Dentures or Dental Implants: Which Is Best for Whole Mouth Teeth Replacements?

When it comes to whole mouth teeth replacements, you have two main choices: dentures and dental implants. The choice between the two depends upon several different factors. Consider the following things to determine whether dentures or dental implants might be better suited for you. 

The Daily Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, denture wearers need to make a much bigger commitment than people who choose dental implants. When you wear dentures, you'll need to remove them every night for cleaning. In addition to brushing your teeth, you'll need to soak the dentures in a specialised solution. When you place the dentures in your mouth again each morning, you'll likely need to use a denture adhesive to help them stay in place. 

With dental implants, you have no daily maintenance. You only need to brush and floss every day, just as you did prior to having dental implants. Because the dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone, they're permanent -- no shifting and no worries about them falling out.

The Longevity

The longevity of dentures and dental implants is dramatically different. Dentures generally last for 8-10 years, at which point they'll require replacement. However, in many cases, a relining (a repadding of the soft part of the dentures) or a rebasing (a replacement of the denture base) also needs to be done every few years. 

Dental implants are permanent. The implant -- the titanium that is implanted in your jaw -- fully integrates itself into the bone and will last for your entire life. The replacement tooth is also made of titanium, so it will also last for your whole life. However, the crown -- the porcelain that covers the metal tooth -- will typically need replacement at the same intervals any crown would. This is generally around once a decade, but it could be longer.

The Cost

Dentures are less expensive than dental implants, but when calculating cost, you need to consider the rate of replacement. While the denture price is considerably lower, you'll be paying that again every decade or less, and you also need to consider the cost of relining or rebasing every few years. 

Dental implants are made one by one, and this means that the initial cost for a full mouth of them can seem rather staggering. However, remember that this is a lifetime investment which will give you a natural looking and fully functional set of teeth. Over a lifetime, dental implants could end up being around the same cost as dentures.

When you consider the three things above, dental implants have the advantage for most patients. Speak with your dentist today to determine whether they're the best choice for you.