DENTURES VS. DENTAL IMPLANTS

How do dentures compare to dental implants and Full Mouth Dental Implants?

When comparing dentures to dental implants, it is important to understand what distinguishes the two types of treatments from one another. From a dentist perspective, Dentures are not the best definitive option for missing tooth replacement. Here we compare the major differences between dentures and dental implants.

It is important to note that for many patients, dentures provide a very favorable solution. However, for the majority of denture-wearers, there are common issues that dentures have that can sometimes be unmanageable. These issues include:

1. Lack of stability and dentures falling out

2. Inability to chew

3. Pain from pressure on the gums

4. Inability to speak

5. Increased gag tendency from the upper denture

6. Food getting stuck under the denture during eating

These issues and many others are why patients are mostly dissatisfied with their denture. We will further discuss differences between dentures and dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants when compared to Dentures

Dental Implants Provide Stability

Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss and Can Grow Bone

Implants prevent facial collapse

One of the biggest complaints about dentures is the lack of stability. Dentures wobble around the mouth since there are no structures for them to anchor to.

Dentures have shown to increase the amount of bone loss especially right after extraction due to direct pressure to provide to the jaws. This resorption is continuous until complete facial collapse occurs. Dental implants can prevent bone loss and reduce progression of bone loss when compared to dentures and they can contribute to bone growth with proper experience with surgical and prosthetic protocols.

Denture-wearers have a common complaint after 10 - 15 years of using dentures and that is the problem with facial collapse due to lack of stability. Due to lack of stability of the face, facial muscles and structures can sag and become loose over time. This leads to facial collapse and reduction in vertical dimension of the face. Dental implants provide direct stability and can help preserve the natural posture of the face and prevent facial collapse.

Permanent Dental Implants

A Lifetime tooth-replacement solution

Full Mouth Dental Implants
(Permanent Dental Implants)

Permanent Dental Implants can provide stability for the entire jaw and provide full function similar to natural teeth. The biggest benefit of full mouth dental implants is the ability to regain confidence in smiling again and being able to enjoy the foods that you love.

COST OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

There are several options available for dental implants and costs can varry depending on the number of implants, the type of surgery, bone grafting, sedation level required, type of abutment, type of prosthetic and material of prosthetic being used.

Single Dental Implant

$3500 / Per Tooth

Dental Implant Bridge

$7000 / 3-Unit Bridge

Snap-On Dentures

$9500 / Arch Denture

Zirkor™ Dental Implants

$26,990 Per Arch

FINANCING OPTIONS for
DENTAL IMPLANTS

The type of financing typically offered for dental implants includes use of third-party financing companies, in-house payment plans and step-wise treatment planning to allow patients to complete treatment in various steps.