When you have a gap in your teeth, chances are you have spent some time looking into having the gap closed. And, chances are you have come across the inevitable comparisons between oral implants and dentures.
Is there a significant difference between having dentures and dental implants near Melbourne fitted? Read on for an in-depth compassion of these restorative methods.
Permanent
Both dentures and implants are designed to be permanent, but with the softer materials and exterior placing of dentures, it is easy to see why implants are superior when it comes to lifespan.
Correctly maintained, implants can last for years and as they cannot move, there is minimal chance of damage occurring.
Reliable
It’s time to talk about materials; specifically, what dentures are made from in comparison to oral implants.
Dentures are made from acrylic but, depending on your budget and the dentist you see to have them made, they may have metal elements mixed in to make them more durable and reliable. But, many patients unintentionally break their dentures each year, meaning that there is a gap in oral functionality while they wait for a new set to be made.
Oral implants are made from titanium and fixed to the jaw with a metal/composite or porcelain crown on top, they are harder and tougher to break. Should an issue occur with the crown of the implant, a temporary one can be fitted, allowing you to eat as much as you want without losing function of the fitting.
Easy
There is a great deal of care required to look after dentures properly.
You need to place them in a washing solution overnight, find the correct dental adhesive for your mouth and, of course, it is not a good idea to lose them! And this is before the issue surrounding comfort, sores and replacements are addressed.
With oral implants, once the fitting is completed and the prosthetics are in place, all you need to do is clean them daily (as you would your natural teeth) and attend dental check-ups every 6 months. No adhesives or washing solutions required! Which makes oral implants easier for many people to manage, compared to dentures.
Cost-effective
Yes, many dental patients are often surprised at how expensive oral implants can be.
However, while dentures may be more affordable in the short term, long term they can actually be more costly. With dental adhesives, trips to the dentist for sores and of course refitting in the event of poor fitting, they can quickly surpass implants in cost.
Comfortable
Depending on when you have your dentures fitted, your gums may still need to shrink down following the extraction.
And while most dentists will try to accommodate for this, the gums can still recede and cause dentures to wobble. Which, unfortunately, often leads to ulcers and sores forming on the gum line.
With implants, after the initial surgery and healing, there is no discomfort and certainly no rubbing, making them the most comfortable of the 2 options.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
