I Have Missing Teeth: Should I Choose Dentures or Implants?

Are you missing teeth? You’re not alone. Around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million don’t have any.

Whether your teeth fell out or your dentist extracted them, losing teeth can significantly impact your smile, your confidence, and your overall oral health. Fortunately, you have options to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile.

At Your Community Smile, Narjes Abtahi, DDS, and our team specialize in dental restoration. We offer both dentures and dental implants, and we can help you make the best decision for your oral health. If you're looking for a way to replace your missing teeth, we describe the pros and cons of each here.

Dentures: Pros and cons

Dentures are customized, removable oral appliances that replace your missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two types: complete dentures for people missing all of their teeth and partial dentures for people with some natural teeth remaining.

The pros of dentures

Dentures have been a popular dental restoration for decades, and for good reason. Getting dentures is a noninvasive process that doesn’t require surgery. Your custom-made dentures effectively restore your mouth function and facial aesthetics.

Dentures are also generally more affordable than more invasive restorations like dental implants. That means they can be a budget-friendly option for tooth replacement.

The cons of dentures

One of the biggest drawbacks of dentures is getting used to them. It can take some time to adjust to wearing dentures, especially when it comes to speaking and eating.

While Dr. Abtahi and our team strive to ensure a comfortable fit, dentures can shift in your mouth and cause discomfort at first. Over time, dentures can contribute to bone loss in your jaw because they don’t stimulate the underlying bone growth like natural tooth roots or dental implants.

Dental implants: Pros and cons

Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular because they’re a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. Dentures are removable, but dental implants consist of a titanium post that’s surgically, permanently, placed in your jawbone and topped with a dental crown.

The pros of dental implants

Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. Because we surgically place the post, which acts as an artificial tooth root, and your jawbone grows around it, the process creates a secure base for your dental crown that’s durable and long-lasting.

With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime. Plus, they integrate with your jawbone, stimulating bone growth and preventing bone loss to maintain your overall oral health.

The cons of dental implants

Getting dental implants requires oral surgery, which involves a recovery period and comes with a risk of surgical complications. Your mouth needs time to heal between implant placement and crown attachment, and the entire process typically takes several months.

Dental implants tend to be more expensive than dentures because they require a surgical procedure and a variety of different materials. However, it’s important to remember that they’re a long-term investment in your oral health.

Making an informed decision for your oral health

Both dentures and implants can replace missing teeth, and both have their benefits and drawbacks. When choosing between the two, it's essential to consider your specific needs.

Dr. Abtahi and our team start with a comprehensive consultation, where we examine your mouth and review your medical history. We consider factors like the number of missing teeth you have, your jawbone density, your overall oral health, and your aesthetic goals, and we discuss your treatment options with you.

At Your Community Smile, we’re here to provide personalized guidance and expert care. Schedule a consultation online or call our office in Lansdowne, Virginia, at 703-565-2667 to take the first step toward restoring your smile and confidence.