When you need to replace missing teeth, you have a couple of main options: permanent dentures and dental implants.
Choosing the best solution depends on factors like cost, personal preference, and the health of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
Dentures and dental implants both:
- Help you chew food better
- Support your facial muscles
- Improve your speech
- Boost your self-esteem by enhancing your smile
Both options are great; however, there are major differences between them. Let’s discuss both options in detail to help you decide which is best for you.
What Are Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures, also known as fixed dentures, are a type of dental restoration that stays in your mouth and does not need to be removed daily. These dentures are often supported by implants placed in your jawbone. There are many types of dentures. Some of them are:
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Immediate dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
- Implant-retained dentures
Procedure for Getting Permanent Dentures
At NuSet, your journey to a new smile starts with a detailed consultation. Our experienced specialists will thoroughly examine your mouth, review your dental history, and discuss your options with you. We will make sure you understand each step of the process and answer any questions you have.
Once you’ve decided to proceed with permanent dentures, the next step is preparation. If you have any remaining damaged teeth, our skilled dentists will remove them. This is done with care to ensure your comfort. After the extractions, we allow your gums to heal before moving on to the next step.
In the next phase, we surgically place titanium posts into your jawbone. These implants serve as sturdy anchors for your dentures. We use advanced technology and techniques to place the implants precisely for optimal results. The procedure can be performed under IV sedation to minimize discomfort.
After the implants are placed, a healing period is necessary. During this time, the implants will naturally fuse with your jawbone. This takes 3-6 months. We will monitor your progress closely to ensure everything is healing correctly. Also, during this period, we will provide you with a temporary tooth or teeth, so you don’t have to worry about having a gap in your smile.
Once the implants have successfully fused with your jawbone, we move on to attaching your custom dentures. At NuSet, we take pride in crafting dentures that fit comfortably and look natural. We will make sure that your new dentures are securely attached to the implants, providing you with a stable and functional new smile.
Benefits of Permanent Dentures
Permanent dentures have the following benefits:
- They fit securely and do not slip.
- They feel more natural than removable dentures.
- You can eat and speak more easily.
- They last longer than removable dentures with proper care.
Permanent dentures can significantly improve your quality of life by providing a stable, comfortable, and functional solution for missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are safe new tooth roots made of titanium. They are surgically placed into your jawbone and provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth. According to a 2018 study, they have become very popular, especially among adults ages 55 to 64. Dental implants are a popular choice because they look and function like natural teeth.
Procedure for Getting Dental Implants
The process is similar to that of permanent dentures but with a slight difference. It begins with a thorough consultation. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs.
Once your treatment plan is ready, we move on to the implant placement. During this procedure, our skilled surgeons will place titanium posts into your jawbone. These posts act as sturdy roots for your new teeth. The procedure is done under IV sedation to ensure your comfort.
After the implants are placed, a healing period is necessary. This is when the implants fuse with your jawbone. This usually takes 3-6 months. During this time, we will monitor your progress closely to ensure the implants integrate well and that your jawbone heals properly. To minimize any discomfort or inconvenience, we offer an immediate load option, where temporary teeth can be placed right away so you don’t have a gap in your mouth when smiling.
Once the implants have successfully fused with your jawbone, we move to the next step: placing the abutments. An abutment is a small connector that attaches to the top of the implant. It serves as the base for the crown. Sometimes, the abutment is placed at the same time as the implant, but in most cases, it is added after the implant has fully integrated with the bone.
The final step is attaching the custom-made crowns. We craft crowns that match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. These crowns are placed on the abutments, completing your new smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
- They look and feel like your natural teeth.
- Implants allow you to eat and speak without worry.
- They help preserve your jawbone and prevent bone loss.
- Unlike traditional dentures, implants do not need to be removed for cleaning.
Comparison: Permanent Dentures vs. Dental Implants
| Features | Permanent dentures | Dental implants |
| Cost | $10,000 | $17,500-$25,000 |
| Comfort and fit | Fit securely but can feel bulky, causing some initial discomfort | Feel like natural teeth, no slipping or discomfort once healed |
| Maintenance | Daily cleaning needed, special solutions, regular dentist visits for adjustments | Similar to natural teeth, regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups |
| Durability | Lasts 5-10 years, may need replacements or relining | Can last a lifetime with proper care |
| Aesthetic appeal | Look natural but may not match implants in aesthetics | Look and feel like natural teeth, blend seamlessly |
| Functionality | Improve chewing and speaking, but may not be as efficient as implants | Excellent functionality, confident eating, speaking, and smiling without movement |
When deciding between permanent dentures and dental implants, consider these factors. Both options can significantly improve your quality of life. Talk to us to help you determine which is the best choice for you.
Take the Next Step to a Better Smile
Deciding between permanent dentures and dental implants is an important choice. Both options can greatly improve your quality of life by restoring your smile and oral function. At NuSet Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, we understand the significance of this decision and are here to help you every step of the way.
Our team of experienced professionals will provide personalized guidance and make sure you make the best choice for your needs. Whether you opt for the affordability and ease of permanent dentures or the long-term benefits of dental implants, we are committed to delivering the highest quality care.
Don’t wait any longer to achieve the smile you deserve. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have dentures or implants?
The choice between dentures and implants depends on various factors such as cost, oral health, and personal preference. Implants offer a more permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth, but they are more expensive upfront. Dentures are a more affordable option and can be a good choice if you have significant bone loss or other oral health issues.
What are the disadvantages of permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures can feel bulky and may require some time to get used to. They also need regular cleaning and occasional adjustments. While they are stable, they might not offer the same level of comfort and natural feel as dental implants. Over time, they may also need to be replaced or relined.
Are permanent dentures the same as dental implants?
No, permanent dentures and dental implants are not the same. Permanent dentures are a type of denture that is fixed in place and often supported by dental implants. Dental implants are individual titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to act as new tooth roots, which can support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Do permanent dentures feel like real teeth?
Permanent dentures can feel more natural than traditional removable dentures, especially if they are supported by implants. However, they may not feel exactly like real teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, are known for their ability to mimic the feel and function of natural teeth more closely.
