Have you ever considered what you would do if you lost a tooth or started losing teeth? Losing teeth can be a traumatic occurrence. Though the cost of replacement, loss of convenience, and your overall health and well-being may be incredibly stressful to think about, it’s vital to replace a missing tooth or teeth if this becomes the case. In order to bring your mouth back to normalcy, you will need either dentures or dental implants. This means finding out which solution is best for your particular situation. The first step is calling your dentist. If you are located in the Pensacola/Perdido area and don’t yet have a dentist, please give us a call at (850) 542-4428 to schedule a free consultation. But we’ve also prepared a basic guide to help you compare both dentures and dental implants.

By definition, dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Full dentures replace all the teeth in the lower or upper jaw, while partial dentures are used to fill gaps when some of the normal teeth are still around. Full dentures are placed directly on the gums, while partial dentures are held by clasps around remaining teeth that are fitted onto crowns. Dentures have a pink gum looking acrylic base that assists the denture teeth.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the jawbone, copying the root of a natural tooth. The implant post-Osseo integrates with the jawbone, creating a base which is used to hold a brand new tooth. They can be used to replace a variety of different teeth.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Dentures

Pros include:

Replacement teeth will look very natural as modern denture teeth come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and shades. The pink acrylic used on your gum gives the same look of your natural gum. Compared to dental implants, dentures are the more economical choice, especially if you need to replace multiple teeth. The process for making dentures is non-invasive and unlike implants, it does not require any surgery. Here at Perdido Bay Dental, we have a Full In-House Lab that creates complete customized dentures. This enables us to provide a one-stop solution for our patients, at a lower cost.

Dentures are also easy to adjust. Ongoing modifications can be made to facilitate further tooth loss. Full dentures will support the cheeks and lips, restoring height between the lower and upper jaws so the face looks full and sturdy as before.

Cons include:

  1. They do not have a natural look since they use acrylic to copy the look of actual gum.
  2. They must be removed to properly clean and they have to be left outside the mouth overnight to allow gums to heal.
  3. Over time, dentures, lose proper positioning within the mouth as the gums become flattened and widened as a result of the constant pressure of the denture.
  4. People sometimes find it difficult to eat and talk with dentures.
  5. There are only specific foods that can be eaten with dentures; this may cause a problem for many people.
  6. Food is easily trapped in dentures, and if not cleaned properly can cause gum disease.
  7. Dentures are very delicate; they can break easily if not handled with proper care.
  8. Some people have a mental block against dentures and simply cannot handle the idea of wearing them.
  9. Dentures have a lifespan of three to six years which is significantly less than dental implants. Implants typically last for over ten years.
  10. Partial dentures will weaken the natural teeth over time. You may find the need to have those teeth reshaped or adapted slightly to facilitate the dentures clasps.

Each individual will have to weigh their options and decide what will work best. Give us a call at (850) 542-4428 to learn more or schedule your free consultation.