When your natural teeth are missing due to injury, decay, or other reasons, your ability to eat and speak normally is impacted. Eating becomes difficult, speech will sound different and you may find it difficult to smile with confidence. The good news is that there are two common ways of replacing missing teeth: a partial denture or dental implants with a crown. Both have their own pros and cons; so, let’s take a closer look at each option and see which one is best for you.
Dental implants
Dental implants are artificial roots that are used to hold a crown or a bridge in place. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth. The implant is placed into the jawbone which then heals around it and becomes a new source of natural tooth root. Implants are able to be used to replace single teeth or even multiple teeth in a single implant.
The most common type of dental implant is the endosteal implant. This type of implant is placed into the jawbone under the gum tissue and comes with a screw that is embedded into the jawbone. The second type of implant is an osseointegrated implant. This implant is attached to a titanium screw that is implanted into the jawbone. Once the jawbone has healed around the titanium screw, the implant is placed on the screw and is able to be used to replace a missing tooth.
Partial dentures
A partial denture is a removable solution for one or more missing teeth. A partial denture replaces your missing teeth with artificial teeth, which are then held in place by a gum-coloured base. This base, also known as ‘retained’ denture, attaches to your existing healthy teeth to provide extra support. The partial denture can also be held in place by a dental retainer. This is a device that is worn around your jaw and teeth, and clasps onto the teeth to keep the partial denture in place.
A partial denture is designed and custom-made to fit your mouth, missing teeth and your natural teeth. This is an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, but it is not for everyone. Some patients may find that their bite does not feel natural, others may experience soreness around their gums and irritation from the base.
Pros of Implants
They provide a natural-looking alternative to dentures.
Implants offer long-lasting solutions to tooth loss, with the potential to last a lifetime. You don’t have to worry about maintaining your dental implants like you do with dentures.
Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Cons of Dental Screws
Dental Screws are more expensive than dentures.
You have to go through a surgical procedure to have dental implants placed, which is not the case with partial dentures.
It may require medicines for few days before dental implants are fully functional.
Pros of Dentures
Partial dentures are less expensive than dental implants.
Dentures can be easily removed, which makes them a good choice for patients who have difficulty cleaning their teeth.
They can be placed quickly, and you can begin using them right away.
Cons of partial dentures
They may feel unnatural in your mouth.
Dentures may become loose and slide around in your mouth.
Partial dentures may cause sores and irritation in your mouth.
Which option is best for you?
Implants are a good choice for patients who want a long-lasting solution to tooth loss. They are also a good option for patients who want to avoid wearing dentures. Dental implants are an excellent choice for patients who want to keep their teeth for the rest of their life. They may be a better fit for you if you want to invest in a long-term solution or if you want to avoid the hassles of cleaning dentures. If you are interested in a quick, affordable solution that allows you to get back to your daily life, partial dentures are a good choice for you. If you want to keep your teeth for the rest of your life, dental implants are a good choice for you.
Final words on partial dentures
Even though dental implants and dentures are common solutions for tooth loss, each one is suited for different types of patients. If you’re missing teeth and are considering a dental implant or a partial denture, it helps to know the advantages and disadvantages of each option so you can choose the best solution for your needs.
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