Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

When it comes to tooth replacement options, dental implants have gained significant popularity in recent years. At our practice on Wimpole Street, we’ve seen a growing number of patients opting for this innovative solution. Here’s why:

1. Permanence: Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. Unlike dentures, which are removable, implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth.
2. Bone preservation: One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their ability to preserve bone.
3. Natural feel and function: Many of our patients report that their dental implants feel just like natural teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
4. No special maintenance: Unlike dentures, which require special cleaning and adhesives, dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth.
5. Improved oral health: Implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth, as is sometimes necessary with bridges. This means more of your natural teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.

Longevity and Durability: Which Option Lasts Longer?

Dental Implants:

• Can last a lifetime with proper care
• Made from durable materials like titanium and high-quality ceramics
• Resist decay and don’t develop cavities
• May need occasional adjustments or replacement of the crown

Dentures:

• Typically last 5-8 years before needing replacement
• Can warp or break if dropped or mishandled
• May need regular adjustments as your mouth changes shape over time
• Require replacement as they wear down from daily use

Comfort and Functionality in Daily Life

Dental Implants:

1. Eating: With dental implants, you can enjoy virtually any food you like.
2. Speaking: Implants don’t affect your speech patterns. Once you’ve healed from the implant surgery, you’ll be able to speak naturally without any adjustment period.
3. Comfort: After the initial healing period, most patients forget they even have implants.
4. Oral hygiene: You can brush and floss implants just like natural teeth. There’s no need for special cleaning routines or products.
5. Confidence: Implants provide a permanent solution that looks and feels natural, which can significantly boost self-esteem.

Dentures:

1. Eating: Dentures can make eating certain foods challenging. Hard or sticky foods may dislodge the dentures, and you might need to avoid some of your favourite dishes.
2. Speaking: It often takes time to adjust to speaking with dentures. Some people experience a lisp or other speech changes.
3. Comfort: Dentures can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if they don’t fit perfectly. They may rub against the gums, causing sore spots.
4. Oral hygiene: Dentures require removal for cleaning and should be soaked overnight.
5. Confidence: While modern dentures look quite natural, some people feel self-conscious about having removable teeth.

Aesthetic Considerations: Natural Appearance and Smile Confidence

Dental Implants:

1. Customisation: Each dental implant is custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
2. Stability: Because implants are anchored to your jawbone, they don’t move or shift.
3. Gum preservation: Implants help maintain the natural shape of your gums and jaw, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
4. Light reflection: The materials used in dental implants closely mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, contributing to a more lifelike appearance.
5. Long-term aesthetics: Implants help preserve bone structure, maintaining facial contours and preventing the aged appearance that can result from bone loss.

Dentures:

1. Variability in appearance: While modern dentures can look quite natural, there’s often more variability in their appearance compared to natural teeth or implants.
2. Potential for movement: Dentures, especially lower dentures, can sometimes shift or click when speaking or eating.
3. Facial structure changes: Over time, the bone loss associated with missing teeth can lead to changes in facial structure.
4. Immediate results: One advantage of dentures is that they provide an immediate aesthetic solution, whereas implants require a healing period before the final crown is placed.
5. Flexibility: Dentures allow for easier modifications if you want to change the appearance of your smile in the future.

Making a decision with 19 Wimpole Street

At 19 Wimpole Street Dental Practice, we believe in providing personalised care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We take the time to thoroughly assess your oral health, discuss your goals and concerns, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dental care. What works best for one person may not be the ideal choice for another. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a dental professional who can guide you through your options and help you make the best decision for your oral health and overall well-being.

If you’re considering dental implants or dentures and would like expert advice tailored to your unique situation, we invite you to book a consultation at 19 Wimpole Street Dental Practice. Our experienced team in London is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.