If you have one or several missing teeth you will feel embarrassed to eat, speak, and smile in front of other people. This will not only cause aesthetic issues but also shift the teeth closer together making them look misaligned. In order to fix this issue the dentist will recommend a number of treatments, but the most common ones will be dentures and dental implants. In this blog post, we will talk about the differences between these treatments and why you should consider opting for dental implants if you are already using dentures.
First, we would like to explain to you what dentures are. If you don’t already know, they are dental prostheses that aim to replace missing teeth and their surrounding tissue. They are divided into two types: partial dentures and complete ones. The difference between these two is that partial dentures fill the gaps left if the teeth miss while dentures aim to replace the all set of missing teeth.
During the initial consultation, the patient should come to the dental clinic to have their impressions made by the dentist. After the mold is taken according to your measurements it will take some time for the dentures to be made. They will look exactly like your real teeth and it is made up of two parts: a gum-colored base and metal clasps that will help keep them in place.
When all the teeth are missing the dentist will recommend complete arches on the lower or upper jaw. The suction that the mouth roof creates will help keep them in place. In addition to conventional removable appliances that have been used for a very long time, contemporary technology has advanced in implant-supported overdentures, which offer more comfort and stability than conventional ones. Before choosing the best option, it’s important to talk with your dentist about whether this alternative treatment option for tooth loss fits your needs and your goals for your dental health.
As we explained earlier dentures are prosthetic devices that aim to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance of your smile. When it comes to function they will not do much since they can move and slip around. During the day they will be held in place by the suction force of our mouth and through dental adhesive if a full arch of teeth is replaced.
Your dentist will take a mold of your mouth when you get dentures so that they are made to precisely fit and resemble your real teeth in terms of size, shape, and color. Artificial teeth can be constructed of porcelain or plastic, however, the foundation of the denture is usually composed of acrylic resin.
It might take some time for your dentures to feel natural in your mouth once they have been fitted. As you become used to wearing them, you could feel some discomfort or irritation; however, this should pass and they will feel natural.
It’s important to wash your dentures twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleanser to keep them hygienic and clear of bacteria. Before putting them back in your mouth after cleaning, make sure you give them a good rinse.
For people who are experiencing dental problems such as lost teeth, dentures provide a dependable answer. if you choose the right dentist and they are properly placed, they will help people in need regain their confidence.
Just like with any dental procedure, dentures also have their own issues. Furthermore, we will explain what are some of these issues and how to overcome them:
As the name implies, full-arch implants aim to cover the whole arch of missing teeth. They are made up of around 4-6 dental implants which are new advancements in implantology. Depending on whether you need to replace both or just one row of teeth, they can be positioned in one or both of your mouth’s arches.
These implants are made up of small titanium bits in the shape of screws. They are surgically inserted into your mandible, where they become bonded to the bone and recover over time. Titanium is utilized for this reason. Because of its special capacity to “osseointegrate” with the bone, it almost becomes a part of your mouth.
A pair of implant-supported dentures will be constructed to fit over your dental implants after they have healed and cemented into your jaw. They can be designed to permanently adhere to your implants, or they might be removable like dentures. In any case, your full-arch dentures will click into your dental implants, securely holding them in place. This implies that when you eat, speak, or chew, dentures and full-arch implants won’t move.
Full arch implants will be very helpful when it comes to replacing missing teeth since they replace their whole structure. This will keep them healthy and in place avoiding deterioration of the jaw. Dentures don’t have this ability so if you want to avoid jawbone deterioration, a full arch implant will be the only way to go.
The fact that full-arch dental implants provide a smile that looks natural is one of their biggest benefits. The artificial teeth that are affixed to the implants have a look and functionality that are very similar to natural teeth. This will help you feel more comfortable when you smile, speak, and eat.
When it comes to speaking and chewing abilities, full-arch dental implants are better than regular dentures. You may talk properly and comfortably and eat a broad variety of foods without worrying about your implants sliding out of your mouth, unlike dentures. You will also not need to remove them during the night.
Because implant-supported dentures stop the jaw from losing bone, they will improve oral health. In contrast to conventional dentures, which have the potential to speed up the bone resorption process, full-arch dental implants stimulate the neighboring bone, preserving its structural integrity.
Full-arch dental implants come in several variations that serve the same purpose. However, they have their unique characteristics and advantages that distinguish them from each other. The two most common and known types of dental implants that aim to fix the full arch of missing teeth are:
As the name states, an all-on-4 dental implant procedure consists of the placement of four screws that serve as the roots of the missing teeth. These screws will support the full arch of new teeth that will be placed on top. If you have experienced some bone loss this will be the perfect procedure for you.
