Dental Implants vs Denture Towson, MD

Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson is your local dentist office that offers several treatments for missing teeth or teeth that must be extracted due to irreversible damage. Having missing and unhealthy teeth can have a negative impact on your health and self-esteem. This is why it is important to have them replaced as soon as possible.

Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nathan Dancykier are expert restorative dentists in Towson, MD. They will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option to help you determine the best solution. Traditional dentures can be custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth and look natural. Dental implants are also an option. They are the only tooth replacement option that functions and feels like real teeth.

Dental Implants vs Dentures: The Benefits

Dental Implants

Dentures

No slippage More affordable
Allows for better speech Faster process
Allows for greater biting force More food options (compared to lost teeth)
Prevents bone loss Does not require a lot of bone or gum line
Function like natural teeth Will hold the shape of your mouth
Can last forever No surgery required
Will hold the shape of your face  
High success rate  
More durable and stable  
Very comfortable  
Easier to care for  
   

Dental Implants vs Dentures: The Disadvantages

Dental Implants

Dentures

Will require surgery Will not prevent bone loss
Costs much more May shift in around in mouth
Entire process takes months Very bulky
Requires sufficient bone Harder to get used to
Requires many appointments Will have to relearn how to eat and speak
Must have good oral health Will need regular maintenance
Must be healthy Requires replacement due to bone shrinkage
  Not as natural looking
  Must be taken out every night
  Easily lost or broken
  Less biting power
  Lots of eating restrictions
  Can cause sores in mouth

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

As you can see, dental implants have many more advantages over traditional dentures. Although they are very expensive and have a longer treatment time, they are almost as good as natural teeth. Every dentist in the Towson, MD, area prefers this tooth replacement treatment over removable dentures. Additionally, most patients report better quality of life with an implant-supported denture.

Most people will qualify for dental implants. However, there are a few that may not. Those that lack sufficient bone density will need to undergo a bone graft treatment to build it back up. This step is important since the bone will support the implant fixtures. Then those will hold the denture securely in place. Any other major health issues should be resolved before the surgical procedure.

Replacing Dentures with Dental Implants

It is never too late to get dental implants, even if you suffer from bone loss. Many of our patients chose traditional dentures and later decided they did not work for them. In these cases, we will address any bone loss and move forward with planning their dental implant treatment. The dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone and left to heal and fuse with the bone for three to six months. Then we will secure the denture to the implant fixtures for a more stable restoration.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures FAQs

You probably have questions about dental vs. dentures. We answer some of them here:

Are permanent dentures the same as dental implants?

No. Permanent dentures and dental implants are not the same. However, dentures and tooth implants serve the same purposes in dental treatment. Dental implants are titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. Prosthodontists surgically place tooth implants into the jawbone.

Permanent dentures are false teeth that sit on top of the gums and use a metal base. Prosthodontists craft dentures from impressions they take from inside your mouth. While tooth implants can replace individual missing teeth, permanent dentures provide an option for replacing multiple teeth with the added stability and comfort of implant support.

Do dentures or tooth implants last longer?

Dental implants generally last longer than dentures. Tooth implants last longer because prosthodontists design tooth implants to fuse with the jawbone. As a result, tooth implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. However, dentures typically require replacement every 5 to 10 years due to wear and changes in the shape of your gums and jawbone.

Tooth implants can replace missing teeth without modifying adjacent healthy teeth, as with bridgework. This offers superior stability and longevity in comparison to traditional dentures. Overall, the durability of both options depends on factors such as oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and the patient’s overall health.

Why do people get dentures and not tooth implants?

People may choose dentures over dental implants because of cost. Dentures are generally less expensive than tooth implants, making them a more affordable option for many patients. Furthermore, some individuals may not be good candidates for tooth implants due to a lack of healthy jawbone density or other health issues. Dentures offer the same esthetic appeal and functionality as tooth implants but require fewer appointments.

Dentures provide a faster solution for replacing missing teeth, while dental implants require a longer treatment process. In addition, dentures are removable and relatively easy to care for and maintain, while tooth implants require more care and home health. Consult a dentist or prosthodontist to determine the most suitable tooth replacement option for your needs and circumstances.

Can you get implants after wearing dentures for 30 years?

Yes, getting dental implants after wearing dentures for 30 years is possible. However, there might be challenges due to potential bone loss in the jaw. This is common in long-term denture wearers. 

Good bone density is essential for the successful placement of dental implants. If a patient has experienced bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary to rebuild the jawbone before tooth implant surgery. Consult with a dentist to evaluate your situation and determine if dental implants suit you.

Is it easier to eat with dentures or implants?

Dental implants offer a more natural and comfortable eating experience compared to dentures. Since prosthodontists anchor tooth implants into the jawbone, they provide strength similar to natural teeth, allowing patients to chew food efficiently. Moreover, tooth implants offer more control when chewing and do not require extra care or cleaning. 

In contrast, dentures may become unstable or slip during eating, causing discomfort and limiting food choices. Overall, tooth implants provide a secure and lasting solution allowing people to enjoy diverse foods.

What are permanent dentures?

Dental professionals refer to permanent dentures as implant-supported dentures or overdentures. These types of dentures offer enhanced stability and comfort compared to traditional removable dentures. Prosthodontists permanently anchor dentures to the jawbone by implants. Implant-supported dentures provide a more natural-feeling and long-lasting solution for patients with multiple missing teeth.


To learn more about how dental implants compare to traditional dentures, schedule a missing teeth consultation with Dr. Keith Boenning or Dr. Nathan Dancykier. They provide full dental implant services at their dentist’s office located in Towson, MD.