Dental health is important in maintaining your overall good health and well-being. That’s why you should make informed decisions about the treatment that best suits your needs. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two popular options are permanent dentures and dental implants. Both can be effective solutions, but which one is better for you?

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each choice:

Pros and Cons of Permanent Dentures

Pros

• Improved comfort. Permanent dentures are custom-fit to your mouth, ensuring optimal comfort. They are designed to fit snugly against your gums and won’t move or shift while you eat or speak.
• Better speech. With permanent dentures, your speech may improve. They are designed to match the contours of your mouth, allowing you to speak more clearly and effectively.
• Durability. Permanent dentures are made from high-quality materials designed to last many years. They can withstand the daily wear and tear of eating, speaking, and other activities.
• Enhanced confidence. Permanent dentures look and feel like natural teeth, which can help boost your confidence and self-esteem.
• Improved oral health. Permanent dentures are better for oral health than traditional ones because they are fitted directly to your gums. This reduces the risk of gum infection and other oral health issues.
• Convenience. With permanent dentures, you won’t have to remove them each night like traditional dentures. They are permanently attached to your gums, making them a much more convenient option.

Cons

• High cost. Permanent dentures can be more expensive than traditional dentures. Manufacturing and installing require more time and resources, resulting in higher costs.
• Irreversibility. Once permanent dentures are installed, they cannot be removed without the help of a dental professional. This means you may lose the option to remove them if you change your mind.
• Maintenance. You’ll need to maintain your permanent dentures carefully to ensure their longevity. This means brushing and flossing them daily, using special cleaning solutions, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.
• Inconvenient repairs. Repairs can be time-consuming and inconvenient in case of damage or any issues with your permanent dentures. You’ll need to visit your dentist for repairs, which could take several days or weeks.
• Potential discomfort. While permanent dentures are custom-fit to your mouth, some people may initially experience discomfort or soreness. It could take some time to get used to wearing them.
• Not suitable for everyone. Permanent dentures may not be suitable for people with certain dental conditions or those with insufficient jawbone density to support the dentures. In such cases, other dental procedures may be a better option.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Pros

• Natural look and feel. Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, making them an aesthetically pleasing and durable solution.
• Long-lasting. Dental implants are durable. With proper care, they can last up to 25 years or more.
• Preserves jawbone. Unlike traditional tooth replacement options, dental implants help preserve your jawbone’s integrity by stimulating bone growth and preventing bone loss.
• Comfortable and stable. Dental implants are stable and secure, so you won’t experience discomfort or slipping while eating or speaking.
• Improved speech. With dental implants, you can speak naturally and confidently, as you would with natural teeth.

Cons

• Requires surgery. Dental implant surgery is a minor procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia, which may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions.
• Time-consuming. Getting dental implants can take several months and involves multiple procedures. Like Invisalign (see custom orthodontic treatment in New Jersey), dental implants require multiple dentist visits and come with a risk of failure without proper maintenance.
• Risk of infection. As with any surgical procedure, dental implants carry a risk of infection, which can occur during or after the procedure.
• Cost. Dental implants can be more costly than other tooth replacement options.
• Not suitable for everyone. Dental implants may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes.

Dental Implants Vs. Permanent Dentures: Which One to Choose?

The decision between permanent dentures vs. dental implants largely depends on your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Permanent dentures may be better for those who want a more affordable option with negligible risks of surgery. On the other hand, dental implants are ideal for those who want a more natural look and feel and optimal stability and comfort.

At the end of the day, it’s always best to consult your dentist so they can evaluate your individual needs and recommend the right treatment plan for you. See dental services at Sea Girt Dental for more information.