Dental Implants or Dentures?
There’s no need to go through life with missing teeth. These days, many good alternatives are available. Dental implants and dentures are the most common options. Dentures are false teeth; although their quality has improved, they’re not ideal for everyone. If not secured with denture adhesive, dentures might slip out of place while eating or speaking, which could be embarrassing, and partial dentures might promote infection and decay in other teeth if they aren’t fitted properly, which may increase the risk that you would need a tooth filling on the abutment (adjoining) tooth. That said, dentures may be the best choice for people whose gums and jaw are weak or unhealthy.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
If you are missing teeth and your gums and jaw are healthy with no major gum disease, you may benefit from dental implants, which are replacement teeth that are implanted surgically into the jawbone. With good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for 20 years or more without the need for replacement. Implants are often a popular choice for people who have only one or two teeth missing, but they can be an alternative to dentures if you have several missing teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are healthy, two or more implants can serve as a base of support for several replacement teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures:
- NOT REMOVABLE
- BETTER JAW BONE HEALTH
- MOST NATURAL LOOKING
- BETTER FUNCTION
Dental implants are directly connected to the jaw bone, and they are not removable. Dentures rest on the gums and any remaining teeth. They must be removed at night for the health of natural teeth and gums. This can be a source of embarrassment for many people. With dental implants, there is nothing to “take out.” They simply become a part of your mouth.
Because dental implants replace a tooth root in the jaw bone, they enable the dentist to make fake teeth that come out of the gums, just like a natural tooth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that has this ability. Allowing for individual teeth that are not connected to each other, dental implants are the most natural and esthetic tooth replacement option.
Denture vs Dental Implants Pros and Cons:
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Are Restorative Treatments Covered By Insurance?
First and foremost, we want to point out that if you have dental insurance, most restorative treatments, such as complete dentures or dental implants, will be covered at least in part by your insurance policy. This is because restoring a full smile after tooth loss improves biting function and can prevent additional health complications down the road from tooth loss. Be sure to review your unique policy for coverage information or call your insurance company’s information line to learn more about what could be covered, as well as more information on cost differences between in-network and out-of-network providers.
Although dentures are a serviceable missing-tooth replacement option, the permanence and natural look of dental implants make them a great choice. Of course, it’s important that you consult with a dentist in arlington heights before you make a decision on dentures vs. dental implants.
You can always count on us for the best consultation on how to proceed for the best result. For any questions or appointment, Call Our Office at 847-483-8833
About the author
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Founder and lead dentist of Omni Dental of Arlington Heights. Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and Board Certified Diplomate of the ICOI and IDIA. Illinois license #019.027365.
