Dentures vs. Implants: What’s right for you?
Dentures and dental implants are both effective forms of restorative dentistry. If you’re missing multiple teeth, you may be considering either option to aid in eating and to restore your smile.
In this article, we’ll outline what dental implants and dentures are, and the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best for you.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants typically refer to endosteal implants, where a titanium post is surgically positioned in the jawbone below the gum. This post imitates a real dental root. Implants are popular for single tooth replacement, as they can be capped with an individual crown.
Implants might also be chosen to replace multiple teeth, however you wouldn’t typically receive a single implant per tooth. Instead, 'all teeth on 4' (or more) implants may be a viable option.
Learn more: “What are the three different types of dental implant in NZ?”
All teeth on 4 (or more) implants
If your full set of upper or lower teeth are missing or require extraction, you may consider ‘all teeth on 4’ (or more) implants. This is where four to six implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw to support either a removable denture or a permanent bridge.
Compared to traditional dentures, implant-supported options offer greater stability and overall better health outcomes. Implants provide stimulation for the jawbone in the absence of natural tooth roots, and this can halt bone atrophy.
Implant-supported dentures
While traditional dentures are artificial teeth and gums held in place by a tight fit, saliva and sometimes an adhesive, implant-supported dentures are firmly attached to implants by screws. These dentures can be removed by the dentist one or two times a year for cleaning, but otherwise stay in place without the need for removal or maintenance.
How much do implant-supported dentures cost?
Here at Kowhai Dental, our Implant supported dentures treatment starts from $15,799.
But, you should know it may become more expensive depending on the placement of the implants and the condition of your mouth.
Permanent bridges
As an alternative treatment option, a bridge made of zirconium may be permanently attached to your dental implants. This bridge can replace a full set of teeth, or fewer teeth (so long as they’re together in the mouth).
Zirconium teeth typically feel extremely similar to the real deal, but do come at a higher cost than alternative acrylic options.
How much do permanent bridges cost?
Permanent bridges are one of the more expensive options for restorative dentistry, starting at $28,984.
Learn more: Different types of dental bridges
What are dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic teeth and gums that can usually be removed by the wearer. But, that doesn’t mean every type of denture comes back out again – there are many that are affixed in a way which means they cannot easily be removed.
Generally speaking, dentures are supported by existing soft and hard tissues of the mouth. As such, they are considerably less invasive a treatment option than dental implants, which require surgical placement within the jaw bone.
Traditional dentures
Traditional dentures are not fixed to your mouth. Instead, they’re supported by your gums. From a treatment perspective, this makes them a lot simpler than dental implants – there’s no surgery, or drilling into the jawbone. But, it does mean they can be prone to feeling ill-fitted, or they slip and cause difficulty when eating or talking.
Because traditional full dentures don’t stimulate the jaw in any way, over time bone atrophy may make your face seem sunken or hollow.
How much do traditional dentures cost?
We don’t offer traditional dentures at Kowhai Dental, however dentures from a prosthodontist can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,500 per arch.
Overdentures
Overdentures are a preferable alternative to traditional dentures for many people. Theys function identically to implant-supported dentures, however do not necessarily require an implant. Therefore, overdentures are an ideal option if you have existing healthy teeth that can support them.
So how do they work? Your natural teeth can be used as “anchors” to support overdentures. In this way, your teeth work to provide more stability to the overdentures, taking some of the biting pressure off your gums and stimulating the jawbone to avoid atrophy over time.
How much do overdentures cost?
Removable overdentures start at $15,799, but additional costs may be required depending on the condition of the mouth and the placement of implants.
Read more: “A quick guide to overdentures”
So, is it better to get implants or dentures?
Dental implants and dentures are both viable options for seniors or anyone missing teeth.
Dentures in their traditional form are often the most affordable option. However, this low cost can sometimes come at the price of comfort, durability and overall health outcome.
‘All teeth on 4’ implants or overdentures have that higher price tag, but many believe that the price comes with greater benefits. Overdentures or implant-supported dentures can be attached to embedded implants or your natural teeth, resulting in better stability, enhanced comfort, halted jaw bone atrophy and a more organic appearance.
Permanent bridges on dental implants are the most expensive option. That said, they offer the same fantastic benefits of ‘all teeth on four’ implants, but with an even more realistic appearance – as well as heightened durability. Given the speed, they also offer a more immediate solution to the problem of missing teeth.
Restore your smile with Kowhai Dental
If you’re looking to restore missing teeth, the team here at Kowhai Dental in Whangarei are here to help. We can talk you through your options and help you understand what’s best for you and your situation.
Drop by to see us on Maunu Road, call us on 09 430 0707 or book online to make an appointment.