When it comes to having a perfect and healthy smile, there may be a time when you lose your natural teeth, and you won't have any option other than to consider an artificial one. Anyone who has ever lost a tooth through either recurring infection, accidents, or gotten their tooth removed because of poor alignment will have to do an artificial replacement. This replacement could be dentures or implants - both have their pros and cons, and you have to decide which one to choose for you. What Are Dentures? Dentures are removable false teeth made of plastic, nylon, or metal. They fit tightly over the gums to replace missing teeth and decrease the potential for oral disease.

Pros of Dentures Ø Better appearance: Dentures give you an overall good looking smile with no sagging cheeks. Dentures will also give you a younger look. Ø Good oral health: Dentures will help you to have better oral health with little chance of infection. Ø Cost: Dentures are less expensive, especially if you need to replace multiple teeth. Ø Non-invasive: The denture making procedure is non-invasive and does not require any surgery. Ø Functional teeth: Just like the natural teeth, dentures will give you well-working teeth, and you will talk and eat normally. Ø Easy to adjust: Dentures are easy to adjust and also to be modified to accommodate further tooth loss. Cons of Dentures Ø Not as natural looking: They don't look exactly like natural teeth because they display in the form of acrylic instead of actual gum tissue. Ø Not quite fitted: Dentures can sometimes loosely slip around, especially if they have been worn for a few years as the jaw changes shape, becoming flattened and less able to show retention. Ø Not a permanent solution: Dentures have to be continuously readjusted to fit the jaw. And it will gradually wear out and may need a replacement in the long run. Ø Higher maintenance: Dentures require regular cleaning and must be removed from the mouth at night to allow the gums to recover overnight. Ø Restriction to certain foods: Dentures give you limitations to what you can eat, and these, as a result, may deprive you of a balanced diet for general body health. Ø They trap food: Foods like raw fruits, vegetables, and popcorn kernesl can get stuck in and around the dentures, which tends to increase the risk of decay and gum disease in the teeth. What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are metal made from titanium that is implanted surgically into the jowl. This implant will firmly be fused to the jawbone, which provides a replacement for a decayed or missing tooth. They are also used to replace multiple missing teeth.

Pros of Dental Implants Ø Highly durable: Dental implants, if correctly done and cared for, can last for over a decade or even a lifetime. Ø Easy to maintain: They are comfortable and stress-free in brushing and flossing, just like the natural teeth. Ø Better appearance: Dental implants look so natural, and people won't be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and dental implants. Ø Facial construction: Dental implants help support the shape of the face and avoid sagging of the facial muscles. Ø No restriction: Dental implants have no limitation to food intake, and it also helps restore chewing ability. Ø No movement: Implants help to protect bone and prevent gum tissue from moving. This reduces the risk of losing more teeth. Cons of Dental Implants Ø Highly expensive: Dental implants are costly compared to dentures. Insurance may not cover implants as they are often classified as a cosmetic procedure. Ø Invasive surgery: Implants require one or more invasive surgeries. Ø Waiting time: You will have to be very careful with your teeth after the procedure until the implant finally fuses with the bone. This could take a few weeks; you will have to wear a temporary cap over your teeth in the meantime. Dentures and Implants Cost Comparison The cost of dentures varies by the quality of dentures you choose. Although it is possible to buy dentures at a cheaper rate, you will surely get what you pay for. While implants are said to be more expensive than dentures, this also depends on your dentist’s experience, dental health, the diagnostic test required (CT scan, X-rays, etc.) and whether an additional procedure like sinus lift or bone graft is required. Conclusion Dentures and implants are good options when it comes to the replacement of missing and decayed teeth. However, it is necessary to look for the pros and cons of each procedure. You can talk to your dentist to know the cost of each process and the payment plans. Ensure you speak to your insurance company to see if they cover dentures or implants, so you will know the one you can afford. Review the pros and cons of dentures and implants then choose what best works for you. And remember that you have your time to choose the right fit.