At Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson, we offer several treatments for missing teeth or teeth that need to be pulled due to severe damage. Having missing or unhealthy teeth can affect both your health and confidence. That’s why it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.
Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nathan Dancykier, expert restorative dentists in Towson, MD, can help you decide the best treatment for you. They will explain the pros and cons of each option. Traditional dentures can be custom-made to fit your mouth and look natural. Dental implants are another option, and they are the only replacement that works 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 | |
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?
Dental implants offer many benefits over traditional dentures. Even though they cost more and take longer to complete, they work almost as well as natural teeth. Most dentists in Towson, MD, prefer implants over dentures because they give patients a better quality of life with more stability and comfort.
Most people are good candidates for dental implants. However, some may need extra care. If you don’t have enough bone in your jaw, you may need a bone graft to build it back up. This is important because the bone needs to support the implant. The implant will then hold the denture securely in place. Also, any major health problems should be addressed before having implant surgery.
Replacing Dentures with Dental Implants
If you already wear dentures but don’t like how they feel, it’s never too late to switch to dental implants, even if you’ve lost bone over time. Many of our patients start with traditional dentures and later decide they want something more secure. In these cases, we’ll treat any bone loss first and then move forward with planning the implant treatment.
Once the implants are placed in your jawbone, they’ll need time to heal and bond with the bone, which takes about three to six months. After that, we’ll attach the denture to the implants for a much more stable fit.
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 different. Dentures and implants both replace missing teeth, but they work differently. Dental implants are titanium posts that act like artificial roots. They’re placed in the jawbone during surgery.
Permanent dentures are false teeth that sit on top of the gums, held in place by a metal base. While implants can replace single teeth, dentures can replace multiple teeth and offer more stability when supported by implants.
Do dentures or implants last longer?
Dental implants usually last longer than dentures. Implants are made to bond with your jawbone, which helps them last a lifetime if you take good care of them. Dentures, on the other hand, need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years because of wear and changes in your gums and jaw.
Implants also have the advantage of not affecting nearby healthy teeth, unlike bridges. This gives them better stability and longer-lasting results compared to traditional dentures. However, both options will last longer with good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and overall health.
Why choose dentures instead of implants?
People might choose dentures over implants mainly because they cost less. Dentures are more affordable, making them a better option for some patients. Also, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. Some people don’t have enough healthy bone in their jaw, or they might have other health concerns. Dentures can still give you a natural look and help with chewing, but they require fewer appointments than implants.
Dentures are a quicker solution for missing teeth, while implants take more time. Dentures can be removed and are easy to clean, while implants need a bit more care. It’s best to talk to your dentist to see which option is right for you.
Can you get implants after wearing dentures for 30 years?
Yes, you can still get implants after wearing dentures for 30 years. However, there might be some challenges, such as bone loss in the jaw, which is common for long-time denture wearers.
Having enough bone is important for successful implants. If there isn’t enough, you might need a bone graft to build it up before getting implants. Your dentist will check your bone and let you know if implants are a good option for you.
Is it easier to eat with dentures or implants?
Eating is usually easier with implants than with dentures. Since implants are attached to the jawbone, they feel strong and stable, much like real teeth. This lets you chew food more comfortably and enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Dentures can sometimes move or slip when you eat, which might make chewing harder and limit your food choices. Overall, implants offer a more secure solution for eating.
What are permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures, also called implant-supported dentures or overdentures, are dentures that attach to implants placed in the jawbone. These dentures are more stable and comfortable than regular removable ones.
To learn more about implants and how they compare to dentures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keith Boenning or Dr. Nathan Dancykier at their Towson, MD, office. We offer full dental implant services to help replace missing teeth, including: