If you already know a little bit about dentures and dental implants, you might be wondering which treatment is a better choice for restoring your missing teeth in West Bend. Let’s discuss a few key differences between each of these treatments and help you make the right decision.
First, both partial and full dentures are usually a less expensive option compared to dental implants, since they do not require major surgery. Dentures are also typically covered up to applicable limits by your dental insurance.
In contrast, dental implants are more expensive, and are not usually covered by dental insurance. This means implants may not be a good option if you have a very tight budget for restorative dental care.
Dental implants may be more expensive, but they also last a lot longer than dentures. Dental implants last 30+ years with proper care, with many patients keeping them for the rest of their lives. This means that, in the long run, dental implants may be a better investment than dentures.
For comparison, full dentures usually last 5-10 years, with high-quality partial dentures typically lasting between 10-15 years at most. Once they wear out, they need to be replaced to keep your mouth healthy.
Another benefit of dentures compared to dental implants is that it usually takes less than a month to get a set of dentures, although this may take longer if you need pre-treatment surgeries like tooth extractions.
Dental implants, on the other hand, take at least 3-6 months, since the implant must heal and bond with the jaw bone. This process takes time, and can’t be rushed.
Dentures help protect your teeth from shifting, which is a common problem after tooth loss. But they do not prevent jaw bone loss, which weakens your jaw bone and may change your facial appearance over time.
Dental implants do protect against jaw bone loss, since they stimulate the underlying jaw bone when you bite, chew, and smile. This prevents the jaw from weakening, and preserves your appearance.
Dental implants, particularly single-tooth implants, require very minimal special care. For the most part, you can just brush and floss normally, and continue to see Dr. Patel or Dr. Major for routine six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams.
Dentures require a lot more special care. Among other care steps, you’ll need to remove them and brush them after you eat, and take them out at night to rest your gums and your mouth after you wear them during the day. Because of this, most patients find dental implants to be a lot more convenient.
The team at Oakbrook Dental specializes in restorative dentistry in West Bend. If you’re interested in either dentures or dental implants, Dr. Major and Dr. Patel are here to help. At your appointment, they can discuss the pros and cons of both options in more detail, and help you choose the treatment that’s right for your own unique situation. Contact us online or give us a call at (262) 335-0822 to get started today.
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