When you are missing a full arch of teeth, most dentists will recommend dentures. However, dental implants and implant-supported dentures are also an option for denture-wearers. Dental implants can provide you with the benefits that you are looking for when choosing a tooth replacement option. At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, we are proud to offer both dentures and implant-supported dentures to patients who are missing a full arch of teeth. Learn more about the differences between dentures and dental implants below.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants and dentures are two common options. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that an oral surgeon surgically places into the jawbone. Dentures are a set of prosthetic teeth or removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
Dental implants offer several advantages over dentures. Firstly, they provide a more permanent solution as they integrate with the jawbone, offering stability and durability. This allows individuals to eat and speak with confidence without worrying about their teeth slipping or clicking. Additionally, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a more natural appearance compared to dentures.
Patients may need upper dentures, lower dentures, or both. Traditional dentures stay on with suction to your gums while in use. While these are perfectly functional, many patients struggle to adapt to using dentures. Denture slippage is a common complaint resulting from traditional dentures. This occurs when the patient feels their dentures are moving around in their mouth while they are trying to chew or speak. Dental slippage can also be very distracting and uncomfortable when you are simply trying to accomplish basic tasks.
Dentures also do not preserve your facial structure in the same ways that dental implants do. This is because dentures are fully external and do not replace your internal tooth root systems. As a result, patients with dentures may experience more rapid facial sagging because of this lack of support in their jawbone. Decreasing jawbone quality can also result in the need for relining dentures often to ensure the best fit possible.
While dentures are typically less expensive than dental implants, many patients find that the long-term upkeep costs of dentures to be unappealing. You will also need to regularly take your dentures out and clean them to maintain their effectiveness. You may also need to invest in creams and adhesives to aid in denture use, which are added costs that you need to consider over time.
On the other hand, dentures can be a more affordable option for those who have immediate budget constraints. They are also suitable for individuals who have many missing teeth or insufficient jawbone density for dental implant placement. You can easily remove dentures for cleaning and maintenance.
It’s important to note that the choice between dental implants and dentures depends on various factors such as oral health condition, bone density, budget, and personal preferences. Consulting with our qualified dentist will help determine which option is best for your specific needs.
Both dental implants and dentures offer solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants provide a long-term solution with stability and natural aesthetics while dentures offer affordability and flexibility.
All-on-4® Implant Dentures in Skokie, IL
All-on-4® is an advanced method in implant dentistry that allows a dentist to use as few as four dental implants to support a full arch of teeth. We can use the All-on-4® method to support the upper or lower jaw and immediately replace several missing teeth. All-on-4® implants not only look and feel like your natural teeth, but they can also function like them.
For patients with extensive bone loss in the jaw, All-on-4® can be a viable option to replace their missing teeth. The dentist can place the implants at an angle, which may eliminate the need for bone grafting. To position the implants in the best position, our team uses state-of-the-art dental technology to assess the condition and health of the oral cavity, including the jaw bone. This allows our team to gain a more comprehensive view of your mouth and determine the most appropriate location to place your implants.
A dentist will recommend All-on-4® to patients who need to replace most of their teeth. They are even an option for patients with low bone density who may not be ideal candidates for the bone grafting procedure. As one of the dentists in the top 1% of dentists in the country for the All-on-4® treatment option, Dr. Stein possesses the skill, knowledge, and clinical acumen needed to transform your smile with All-on-4®. If you would like to determine if All-on-4® is right for you, contact our office for a consultation.
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