Cosmetic dentistry in Canada has advanced significantly in the past few years that there’s no reason for anyone not to have the best smile. Among the procedures that you can get to improve your smile are dentures and dental implants. Both offer excellent benefits, but both come with a few drawbacks as well. Because of this, it’s important that you weigh both options and figure out which one is right for you. 

To help you make the right decision, we will break down some of the things you need to know about dentures and dental implants:

What to Know about Dentures

Dentures are used to replace a few or all missing teeth. These are removable appliances, and some come with a light metal framework for added support. 

Here are two types of dentures: 

• Partial Dentures – These are used when only a few of the teeth are missing, and those gaps need to be filled.
• Full or Complete Dentures – These are used to replace all the teeth that are missing in either the upper or lower haw or even both jaws. 

Advantages of Dentures

There are several advantages of choosing dentures. For one, they are considerably cheaper than dental implants. They also don’t need an anchor, so even those who have lost gum and bone can still use them. On top of that, getting dentures is a non-invasive procedure, and the entire process takes just about four visits to the dentist to complete.

Disadvantages of Dentures

As mentioned, dentures also come with a few disadvantages you need to consider before choosing them. For instance, denture wearers often say these dental appliances are uncomfortable when first worn and may take a few days to get used to. You may even experience difficulty speaking and eating at first. They also could cause gum infection, but only if you don’t properly take care of them. Likewise, dentures may need replacement every few years or so as your gum and your face’s structure change.

What to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts drilled into the jawbone to mimic the roots of natural teeth. These posts essentially serve as anchors for replacement teeth. But unlike dentures, implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They can be used to replace one or more teeth and may be used to support crowns and dentures as well. 

Implant dentistry is complex, and the procedure needs expertise to be done safely. The implant is surgically drilled into the jawbone until it fuses with your jawbone as you heal, and you’ll get a solid foundation for the replacement teeth. This could take anywhere between a few weeks to several months. When the implant post is ready, an abutment is placed on top of it. This will act as the connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. 

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants last for 20 years or even longer. They help preserve your facial structure because they are just like your regular teeth, and the bone can continue to grow. With dental implants, you won’t have to change your routine because you can care for them as you would your regular teeth. Because they’re permanent, there also wouldn’t be any risk of your replacement teeth falling out when you’re eating or talking. 

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Implants are more expensive than dentures. Also, not everyone can get dental implants because they require healthy bones and gums. While bone and tissue grafts are an option here, this will only raise the cost of dental implants even higher.

Conclusion

The pros and cons mentioned above can help you decide between the two, but the decision must be based on your specific needs. For example, suppose you plan to use your insurance. In that case, dentures are the right option for you, given that implants are usually not covered because they are categorized as a cosmetic procedure. 

You might also want to consider other factors like your comfort and how it will look on you, or whether or not you can commit to the proper care of the restoration you choose. Ultimately, you should also consider what your dentist believes is better for you. 

Nasser Dentistry, the best dentist in Markham, can provide you with your restorative dentistry needs, whether it’s for a set of dentures or dental implants. Contact us today to learn more about the dental services we offer!