In the recording, Dr. Kathryn Vorwald, a board-certified New Teeth Now oral surgeon, answered several of our most commonly heard questions about dentures and dental implants. The chart below is an overview of how the two options compare in terms of comfort, functionality, and overall impact on oral health.
| Dentures | vs. | Dental Implants |
| Dentures can feel loose because of how they sit on top of the gums without anything to anchor them to the anatomy of the face. | Fit & Stability | Dental implants are anchored to the jaw in a way that’s similar to the roots of natural teeth. This provides a strong and stable fit. |
| Patients report challenges when chewing with dentures. They will try to distribute food equally on both sides to prevent tipping and loosening of the device, which can be frustrating to manage for every single bite. | Chewing & Eating | Dental implants are more comfortable to chew with. The zirconia teeth supported by your implants are firmly secured. There’s no special trick needed to learn to chew with implants. |
| Having a bulky piece of plastic covering the roof of the mouth and up under the lip can have an impact on speech. It can be difficult to get used to. | Impact on Speech | An implant-supported prosthetic is slimmer and doesn’t move around. There is a period of time that the patient will need to adjust to having something new in their mouth, but most patients get used to speaking with implants within the first few weeks. |
| Dentures need to be removed before bedtime. They will need to be brushing, and soaked in a cleaning bath, leaving the patient toothless while they sleep. | Daily Routine | Implants are not removable, and they’re cleaned in a similar way that one would clean their natural teeth. Brushing is important. Using a water pick helps clean underneath the fixed bridge. Regular follow-up visits every six months ensure proper maintenance. |
| Due to wear and tear, dentures will need replacement about once every five years. | Longevity | With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. The zirconia prosthetics attached to the implants are strong and, when properly cared, very long lasting. |
| Frequent adjustments are needed to prevent sore spots on the gums. | Professional Maintenance | While the implants themselves don’t require adjustments; the prosthetics might need some small tweaks early in the process. This is important for the best fit and function, which is why anyone should be skeptical of a clinic offering only one set of zirconia teeth within 24-hours of a procedure. |
| Often an extraction procedure for a denture patient will be done under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is fully awake to experience the extraction of their remaining teeth. | Extractions | When performed by an oral surgeon, extractions can be undertaken under general anesthesia. This is especially true for full arch implants. This allows the patient to sleep through the entire extraction process. |
| Dentures can lead to significant bone loss in the jaws. Patients will often modify their diets to a point that is harmful to their overall health. | Health Impact | Implants provide the optimal comfort and function. The implants stimulate the jawbone to reduce the chances of continued bone loss. Patients with implants are more likely to enjoy a normal diet and a better overall quality of life. |
When it comes to restoring your smile, full arch dental implants provide superior comfort and functionality over dentures. It’s clear that dental implants are the better option for a more natural and lasting solution. If you’d like to learn more about the New Teeth Now procedure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
