For many years, the most popular options for replacing all or most teeth (full or partial edentulism) have been to get partial or complete dentures, which have been successfully used and continue to provide a satisfactory solution to missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when some of the teeth are missing in either jaw. Complete dentures are used to replace both the upper and lower teeth with full sets of dentures.

But in the last 30 years, with the advancement of treatment, dental implants have become the preferred tooth replacement option for most patients for a variety of reasons. Dental implants provide many benefits over traditional dentures for most edentulous patients.

Here is a list of comparisons to provide a better understanding of the differences between the two options and help you decide which option may be the best solution for you.

1. Stability
Traditional dentures rely on the remaining teeth in the jaw for support and retention. These teeth need to be strong enough to offer stability so the dentures don’t slip and remain in place. This form of denture requires a metal frame on the inside for support, and metal clasps that hold the denture to the natural tooth.

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the structure of your jaw bone. Through a process called “osseointegration”, the implant material (titanium) actually adheres itself to the bone tissue and permanently bonds with it. This process creates an anchoring foundation for the next component – the tooth crown or a denture bridge.

2. Cleaning ease and convenience:
Dentures are removable and should be removed every day for cleaning.

Dental implants are permanently bonded with your jawbone and cannot be removed, unless by a dentist in rare instances. Normal care for implants is exactly the same routine that you follow for normal oral hygiene with your natural teeth (routine brushing and flossing). Implants also prevent the irritation that can occur with dentures as they rub against gum tissue.

3. Ability to taste foods
Dentures fully cover the upper and lower palates (roof and loser gums) of your mouth. As a result, an estimated 70% of your ability to taste is diminished.

Dental implants are just like your natural teeth and do not affect your ability to taste.

4. Prevention of bone loss (resorption)
When natural teeth fall out of the jaw bone, the bone begins to resorb (shrink) and decrease in size over time, resulting in a “sunken in” appearance. In addition, as the bone reduction occurs, it becomes more difficult for dentures to stay in place, causing added irritation and aggravation.

Dentures can help improve the appearance when they’re in place, but the bone itself will continue to resorb.

Dental implants, especially if placed immediately after tooth loss, help prevent the resorption process, thus preserving the jawbone much longer. This provides a much stronger jaw structure that gives a more stable foundation for both natural teeth and implants.

Dental implants are a treatment option that can be easily customized for each patient, providing choices that fit different lifestyles. See more information about how various dental implant treatments for edentulous patients.

The structural permanence of dental implants is perhaps their biggest advantage. Since they bond with bone, they offer all the same advantages for daily lifestyle as natural teeth – especially optimal comfort and appearance. Trained implant dentists work with each patient to match the size, color and placement of the implant crowns so they blend naturally into smiles. Added to that, implants have proven to be a very predictable treatment option for all patients.

Whether or not implants are the best option for you should be determined with your dentist, as there are other factors which will help influence your decision. It’s vitally important to choose an implant dentist who has the best credentials and proper training for implant placement and treatment. Find an implant dentist near you.

For complete information about dental implants, go to the experts at the Academy of Osseointegration website – whydentalimplants.org