage, and unwanted noises and smells.

Benefits:

• Cheaper alternative to implants
• Designed to appear like natural teeth
• No surgery required
• Can choose removable or implant retained dentures
• Fitted sooner after extraction than implants

Cons:

• Not a long-term fix
• Some foods and drinks aren’t suitable for dentures
• A great option for those with gums not suited for implants
• Subject to moving and slippage
• Must be regularly cleaned
• They will need to be replaced
• Cause bone deterioration
• Can be uncomfortable or cause irritation
• Reduced taste

Middle Ground: Implant Retained Dentures

Want all the benefits of dental implants without a less natural appearance? Implant retained dentures are the perfect middle-ground for you! They’re strong and durable, preserve your jaw one, stay secure in your mouth, without sacrificing a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Conclusion

Dentures and implants both have their pros and cons. Dentures may be a cheaper and easier solution upfront, but they will need to be replaced and cost patients in many ways: comfort, bone health, and ability to eat their favorite foods.

Comparatively, dental implants are a more invasive and costly procedure, but they last for a long time, preserve bone, are incredibly secure, and are fully functional like normal teeth so you aren’t restricted to eating certain foods.

Alternatively, there’s a middle-ground that combines the best aspects of dentures with the benefits of dental implants: implant-retained dentures. If you aren’t sure which is the best option for you, contact Dr. Kimberly King for a free dental implant consultation in Livermore and to discuss which option would be most suitable for you.