Five Reasons to Choose Dental Implants Instead of Dentures

Dental implants are the most effective and lasting way to replace missing teeth. They are increasingly popular, but many people are hesitant to get them due to the cost and prolonged recovery time after dental implant surgery. These are understandable concerns, but they should not keep you from considering implants instead of dentures, which are the most common solution for missing teeth. While dentures are more affordable and can be created relatively quickly for immediate use, they have drawbacks. There are several reasons to consider choosing dental implants instead of dentures.

1.   Health

Dentures can be used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, but they do nothing to contribute to your overall health. On the other hand, dental implants prevent deterioration of the jawbone. They can even stimulate new tissue and bone growth for a stronger, healthier jaw.

Dentures are prone to slipping and shifting, which can cause pressure sores on your gums. Dentures do not evenly distribute your bite force along your jawbone, so when you chew, your dentures can aggravate your gums, which take the force of chewing. Dental implants transfer the bite force to the jawbone, where it is absorbed and helps encourage healthy bone formation.

2.   Comfort

A recent survey by Survata revealed that many dentures wearers are uncomfortable eating certain foods. Seeds can get trapped under dentures, and some foods are difficult to eat with dentures, making it hard to enjoy dining. The survey revealed that 50% of denture wearers do not eat corn on the cob, and over 30% do not eat apples or nuts.

You can eat any food comfortably with dental implants, including corn on the cob, sticky foods, and hard or crunchy foods. You do not have to worry about food being caught underneath implants. You are comfortable dining in public and do not have to worry about slipping or shifting that can pinch the inside of your cheek or cause embarrassment 

3.   Aesthetics

Although the look and feel of dentures have improved dramatically in recent years, nothing beats the aesthetics of dental implants. Dentures can be made from various materials, but all dentures have to cover your natural gums with a composite resin or plastic material, giving your gums an unnatural appearance.

Dental implants eliminate the need to cover the gums. Instead, the implants placed in the jawbone function like the roots of natural teeth, supporting dental restorations that closely resemble natural teeth. Implants never shift or come loose, so you can smile confidently.

4.   Convenience

Dentures require daily care involving removing the dentures, cleaning them with special cleansers, and soaking them overnight. You must take them out to sleep and cannot wear them 24 hours a day. This can be a problem when visiting friends, staying overnight with family, and in other situations when you may feel uncomfortable without your teeth. You must also replace your dentures every 5-7 years to ensure they continue to fit correctly.

Dental implants act like the roots of your natural teeth, supporting visible teeth restorations that never have to be removed for cleaning or sleeping. You can go anywhere and do anything without having to remember special cleaning tools for your dentures or worrying about losing or misplacing your dentures. Dental implants are just as convenient as your natural teeth. They never come out, can be brushed and flossed, and look great 24 hours a day.

5.   Stability

Because dentures are removable, they are prone to problems when they move in the mouth. Have you ever had your dentures slip or click unattractively in the middle of a conversation? Or had to excuse yourself from a meal so you could remove some food debris from beneath your dentures?

Dental implants are the only permanently fixed solution for missing teeth. Once the implants have integrated with the jawbone and the visible restorations are attached, everyday activities cannot budge your new teeth. They are stable and secure, allowing you to eat, speak, and enjoy life with a beautiful smile.

To learn more about the advantages of dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chen or Dr. Black by calling 212-593-2930 or using our online scheduling tool.