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Dental Implants vs Dentures

Both dental implants and dentures are great solution for replacing missing teeth. Having one or more missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, or affect how you eat and speak. However, thanks to these treatments you can get your confidence back.

At Holly House Dental Practice we offer both dental implants and dentures, and we can talk you through your options if you aren’t sure which solution is best for you.

What’s the difference between dental implants and dentures?

Both of these dental treatments can replace one or more missing teeth, but they work very differently. Dental implants are permanent, while dentures are removable. Both of these options can have their own pros and cons, which we’ll take a look at.

The process of having a dental implant fitted and dentures fitted is also very different, so it can help to understand both before making a decision on the right solution for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants consist of a small screw and an artificial tooth, designed to recreate your original smile. The screw replaces the natural root of the tooth, which is fitted into the bone under the gum. It is used to support an artificial tooth.

Dental implants can be used to replace one or more teeth, depending on your needs.

What are dentures?

Dentures, on the other hand, provide removable false teeth that are usually made from a plastic or acrylic base, or sometimes with a metal framework and acrylic teeth. Dentures should be removed overnight.

Dentures are available in full or partial sets. Full sets usually use a suction effect to fit securely in your mouth, while partial sets can fit around your existing teeth via a metal clasp.

How do the procedures differ?

If you choose to have dental implants, an x-ray will first be taken to assess the strength of the bone that will support the implant. The metal screw will be fitted first, finished with a temporarily artificial tooth while it is left for 3-6 months to heal. This gives the chance for the implant to fuse with the bone, creating a close-to-natural finish.

The permanent implant is then fitted once healing is complete.

Dentures follow a very different process, starting with an impression of your gums and teeth being taken. This creates a model of your mouth, which is used to create the denture.

There can be several stages during this process to make sure the dentures are comfortable, natural and functional.

How to look after dental implants vs how to look after dentures

Once your implants have been fitted, treat them the same as your natural teeth! Regular brushing and flossing is recommended, keeping them clean along with the rest of your mouth.

Dentures must be removed overnight and kept clean, in order to avoid any irritation. It can take some time to adjust to wearing dentures at first, and you should be careful of tough foods like toffee.

If you have any questions about the treatments we offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.