All-on-6 dental implants serve the same purpose as all-on-4 dental implants but their main difference is that this second option is more suitable in cases when the patient has a more dense bone than usual. The choice between these two procedures will be decided by the dentist once he examines the whole structure of your mouth.
Just like with any other procedure, dental implant placement will begin with an initial consultation with an implant dentist. There are several examinations and checkups that will be necessary to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure or if you should choose another one. Once the dentist examines the structure of your jay and the state of the bone he will decide between the techniques.
If the dentist decides that you are a suitable candidate for full arch dental implants the next step will be to decide the date for the placement of them. Usually, they are made of titanium since it is biocompatible and will not cause any issues. The number of implants will depend on the treatment you decide, whether it is all-on-4 or all-on-6.
Once the implants are placed on your jawbone, you will need some time in order to recover. This is called the osseointegration process. During this time you will not be left without a tooth but the dentist will place a temporary one in order to help you maintain oral functionality and appearance.
Once the recovery and integration procedure is over, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with a permanent one. This will be designed to look, function, and feel the same as your natural teeth. They will be securely attached offering stability and durability at the same time.
After the full arch dental implant procedure is done, you will experience some level of discomfort and swelling. This can be easily managed with painkiller medication and ice packs. Prior to the procedure, your dentist will give you some advice on how to take care of yourself and you should strictly follow them.
It is important to keep in mind that during the recovery period, you should consume only soft foods since the pressure applied can damage the implant. As time passes, you can return to your regular diet.
Dental implants with a complete arch require very simple maintenance. The lifespan of your implant-supported dentures depends on routine dental examinations, good oral hygiene, and occasional dental modifications from your dentist.
When it comes to comparing dentures with dental implants, their main drawback is their lack of stability and the discomfort that they cause. Since they can move slip and shift during normal daily activities like eating or speaking, they will make you feel self-conscious. When it comes to dental implants, these issues will be avoided. Since they serve the same purpose as your natural teeth including the root, they will be the right choice if you have missing teeth.
Another factor that makes dental implants much better than dentures is their maintenance. If you have traditional dentures you will need to clean them and soak them in water every night, while on the other hand with dental implants you will just need to brush them just like you would with your natural teeth. This being said full arch implants are a long-term solution that requires basic maintenance.
If you properly take care of them, both dentures and implants will last for a very long time. However, you should keep in mind that just like your natural teeth they can chip and break and repairs will be needed.
Each patient can have specific needs which will ultimately compromise the decision between dental implants and dentures. Some of the factors affecting this decision include the lifestyle, budget, and what you think would fit best for you. If you are thinking of replacing your missing teeth you should consider what will happen in the long run. If you lose a tooth during your early adulthood, we would recommend you go for a dental implant. This will avoid the shifting of the teeth and changes in the jawbone. Dentures would be more suitable for elderly patients.
Full-arch dental implants, operate like natural teeth to restore jaw function and provide an improved appearance. They do need surgery, but the healing process only takes a few days, and the outcomes are long-lasting, giving patients a boost in confidence that comes with having a beautiful, natural-looking smile. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each choice before making your choice.
If you are in between the choice of full arch dental implants and traditional dentures you should weigh their benefits and drawbacks. Basically what we have stated until now is that full arch dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss and prevent jawbone problems in the future. However, in some cases, they will not be suitable and the dentist will recommend dentures, for at least some time. If you are looking for an affordable option traditional dentures will be great but they will probably need to be replaced every five years.
What kind of tooth replacement method is best for you will ultimately rely on your requirements and goals, both short- and long-term. Before making any decisions, it is always recommended to consult with a professional dentist or orthodontist. Both full-arch dental implants and regular dentures can offer workable alternatives.
Let’s say you are thinking of choosing between these two procedures. If so, we invite you to visit City Dental Clinic, our facility in Tirana, where our professional staff can offer advice and address any further questions you may have about full arch dental implants vs. conventional dentures.
If you properly take care of your full arch dental implants they will last for a very long time. They will also be very durable and stable.
Painkillers can help with any discomfort or swelling you may have during the early stages of recovery. However, the short-term pain is far outweighed by the long-term advantages of full-arch dental implants.
The majority of the time, full-arch dental implants have success rates that are higher than 95%. The right combination of surgical technique and post-operative care is essential for success.
Receiving full-arch dental implants does not have an age restriction. Your general health and bone density will determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery. Find out whether you qualify by speaking with an implant dentist.
Dental implants are long-term tooth replacements that have gained popularity as a denture substitute in recent years. They are more expensive than dentures, but they last longer and end up saving you money.
