Replacing missing teeth can help restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. But with several tooth replacement options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Two common choices are dentures and dental implants, and each can offer important benefits depending on your oral health, goals, and budget.
At Serenity Smiles in Scottsdale, AZ, we offer several options for replacing missing teeth, including removable dentures, dental implants, implant-supported dentures, and All-on-4® dental implants. Understanding the differences between these options can help you have a more informed conversation with your dentist about your smile.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth. Depending on how many teeth you're missing, you may be a candidate for a partial or full denture.
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while fitting around your remaining natural teeth. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth when all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing.
Modern dentures are designed to restore both function and appearance. However, because traditional dentures rest on the gums rather than being anchored into the jawbone, they can sometimes move while eating or speaking.
Dentures may be a good option for patients who:
- Are missing several or all of their teeth
- Prefer a removable tooth replacement
- Aren't candidates for implant treatment
- Want to replace missing teeth without implant surgery
- Need a tooth replacement option that can be adjusted as their needs change
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth with small posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once an implant has integrated with the surrounding bone, it can support a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
Unlike traditional dentures, implants are anchored in the jaw. This can provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth and may help reduce the bone loss that naturally occurs after tooth loss.
Dental implants may be considered when you:
- Are missing a single tooth
- Are missing several teeth
- Want a more stable alternative to removable dentures
- Have adequate bone to support an implant or are a candidate for bone grafting
- Want a long-term tooth replacement option
- Are interested in an implant-supported denture or full-arch restoration
Dentures vs. Dental Implants: What's the Difference?
The biggest difference is how the replacement teeth are supported.
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and can be removed by the patient. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and can support fixed or removable restorations depending on the treatment plan.
Implant treatment also requires surgery and a healing period, while traditional dentures generally don't require implant surgery.
Neither option is automatically better for every patient. Your dentist will consider your oral health, jawbone, number of missing teeth, lifestyle, preferences, and long-term goals when recommending a treatment.
What About Implant-Supported Dentures?
You don't necessarily have to choose between traditional dentures and individual dental implants. Implant-supported dentures can combine some of the benefits of both.
Instead of resting entirely on the gums, an implant-supported denture is anchored to dental implants. Depending on the design, the denture may be removable by the patient or fixed in place.
This can be an option for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth and want more stability than a traditional removable denture can provide.
Serenity Smiles also offers full-arch implant solutions, including All-on-4 treatment, for appropriate patients.
Things to Consider When Choosing Between Dentures and Implants
Your decision shouldn't be based on appearance or cost alone. There are several factors to discuss with your dentist.
Your Oral Health
Healthy gums and adequate bone are important considerations for implant treatment. If you've experienced significant bone loss after losing teeth, your dentist may recommend bone grafting or another procedure before implant placement.
Your Long-Term Goals
Think about what you want your replacement teeth to do for you. Some patients prioritize having a removable appliance, while others want the stability of an implant-supported restoration.
Your Budget
Dental implants generally require a larger initial investment than traditional dentures, although the long-term costs and maintenance of each option can vary. Ask your dentist for a complete treatment estimate so you can compare your options.
Your Treatment Timeline
Traditional dentures and dental implants follow different treatment timelines. Implant treatment involves a healing period while the implant integrates with your jawbone, while dentures may be completed on a different timeline depending on your circumstances.
Your Comfort and Lifestyle
Consider how you want your replacement teeth to fit into your daily life. Your dentist can explain the differences in stability, maintenance, cleaning, and eating with each option.
Find the Right Tooth Replacement Option for You
There isn't a single tooth replacement solution that's right for everyone. Dentures can provide a removable option for replacing multiple or all missing teeth, while dental implants offer an anchored foundation for crowns, bridges, and implant-supported dentures.
At Serenity Smiles, Dr. Justin Waters and our team take a personalized approach to treatment planning, with a focus on clear communication and understanding each patient's goals. Dr. Waters has particular training and experience in implant-supported dentures and full-arch implant solutions.
If you're missing one or more teeth and aren't sure which replacement option is right for you, contact Serenity Smiles in Scottsdale, AZ, to schedule a consultation and explore your options.
