Implants vs. Dentures: Debunking Common Misconceptions

If you’re considering replacing missing teeth, you might have found yourself weighing up two common solutions: dentures and dental implants. When discussing with friends and relatives, you might have heard some common myths or misconceptions – making it difficult to decide which solution is right for you. So, if you’re trying to determine whether dental implants are as painful as they sound or if dentures are more cost-effective, this post will dispel some of those common myths and provide clear, factual information to help you confidently restore your smile.

Misconception: Dental Implants Are More Painful Than Getting Dentures

Perhaps the biggest held misconception surrounding dental implants is that they are significantly more painful than dentures. This wrongly-held belief stems from the fact that dental implants require surgery. This is, of course, true. However, modern dental procedures like inserting dental implants are performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, and any pain is generally considered mild. Post-surgery, any lingering pain is generally manageable with over-the-counter medications such as Advil. However, the upside is that you achieve a perfect fit for your new teeth. By integrating implants into your jawbone (osseointegration), you benefit from a much more secure and comfortable fit for your new teeth. By contrast, dentures may require frequent adjustments as they don’t prevent your jawbone from changing shape over time. If your jawbone shifts, you can be left with ill-fitting dentures that cause ongoing soreness and irritation that often far exceeds the post-surgical pain you might endure after having dental implants fitted.

Misconception: Dentures Are a More Affordable Option than Dental Implants

You may have heard that dentures cost less than dental implants. Again, that is true. But the reality is that there is a lot more to consider than the upfront cost of tooth replacement solutions. For instance, while the initial investment of dentures tends to be lower than that of dental implants, dental implants are a much longer-term solution than dentures. Once you have your new teeth in place, that’s it. You can just treat and maintain them like normal teeth, including regular teeth brushing and flossing. With diligent care, solutions such as all-on-four dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime, depending on the age at which you have the procedure. With dentures, on the other hand, you will likely have to pay out for regular adjustments for better alignment and continually purchase specialist cleaning solutions and adhesives. In many instances, after a certain period, you might even need to undergo a total replacement. These costs can add up over time, often coming in higher than the initial cost of dental implants.

Misconception: Dentures Are Just as Effective as Dental Implants 

Despite the well-documented issues with dentures, there’s a common misconception that they are just as effective as dental implants. So, let’s analyze their performance across several categories to better understand what you can expect from each tooth replacement solution.

Stability and Comfort

There are noticeable differences in the performance of dentures and dental implants concerning stability and comfort. Dental implants, anchored into the jawbone, act like natural tooth roots, providing exceptional stability. With dental implants, you can expect to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

In comparison, dentures rest on the gums and often slip or cause discomfort, usually during eating or speaking. These problems are more pronounced the older the dentures are, and solutions to address these issues include adding more adhesives or making further adjustments.

Bone Loss Prevention

Again, linked to dentures resting on the jaw, the stimulation required to maintain jawbone density and structure doesn’t occur. Over time, this leads to further bone loss, often altering your facial structure and eventually requiring you to visit the dentist to make adjustments.

Conversely, dental implants help prevent bone loss in the jawbone by mimicking the stimulation provided by natural tooth roots. It’s one of the features of the treatment that supports its longevity since the implants help to maintain your facial structure, keeping your replacement comfortable and functional.

Longevity and Durability

Of course, one of the most crucial factors when weighing up dentures or dental implants to replace missing teeth is how long your chosen treatment will last. As described, dental implants are designed to last for many years, often decades. When looked after correctly, many patients enjoy them as a permanent solution to tooth loss.

Part of this longevity comes from the factors we’ve discussed above. However, the implants themselves are also incredibly durable, made of biocompatible materials such as titanium, which integrates well with bone.

In comparison, dentures typically have a lower lifespan and require periodic adjustments due to general wear and changes in jawbone shape. It’s not uncommon to have to replace dentures every five to eight years. For these reasons, dentures are often cheaper, as they usually require much more remedial treatment (or total replacement) further down the line. 

Aesthetics and Functionality 

Generally speaking, dental implants are more natural-looking teeth than dentures. This is especially true when replacing an entire row of teeth using treatment such as all-on-four dental implants, providing a very close match to the color and shape of your natural teeth. 

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Dentures can also provide a close match in color and teeth shapes but struggle to compare with dental implants with respect to functionality. For instance, when you have dentures installed, speaking can often be difficult and require a period of adjustment. Eating is also tricky, with certain foods off the menu to protect your dentures. Your taste will also be affected as dentures cover the upper palate of your mouth.

As we’ve discussed, dental implants simply perform in the same way as regular teeth, so offer none of these caveats. 

Dentures vs. Dental Implants: Finding Your Best Smile with EPIC Dental

If you’re weighing up dentures and dental implants as options to replace your missing teeth, understanding the facts is vital to making informed decisions concerning your oral health. As you now know, plenty of misconceptions exist, particularly surrounding dental implants. 

But, while it’s true that there are pros and cons to every dental treatment, dental implants allow you to achieve a radiant smile without any of the drawbacks associated with dentures.

If you’re considering learning more about dental implants, we're here to guide you through your options. We offer prospective patients a free, no-obligation consultation at our Phoenix office. During this session, we'll perform a comprehensive 3D scan of your mouth and tailor a solution that aligns perfectly with your needs and lifestyle.

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Don't let uncertainty and misconceptions prevent you from achieving the smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at 480-235-4752 or complete our online form to explore the possibilities that await your smile at EPIC Dental.