Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Superior?

If you’re missing teeth, you certainly aren’t alone. Did you know that approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? There are all sorts of different options out there when it comes to replacing them, and it can be difficult to decipher what your best option is – dentures or implants? Continue reading to learn more about the two different tooth replacement options as well as how jawbone preservation should play a role in your decision.

Why Does Bone Loss Occur?

The most common cause of jawbone shrinkage is tooth loss. When you chew, you are stimulating your jawbone via your natural tooth root. When your teeth are missing, your jawbone doesn’t get this stimulation that it needs to stay strong. Over time, it will begin slowly breaking down the bone. This can happen fairly quickly. In fact, up to 25% of the bone surrounding the missing tooth could be lost in just a year after having a tooth extracted.

How Do Dentures Solve Tooth Loss?

This popular tooth replacement option is made from a hard resin and are custom-made to fit in your mouth and provide a natural-looking smile. Generally, they are held into place by natural suction. They have many great benefits and can be absolutely life-changing for people who are missing multiple or all of their teeth. Even though they preserve the facial structure and restore the ability to chew, they don’t prevent jawbone shrinkage. Because your bone structure continues to change when you have dentures, they eventually need to be replaced.

How Do Dental Implants Solve Tooth Loss?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. They are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the natural root of the tooth, therefore stimulating the jawbone as if your natural tooth is still there. This prevents bone loss in the future. Over the healing process, the titanium fuses to the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. Beside maintaining the integrity of the jawbone, here are some other benefits implants have over dentures:

• Don’t Slip: Implants fit securely into the mouth, so you never have to worry about them shifting around.

• Long-Lasting: When they are cared for properly, dental implants can last upwards of 25 years!

• Maximized Chewing Power: Dental implants provide almost all of the same chewing power that natural teeth do.

Even though dental implants are a bit more of an investment, you’re bound the see the results you’re looking for. You may even forget that they aren’t your natural teeth! Ask your dentist if you would make a good candidate.

About the Author

Dr. Matt VanderMolen is a well experienced dentist who has been practicing for more than three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois before being selected for the Navy’s prestigious postgraduate program in Advanced Dentistry at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He is a Master of the American Dental Implant Association. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation with Dr. VanderMolen, visit his website or call (217) 546-3333.