Dental implants vs dentures are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Although the two terms can seem synonymous, they are not. An implant is a permanent or semi-permanent way of replacing missing teeth, while a denture is a removable replacement for natural teeth. There are some similarities between dental implants vs dentures, as well as differences in their functions and specifications that need to be clarified before deciding which type of device is the best option for most individuals.

Dental Implants Vs Dentures

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone or gums to act as an artificial tooth root. The advantage of implants over other options, such as bridges and dentures, is that they are the closest to natural teeth. They look and function similarly to natural teeth, which makes them attractive for patients who want functioning teeth with a natural appearance. Implants are ideal for individuals who have lost their teeth due to accident, disease, or aging.

What Is A Denture?

A denture is a removable prosthetic attached to the remaining teeth on either the left or right side of the mouth. Implants are custom fitted to each patient, while artificial dentures are commonly used by patients who do not have enough remaining teeth to support a complete set of implants. Home-made versions of dentures can be purchased from any drug store or medical supply store, although they may not be as strong or durable as those made by a specialist dentist.

Differences Between Dental Implants vs Dentures?

Dental implants are a permanent and natural way of replacing missing teeth, whereas dentures can be easily removed and replaced with new ones at any time. Implants do not typically require maintenance, although they may sometimes require adjustment. On the other hand, dentures are more durable and must be replaced more often due to wear and tear.

The main difference between dental implants and dentures is their functionality as teeth replacements. Dentures are designed to fill empty spaces on either side of the mouth and act as an attachment point for crowns, bridges, or implants. Implants are designed to replace missing teeth. Although both will produce similar results regarding oral health and appearance, some differences need to be considered before choosing between the two devices.

Alternatives to Dental Implants

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are metal or ceramic teeth attached to either the upper or lower arch of the natural teeth, replacing one or more teeth. The metal teeth will function as teeth replacements in the patient’s mouth, while the ceramic crowns act as a framework for restoring strength and appearance. Similar to implants, bridges require no maintenance and do not require replacement. Although good results are achieved with dental bridges, implants may be less durable than implants due to their single-point attachment to the tooth root. However, they are often used when a tooth is missing, cracked, or damaged beyond repair.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are removable prostheses that replace one or more teeth where the shape of the remaining teeth will not allow for a full-sized implant. Crowns are made of porcelain and are usually used if patients have enough teeth to support an implant. Like dental bridges, they can be used to replace missing teeth or when other options have been exhausted. The material from which a dental crown is a personal preference, although porcelain crowns are often recommended for more robust and durable results.

Alternative to Dentures

Implants

Implants are a better alternative to dentures when looking for a long-term, maintenance-free solution for tooth replacement. Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently anchored in the mouth and do not need to be removed at any time. It makes them more functional than dentures, as patients will not need to worry about losing or damaging their teeth replacements. The only aspect of implants that can irritate is adjusting them occasionally to fit correctly into the mouth.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are an alternative to dentures for individuals with enough teeth left in their mouth’s lower or upper part. Dental bridges can be used for tooth replacement if a patient’s bite is functional. Bridges are anchored to two teeth on either side of the mouth and connect them with a small bar. This bar acts as an attachment point for crowns or other dental prostheses that will strengthen and improve the patient’s smile.

Overdentures

Overdentures are removable prostheses that replace all of the patient’s natural teeth. They consist of a bar, denture base, and several attachments connected directly to the patient’s gums. Like a complete set of dentures, overdentures are removed for cleaning and maintenance. The only difference is that overdentures can be adjusted more easily than full sets of dentures, making them an ideal solution for fastidious patients who have difficulty cleaning their teeth.

Full Mouth Dental Implants

A full-mouth implant is an implant system that covers every remaining tooth in the upper and lower jaw. The main advantage of a full-mouth implant is that it does not require a person to wear removable dentures at any time. Patients do not need to worry about losing or damaging their teeth replacements. However, it also means they will have to undergo the dental implant process on all the remaining teeth in their mouth, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Dental Implant Procedure

Getting a dental implant requires visiting a trusted dentist and having a mouth examination. The dentist will take an impression of the mouth and send it to a dental laboratory, where the tooth replacement will be custom-fitted to your mouth. Following this step, you will be scheduled for another dentist appointment for the dental implant procedure.

Placement

When you arrive at your dentist’s office, you will receive local anesthesia so that you do not feel any pain while the surgeon places the implant into your jawbone. It is a completely painless process. As the patient, you will be asked to lie on the dental chair and remain still while the implant is placed.

Closing

Once the implant is placed, your dentist must close up your wound so that it heals quickly and safely. The damage is cleaned thoroughly, then sutured with either dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches. Over time, these stitches will dissolve, and you can resume eating solid food if you wish.

Aftercare

For the first few days after the procedure, you must keep your mouth clean and ensure you are not left alone. Your dentist or physician will give you specific instructions on your aftercare routine. It would help if you also kept an eye on your implant site, as it needs to be checked regularly for any signs of infection or improper healing. If anything unusual occurs during this time, notify your doctor immediately.

Holistic Dentist in West Hollywood

Beaver Street Dentistry is a holistic dentist in West Hollywood serving patients seeking high-quality dental care. Our mission is to help each patient achieve optimal oral health through preventative and restorative treatments, various holistic health services, and education. Our holistic approach to dentistry is built upon our belief that a healthy mouth is the best way to prevent dental problems. We take a preventative approach to treating any dental issues that may arise and then strive to restore oral health, thereby improving the quality of life for each of our patients.

Dental implants near West Hollywood

Holistic dentistry is especially beneficial to patients with dental implants in West Hollywood. At Beaver Street Dentistry, we take a proactive approach to dental care and are always mindful of the needs of each of our patients. We have experience working with all dental implants, including those implanted on top of a fixed bridge or crown. Our dentist will take a careful look at the surrounding teeth to determine which ones need to be removed before implanting your new tooth replacement. Call our office today for more information about holistic dentistry in West Hollywood or an appointment with our friendly team.

Dental implants can improve one’s overall quality of life by increasing self-esteem and confidence because it is a straightforward procedure that does not require special care or maintenance. In addition, people with dental implants can eat any food or drink anything they like, including foods that would typically stain or damage teeth, such as coffee, tea, or red wine.