Dental

Partial Dentures vs Dental Implants

Tooth loss occurs due to an accident, tooth, and gum decay. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, around 120 million people in the United States are missing one or more teeth. Tooth loss is serious for many people because they don’t feel confident when smiling, laughing, and speaking. Some people avoid social activities because they are embarrassed by their tooth loss. In addition, tooth loss can affect the way you speak and eat, and according to the American Dental Association, tooth loss can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, resulting in further cosmetic problems.

Tooth loss can be treated with partial dentures or dental implants, and there are several benefits of dental implants that you can’t get from a partial denture.

A Permanent Solution

Partial dentures will treat your tooth loss; however, the denture needs to be removed at night while you sleep, and dental implants are permanent. According to the Mayo Clinic, dental implants are drilled directly into your jawbone, and a crown that mimics your natural teeth is attached to the implant; therefore, they never have to be removed. You may need to replace the crown after several years, but you don’t have to worry about removing it at night.

Easy Cleaning

Throughout the day, food and bacteria can build up on a partial denture; therefore, they need to be thoroughly cleaned daily. You will have to soak the partial in a cleaning solution for a few hours and use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean them properly.

Dental implants are much easier to clean, and you brush the crown and floss, the same as you do with your natural teeth. If you don’t want to deal with the thorough cleaning process necessary for partial dentures, dental implants will be the best option for you.

No Food Restrictions

If you choose a partial denture to treat tooth loss, you will have food restrictions when the partial is in your mouth. Hard food, such as pizza crust, nuts, and hard candy can damage the partial. In addition, food that you have to bite from, such as pizza or sandwiches, can also cause damage.

Dental implants are drilled directly into your jawbone and are very strong; therefore, there are no food restrictions. You can eat whatever you like, without worrying about causing damage that would require an expensive replacement.

Implants Look and Feel More Natural

A partial denture can fill in the areas where you are missing; however, they don’t always look natural. Many partials have metal brackets to hold the partial in your mouth, which can be visible when you speak, smile, and laugh. Flexible partials are also common; however, if you are missing one or more top teeth, you will have a plastic part covering the roof of your mouth. If you are missing the bottom teeth, the plastic part will cover a significant area below the teeth.

Dental implants are drilled into the jawbone and don’t need metal brackets or plastic as an anchor, and they provide a more natural feel and appearance.

Dental Implants Won’t Damage the Surrounding Teeth

Partial dentures use the surrounding teeth to hold the partial in place, which can damage the teeth over time, resulting in additional dental work. Because dental implants are drilled directly into the jawbone, the surrounding teeth won’t be damaged, ensuring they remain healthy.

If you suffer from tooth loss and are trying to decide between a partial denture or a dental implant, implants are more beneficial. Although dental implants cost more than a partial denture, you will need to replace the partial every five years or so, making dental implants the more cost-effective option over time.

Related Articles

Back to top button