Do I Need Dentures or Dental Implants?
If you need restorative dentistry, you’ve probably asked yourself, “do I need dentures or dental implants?” Answering that question depends on the condition of your teeth and gums. Determining whether you need dentures vs. implants also depends on whether you have tooth decay, gum disease, or a fracture caused by an accident. You also need to find out how much dentures or implants cost and what you can afford.
The best way to answer “do I need dentures or dental implants?” is to schedule an oral exam with your dentist. Contact Dentistry by Design to see which services work for you. We offer a variety of dental services and can tell you precisely what dentures or implants cost. Both implants and dentures provide a long-term solution for your current condition.
Why You Should Get Dentures vs. Implants
Even answering yes to the question “do I need dentures or dental implants?”, you still need to decide between the two options. Which is better between dentures vs. implants? Dentures replace multiple missing teeth. Whether you have a few teeth missing or need an entire row replaced, you may be a candidate for dentures. Dentures are removable teeth. Both partial dentures and complete dentures cover the gums in the areas where your teeth no longer exist.
Your dentist creates a mold around the gums. Using the mold, the dentist can custom design the dentures to fit perfectly around the gums. Dentures are comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. You pull them out and place them in a water-based solution. As long as you take care of your dentures, they will look naturally white for a long time.
The benefits of dentures include:
- Dentures can improve your confidence and self-esteem
- Your appearance improves with a more balanced set of teeth
- Dentures support the muscles in your face
- You will also notice an improvement in your speech
- With dentures, you can eat what you want without hurting your gums
Why You Should Get Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Now that you understand dentures, we can better answer, “do I need dentures or dental implants?” As you consider implants vs. dentures, you need to decide which solution will meet your needs. Dental implants are the perfect solution if you’re only missing a single tooth; however, they can also replace multiple teeth. Implants are also a good solution if you have a healthy gum line and jawbone.
Your dentist inserts a titanium post into your jawbone. It takes several weeks for the post to fuse with your gums. Afterward, the dentist tops off the post with a dental crown. The procedure takes a long time to complete; however, you get amazing results that last a long time. Most dental implants are good for 10 to 12 years.
The benefits of dental implants vs. dentures include:
- They look and feel like natural teeth – you won’t know the difference
- Dental implants can improve bone loss in the jaw
- Your adjacent teeth will be more stable
- You are less likely to get gum disease when you replace your missing tooth
- Dental implants can prevent facial sagging or premature aging
Do I Need Dentures or Dental Implants? What Do Dentures or Implants Cost?
What do dentures or implants cost? The answer to “do I need dentures or dental implants?” depends on your short-term vs. long-term needs. When it comes to dentures vs. implants, dentures generally cost less, but also have to be replaced more often. Implants cost more upfront, but have more durability than dentures, and tend to function better as well. Implants help preserve your jaw bone and gums, whereas an ill-fitting denture can accelerate bone loss in your mouth.
The most significant factor in answering, “do I need dentures or dental implants?” might be your insurance coverage. Insurance covers large portions of your dental costs — if your procedure qualifies. Insurance providers often classify implants as cosmetic dentistry. Many dental plans do not cover cosmetic dentistry. Most dental plans do cover dentures vs. implants, which isn’t covered by many dental plans. Dentures, vs. implants, are covered by most dental insurance plans.
If you need restorative dentistry work, come to Dentistry by Design in Richardson, Texas. We’re happy to answer your questions about dentures vs. implants. Dentistry by Design helps you decide your answer to “do I need dentures or dental implants?” Plan your visit by calling us today at 972.231.3013.