Dental Implants vs. Dentures: What’s Best for Your Lifestyle, Budget, and Smile Goals?

If you have a missing tooth, it’s important to know that this is a common issue throughout the country. Because adults can frequently suffer from decay or trauma that leads to lost teeth, you may have numerous options to restore your full bite and smile. Two of the most popular are dental implants and dentures. 

Deciding between these two options can be tough; however, because they can both be helpful. Learn more about the benefits each option offers so that you can make the right choice for your needs. 

Function and Comfort

When considering dental implants and dentures, you need to think about the function and comfort that each option provides. 

Dental implants feel just like your natural teeth because they are fitted right into your jawbone. They offer the chance to maintain bone density, too, since your jawbone will still receive the stimulation from the implant to form new bone cells, the same as it would from your tooth’s root. 

These implants have the full force of your jaw, so you can chew all of your favorite foods without worry. You also don’t have to fear that the implants will shift while you speak. 

Dentures can be less sturdy. They require the use of adhesives to keep them in place, but these can weaken throughout the day. This can cause the dentures to shift. Because they sit on your gums but are not fitted in place, they don’t allow you to chew all types of food either.

Even partial dentures could take some time to become accustomed to. If they don’t fit correctly, they could irritate your gums, too. 

Appearance and Confidence

Dental implants provide a seamless look. The posts are fitted with crowns that match your teeth exactly. You don’t have to worry about your appearance in social situations.

Modern dentures offer a much more natural look than older dentures did, but they can still shift and look less natural. 

Because they can start warping out of shape, you can end up with dentures that don’t fit as snugly as they used to. That makes them more likely to fall out while speaking or eating. It may make you self-conscious and impact your confidence levels. 

Budget and Lifespan

Dental implants tend to be more costly initially. Over time, however, they are the more affordable option because they have a much longer lifespan. If you take care of them as you would your natural teeth, there is no reason you will need to replace the implants. 

Dentures are more affordable upfront, but the costs can add up. You will need to purchase adhesives regularly, for one. Dentures also require special cleaning liquids. Dentures have a limited lifespan, so you will have to replace them after a few years. Denture fit adjustments may also be required, which adds to their cost. 

Lifestyle Considerations

If you lead a very social lifestyle and worry about speaking in public, dentures can be too stressful. You may not have the time to adjust them throughout the day, or you may not want to deal with applying adhesives every morning. 

Travel can be more complex with dentures, too. You will need to carry cleaning supplies and may worry about the impact that changes in climate and temperature could have on the devices and how they fit. 

Dental implants are more travel-friendly. They don’t require special care but can be treated just like your natural teeth. As long as you floss and brush them twice a day, you can keep them looking and functioning at their best. You can have an active and full life without the added stress of maintaining dentures. 

They can also be a better option if you are highly social and feel that worrying about dentures slipping would make you less confident. If you tend to enjoy dining out and trying new foods, dental implants are probably the better choice. 

Ask a Family Dentist Near Lake Hefner

If you are missing one or more teeth and are searching for the right restorative dentistry option, choosing between dental implants and dentures is not always a simple process. Each option offers benefits, and the decision will come down to your lifestyle, budget, and smile goals. 

At Lake Pointe Dental Group, we can help you choose the most appropriate option for your tooth replacement needs. With our team guiding you, you can find the restorative choice that transforms your life. Are you ready to learn more? Contact us at Lake Pointe Dental Group to schedule an appointment with our dentist.