The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

The condition of a person's teeth is often the first thing other people notice about them. Unfortunately, as people age, their natural teeth can deteriorate over time. Many people eventually need to have their natural teeth extracted to have them replaced with artificial teeth. Dentures and dental implants are two choices available for replacing natural teeth with artificial teeth. These are some ways that dentures and dental implants differ.

Removal

Dentures consist of artificial teeth that are placed in dental plates that look much like the natural gums. They are custom-fitted to the person's gums so they fit well but can be removed as desired for cleaning. Dental implants are installed in the mouth by attaching metal screws to the jawbone and then attaching the implants to the screws. Dental implants can only be removed surgically once they have been installed. 

Durability

Some dentures are more sturdy than others, but with normal biting and chewing, they normally last for at least 10 years. Dental implants are made to be permanent. They often last for the lifetime of the person wearing them. Since dental implants are secured with metal screws to the jawbone and the natural gum tissues grow back over the screws, the possibility of a dental implant being broken off is unlikely.

Appearance 

High-quality dentures often look very much like natural teeth and can give the wearer the confidence of having a beautiful smile. However, some lower-quality dentures may look more artificial and may not fit as well as higher-quality dentures.

Those who have dental implants are often very pleased with how they look and feel. Once the implants have healed and the gum tissue has covered the attachment completely, it is very hard to tell that the implants are not natural teeth.

Installation Time

Dentures can usually be made and completed more quickly than dental implants. Usually, a full set of upper and lower dentures can be completed within less than two weeks. However, some dental clinics offer same-day service, and the patient can come in to be fitted for the molds in the morning and then pick up their completed dentures the same evening.

Dental implants can take a few months to be completed. First, the patient must have the screws surgically attached to the jawbone. Time must be allowed for the gums to heal after this procedure. Then, the patient returns to have the implants attached to the screws, and there will be a necessary healing period after this as well. 

The cost of dentures and dental implants also varies substantially. It is often possible to get a full set of good-quality dentures for less than $1,000. However, dental implants can cost several thousand dollars by the time they are completed.

To learn more, contact a dentist about dental implants.