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Dentures Versus Implants

Dentures are teeth that can be placed in and removed from your mouth. A dental implant is permanently anchored into the jawbone where the missing tooth or teeth once were. Unlike implants, dentures can alter the structure of your jawbone, which results in receding of your gum line. As a result, new sets of dentures will need to be made to fit the altering of your gum tissue and chewing structure, according to dentalimplants.org.

  1. Dentures

    • Dentures replace your teeth.

      Dentures are constructed after making an impression of the inside of your mouth. Dentures are made from acrylic resin, which is molded to fit the shape of your mouth. There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures.

    Types

    • Partial dentures clasp to your teeth.

      Full dentures are worn when all the teeth on the top or lower jawbone are missing. With full dentures, suction from the palate of the mouth can keep top dentures in place. Dental adhesive is usually used to keep the bottom dentures in place. Partial dentures use clasps to attach to surrounding teeth. Depending on the structure of your teeth, crowns are placed on neighboring teeth to act as anchors for your partial.

    Implants

    • Implants are screwed into the jawbone.

      Your teeth are anchored into your jawbone by roots. Implants take the place of the root by being anchored into the spot of the missing tooth. The area around the implant is allowed to heal prior to the placement of a crown. The crown is then fitted onto the implant, which ultimately takes the place of your missing tooth.

    Dentures or Implants

    • Dentures aren't made to last.

      Getting fitted for an implant requires the surgical placement of the anchor, a healing time of up to six months and a fitting of the crown. Dentures don't take a long time to make, though readjustment of the dentures are necessary to ensure a proper fit. According to Your Dentistry Guide, implants can last up to 40 years with proper oral hygiene. Dentures will need to be rebased every few years. Rebasing refers to constructing a new base to hold your teeth in place.

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