Are you missing an entire row of teeth or all of your teeth? Replacing missing teeth is very important to lifelong oral and overall health. Washington DC dentist Dr. Justin Deckard offers patients the two main solutions for replacement dental implants and dentures.
For years, removable dentures have been the go-to option for edentulous patients. Today, dental implants are the next best option after natural teeth.
Even though teeth implants have been around for years, they have developed into a flexible and versatile solution for patients who have lost or damaged teeth. But both options will deliver a better quality of life and restore your smile.
Dr. Deckard will examine your entire mouth and health to help determine which option is best for you. If both options are available, he will review the pros and cons of each with you to aid in your decision.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures in Washington, DC
Removable dentures are the traditional option for patients with arches of missing teeth. But Dr. Deckard may recommend implants to support dentures because they’re more stable and last longer. Below we’ll compare the pros and cons of traditional denture treatment to dental implant-supported dentures.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances custom-made to fit your mouth over the gums. They’re made of a plastic plate that holds the fake teeth. Here are the pros and cons of choosing dentures to replace your teeth:
Pros
- They will help hold the natural shape of your face
- You can speak and eat better than you could with missing teeth
- Modern dentures look similar to natural teeth but are still somewhat noticeable
- They’re the least expensive option to replace teeth
- They offer a quick fix (You can get a complete set of dentures in two to six weeks)
- The process of getting dentures is easy and doesn’t involve surgery
Cons
- They take some time to get used to, and you will have to learn how to eat and speak with them in
- They have to be carefully and properly cleaned every day in addition to your regular oral hygiene routine
- If they do not fit properly, they can cause infections
- You will need to adjust or replace periodically due to changes in fit
- Possibility of slipping around in your mouth, causing slurred speech and falling out
- You may need adhesive to keep them in place in your mouth
- You will have to adjust your diet because you can’t bite into certain foods
- They won’t replace the tooth root, and the patient will slowly suffer from bone loss in the jaw
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement today. As the next best option for natural teeth, they offer many more benefits and are better for your health.
For patients missing an entire arch of teeth, you will need four to eight implant posts surgically placed in your jawbone to secure a denture. Here are the pros and cons of choosing dental implant-secured dentures:
Pros
- They hold a 95% success rate
- The implant posts replace the tooth roots to prevent bone loss and hold the shape of your face
- They will restore normal chewing capacity with no food restrictions because they’re more durable than removable dentures
- Since the dentist will surgically place them in the jawbone and will fuse with the surrounding bone, they’re more secure
- You won’t have to worry about them falling out, slipping around in your mouth, or affecting your speech
- Feel and function as if they were your natural teeth
- If cared for properly, this investment can last a lifetime
- It gives the patient an overall higher self-esteem
Cons
- They’re significantly more expensive in the beginning compared to dentures
- The entire implant procedure can take four to nine months, sometimes longer, and need to make many visits to our Washington DC dentist’s office
- Involves having surgery and months of healing
Patient Review
“I love this dentist and his staff! I’ve been going to this practice for 15 years since before it transitioned to Dr. Deckard a few years ago. I was worried because I loved the previous dentist who owned the practice. Dr. Deckard is just as good and just as good-humored. He and his staff (they stayed on after the previous dentist stopped seeing patients) do great work.
Getting my twice-yearly cleanings plus anything else that might pop up is always a pleasant experience. Dr. Deckard and his crew really know what they are doing. I highly recommend this practice!” – Andrea Pawley
Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to common questions about dental implants vs. dentures in Washington, DC.
Is it easier to eat with dentures or implants?
Dental implants give you the most natural and comfortable eating experience. Because they are anchored directly into your jawbone, implants feel and function very much like your natural teeth. They provide strong biting force and stability, so you can chew a wide variety of foods without worry.
Dentures can sometimes move or slip in your mouth when you eat sticky or hard foods. They use the support of adhesive which can make chewing more difficult and less comfortable. With implants, your teeth stay firmly in place so you can enjoy all your favorite meals.
How long do permanent implant dentures last?
Dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss. When patients care for them properly, they can last for many years or a lifetime. But the longevity of dental implants can vary. Factors such as oral hygiene, overall health, and lifestyle habits can increase the longevity of tooth implants.
You’ll need to replace the crown every 10 to 15 years, but the implant itself can last much longer. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can significantly extend the life of dental implants.
Can you get implants after wearing dentures for 30 years?
You can consider dental implants even after wearing dentures for 30 years. However, long-term denture wear can sometimes lead to bone loss in the jaw. This bone is important for implant placement.
In such cases, you may need pretreatments like bone grafts to create a solid foundation for tooth implants. You want a detailed consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon to evaluate if implants are right for you.
How do you clean implant dentures?
You can clean implant dentures with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. But you’ll use different flossing techniques for the best cleaning. We will teach you how to clean your dentures after you receive your final restoration.
Can you sleep with permanent dentures?
While sleeping with permanent dentures is possible, most dentists do not recommend it. Your gums and jaw need time to rest and recover from the pressure the dentures apply during the day. You should remove your dentures at night to clean them thoroughly. Removing them at night also helps maintain good oral hygiene. However, patients can always wear implant-supported dentures, including in their sleep.
Can you remove implant dentures?
Some implant dentures are removable. Snap-on dentures use dental implants to stay in place but are removable. However, other types of implant dentures will stay in place. We often recommend implant-supported dentures, which are fixed and only removable by a dentist, because they’re the most stable option.
Request an Appointment Today
Are you unsure if dentures or implants are right for you? You don’t have to choose! Request a consultation for an implant-secured denture online or call (202) 851-7554.
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