Dentures vs Dental Implants: A Look at the Pros and Cons

Research shows that over 30 million people in the U.S. have lost all of their teeth, and millions more have lost at least some of their teeth. Luckily, when it comes to smile restoration, you do have options. Two of the most popular ways to restore a smile are through dental implants or dentures in Athens. Take a look at the pros and cons of each method.

Dentures

Dentures are a prosthesis created to resemble the appearance of natural gums and teeth. Dentures can be either full to replace all of the teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or they can be partial, which means they fit around existing teeth to close gaps.

Pros

• Quick process; usually takes only a few appointments
• Affordable option; cost between $1000 to $15,000
• Restores some chewing power, speech, and aesthetics

Cons

• Can be hard to fit for patients with little bone height
• Usually have to be replaced after several years of use
• May shift slightly and require some adjustment when speaking or chewing

Dental Implants

Dental implants have been performed since the 1960s. These implants go directly into the jaw bone to create a permanent fixture that gets topped with a crown. Dental implants can be singular to support only one tooth, but they can also support bridges or groups of teeth.

Pros

• Creates a permanent tooth replacement that likely won’t have to be replaced
• Fully restores chewing power after proper healing
• Most resemblant to natural teeth

Cons

• Requires more time for the complete procedure; involves three to six months of healing after surgery
• More expensive option; may be $1,000 per implant or more
• Not a good option for patients with conditions that affect healing

Work with an Athens Dentist to Restore Your Smile

Ready to begin your smile restoration journey? Whether you are interested in dental implants or dentures, we are the Athens dental practice that can help you out. Reach out to us at Athens Dental to schedule your appointment today.