Dentures Vs. Implants

Reasons to Choose Dental Implants

Conventional Dentures Compared to Dental Implants

Currently, full dentures or removable partials are the most common replacement used for patients missing some or all of their natural teeth. The only other alternative to a complete removable denture is dental implant supported prosthesis. Although removable dentures are usually the most inexpensive option for tooth replacement, they can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and unfortunately a source of lowered self-esteem.

Dental implants are an alternative worth considering.

1) Improved Appearance: Dental implant supported prostheses are more natural than removable dentures in appearance and more attractive. They look, feel and function like natural teeth and are not removable unless by a dentist.

2) Improved Confidence: Over time, removable dentures can become loose and move around which can be a source of embarrassment for the wearer. With dental implants, a person can feel confident that teeth will not move. All regular activities can be performed without fear of embarrassment.

3) Comfort and Convenience: Because removable dentures can become loose and move around, they often cause sore spots in the mouth under the denture. With a dental implant supported prostheses there are no sore spots because the teeth are completely supported by the dental implants. Removable dentures can also be inconvenient or embarrassing because they require removal at night for cleaning. Most patients generally require messy adhesives. Patients with dental implants can rest assured they have comfortable teeth which are fixed into place and require no adhesive.  Patients who have a severe gag reflex will also find an implant supported prosthesis more comfortable since the roof of the mouth is not covered.

4) Durability: Implants have a high rate of success and durability. With good care, implants can last a lifetime.

5) Improved Eating: Removable dentures can slide and move during eating and make eating a complicated and unhappy activity. This is especially true if something gets under the denture while eating.  The ability to chew foods improves dramatically with dental implants. While removable dentures are only 10% to 20% as efficient as a person’s natural teeth, implant supported prostheses are 90% as efficient. A prosthesis supported by dental implants functions like natural teeth making eating an enjoyable and easy experience.

6) Improved Taste: A full upper removable denture covers the roof of the mouth. Because there are taste buds and salivary glands on the roof of the mouth, food is more difficult to taste and enjoy. With an implant-supported prosthesis, the roof of the mouth is not covered and food can be tasted fully.

7) Improved Nutrition and Health: Many foods cannot be eaten successfully with removable dentures. With an implant-supported prosthesis, patients are able to eat a varied, healthful diet that includes all necessary food groups for improved nutrition. Chewy and crunchy foods such as carrots, lettuce and apples can be added to the diet without fear of an inability to chew them.

8) Improved Speech: Removable dentures can make speaking sound garbled. The teeth can slip within the mouth causing mumbling or slurring of words. With dental implants normal speech is usually not a problem and patients can feel confident that the teeth will not slip during conversation.

9) Reduced Chance of Loss: Removable dentures can be easily misplaced, lost or even dropped and broken. Dental implant supported prostheses cannot be removed and misplaced.

10) Bone Growth: One of most difficult and devastating problems for patients wearing removable dentures is the loss of bone that occurs over time. Gradually removable dentures become more difficult to wear because of this bone loss. Due to lack of stimulation, the bone gradually wears away providing less and less area to support the denture. Dental implants act like natural teeth and aid in bone stimulation and maintenance of existing bone.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Pette. Call us today at (239) 610-6200

With advances in today’s dental implant therapy, we are able to help many more people today than just in the recent past.  Some patients who were told they are not candidates for implants due to lack of bone are many times able to be candidates with our technology today. Contact us today at our Cape Coral, FL office today to schedule a smile consultation.