Dental Implants vs Dentures: What’s the Difference?

Exploring your smile restoration options in San Antonio, TX? That means you’re reading a lot about dental implants and dentures these days.

Both are effective ways to restore both the look and smile of a patient, but since they are so different, it can be difficult to know which one will offer you the best results.

This short comparison can help you find out! 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth designed to mimic both the look and structure of the natural tooth. Unlike other tooth replacements like bridges, implants will also replace the tooth root through the metal post, which is inserted into the jaw bone. 

There are many compelling benefits to getting dental implants:

• Natural look
• Lifelong tooth replacement
• Simple maintenance (which involves regular brushing and flossing)
• Feel natural, etc.

However, implants are not for everyone. Patients need to meet several criteria before they are cleared for the surgery. If you have healthy bone and gums, no titanium allergy, and no underlying condition that could affect implant healing, then you most likely can receive these artificial teeth. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are one of the oldest ways to restore a person’s smile! It’s a set of artificial teeth that can replace either the full or partial arch.

These prosthetics are recommended for patients with severe tooth loss and dental damage. Unlike implants, dentures don’t have such a strict list of requirements, which means most people can get them. 

Their benefits include:

• Natural-looking results
• Easy maintenance, as the dentures can be removed.
• Low cost when compared to other types of tooth replacement.
• Can help patients even if they have bone loss, gum retraction, and other health issues.

The Best of Both Worlds: Implant-Supported Dentures 

Both dental implants have a lot of benefits, but they are also limited. First, dental implants are costly, so patients with severe damage or missing teeth would need to make quite an investment to get individual implants. 

On the other hand, dentures require an adjustment. Many patients need some time to get used to eating or even speaking with them.

Here’s where implant-supported dentures come in: they can marry all the benefits of implants and dentures into one single procedure. Patients will receive four or more implants placed strategically in the bone, and a custom set of dentures will be attached on top. 

Implant-supported dentures are can be fixed or removable, are comfortable, and can also last for years.

Which Solution Is Right for Me? 

To answer this question, you should see Dr. Jamie Knox or Dr. Lisa Ding for a consultation. They will take a look at your teeth, overall oral health, and even medical history to determine the best way to restore your smile.

Ready to get started? Then schedule a visit to Smiles of Bulverde online!

For more information, don’t hesitate to call our team at (210) 907-8666 for a chat.