Partial Dentures vs. Implants
Many factors you need to consider when comparing partial dentures vs. Implants. If you have few healthy teeth, partial dentures can be a cheaper, quicker alternative to implants. If you’re going to replace missing one or two teeth, your dentist may recommend an implant.
A dental implant will be placed under local anesthesia and requires no incisions or heavy sedation.
In case you still have some healthy teeth, partial dentures may be recommended as a less expensive and faster alternative to implants.
This article will help you navigate which is best for you; partial dentures vs. implants.
Implants
It is a metal post replacing a missing tooth’s root. It is inserted into the jawbone, where the metal post fuses with the surrounding bone to create a strong and stable base for replacement teeth (crowns).
Depending on which teeth are missing, implants are typically placed in a person’s lower or upper jaw.
The surgery is minimally invasive, although it requires creating a hole in the gum and drilling into the bone to insert the implant. The area of your mouth receiving an implant you would like your implant is numb during this procedure. (1)
After successfully placing implants in one or more areas of your jaw, they are anchored with screws that hold them in place until they have healed completely. Implants are permanent as long as you follow your dentists’ hygiene instructions.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are temporary removable structures that fill in gaps by clipping onto existing teeth (or implants) or fastening to metal frameworks attached to your gums with special bonding or dental adhesives. Partial dentures are removable, not permanent. (2)
Partial dentures are different in designs and materials that provide a range of comfort levels for patients during daily wear. Partial dentures can be used on one side of your mouth or both.
A partial denture requires no surgery, and you will walk out of your dentist’s office on the same day of the appointment.
Partial Dentures vs. Implants
Cost for Partial Dentures vs Implants
1. Cost
In case you have few healthy teeth, partial dentures can be a cheaper, quicker alternative to dental implants. Dentures are less expensive than implants, which require crowns or bridges (made up of two or more crowns).
Partial dentures can be cheaper than implants, but they’re not always. A partial set of dentures costs $1,000 and $1,500 (or more), while an implant-supported bridge may cost upwards of $6,000.
Implant treatment price depends on the implant used, where you live, and if your insurance covers it.
2. Durability
Implants last longer than partial dentures because they’re not removable and replaceable. They can’t be used in conjunction with dental bridges that support replacement teeth in their place.
Partial dentures are removable so you can eat with them and talk. They’re also a more comfortable option than implants because they don’t require bone grafting, which can be painful.
3. Lifelike structure
Partial dentures look natural because the false teeth mimic your own teeth’ appearance using real metal or porcelain materials like crowns or bridges. This is why partial dentures aren’t considered as lifelike as implants.
However, they still provide some advantages in certain situations, such as when wearers experience difficulty chewing food due to jaw pain caused by nerve damage caused by arthritis (such as temporomandibular disorders).
Should I Get an Implant or Partial Denture?
Partial dentures are cheaper, but implants are more stable.
- Implants can support crowns, so you don’t need to worry about a toothbrush’s partial denture falling out of place or being knocked out of position.
- Implants have an increased chance of success because they’re more durable than partial dentures and won’t break easily under stress like the other option.
- With an implant-supported crown, you’ll always have something holding up your front teeth; if one breaks off at some point in time (more likely than not!), chances are good that another one will be nearby, ready for placement!
If you choose a partial set of dentures instead of an implant-supported bridge or implants in general (for whatever reason), here are some things that could make it easier:
- You don’t have many teeth left after all those root canals! This means there won’t be much room for error when fitting them into place—and if something goes wrong during installation or removal later down the road…well…you can get another set!
- They look kind of like natural teeth, anyway!
Conclusion
We’re sure you have more questions about partial dentures and implants. Knowing what’s right for you can take some time with so many options. We recommend speaking with your dentist or dental specialist before deciding which option is best for your needs.
Your dentist will explain the process and consider all the critical factors that come into play when determining one of these two options.
References
References
- Annibali, S., Ripari, M., LA Monaca, G., Tonoli, F., & Cristalli, M. P. (2008). Local complications in dental implant surgery: prevention and treatment.ORAL & implantology, 1(1), 21–33.
- Campbell, S. D., Cooper, L., Craddock, H., Hyde, T. P., Nattress, B., Pavitt, S. H., & Seymour, D. W. (2017). Removable partial dentures: The clinical need for innovation.The Journal of prosthetic dentistry, 118(3), 273–280.
See Also
Dental Grants for Low Income Adults
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implant?
Does Medicaid Cover Dental Implants?
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