There are so many different forms of tooth replacement available and it is important to know the options you have as a patient when you are looking at which would work best for your situation. Gone are the days where if you were missing teeth, dentures and implants were your only options. Now there are several different variations and hybrid options on the market to better meet your needs.
If you have suffered tooth loss and use prosthetics such as dentures, you will know how frustrating it is when your dentures slip or fall out. However, the alternative, dental implants can be costly and is not ideal when it comes to replacing several teeth at once. You may be asking yourself, is it possible to get permanent dentures?
The answer is, absolutely it’s possible. These prosthetics, also known as fixed dentures or implant-supported dentures are an excellent way to get the full-mouth coverage of dentures with the stability and permanence of dental implants.
But how do these new hybrids of dentures and dental implants stack up when it comes to the classic form of dental implants? We have done the research for you so you can get the complete rundown on permanent dentures vs dental implants.
What are Permanent Dentures?
Great question! We’ve answered this in detail in our recent blog post, “What are Permanent Dentures?” but for those who missed it, we will give you the summary.
Permanent dentures are a relatively new form of tooth replacement. They are comfortable, long-lasting and quick to install. There are many terms for permanent dentures but most often you will hear them called ‘same day smiles’ because once the dental implants have been placed, the denture prosthetic is able to replace all 32 teeth in one session.
Permanent dentures are made up of two main parts. They most often consist of 4 to 6 dental implants which are placed deep within the jaw. After the implants are placed a denture prosthetic is screwed in on top of the implants. This quickly replaces a full mouth of teeth and provides a permanent form of tooth replacement which is fast and effective.
There are two main types of permanent dentures, one of which is truly permanent called ‘fixed dentures’. The other is still removable and is known as ‘snap-on dentures’. Both types are able to fully restore your smile and they are both secured by 4-6 dental implants.
Fixed dentures are permanently attached to your dental implants. They are screwed in place and replace an entire mouth of teeth. You will no longer have to struggle with denture glue and will be able to eat, smile and chew without worry.
Snap-on dentures are removable and can be unscrewed daily. They snap-on to your dental implants but are far more effective than regular dentures. They are very stable and are easy to remove and clean.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular form of tooth replacement. They consist of an artificial tooth root which is often made of titanium as well as a screw and prosthetic crown. The titanium implant is placed deep within your jaw and mimics the effects of a natural tooth root.
Dental implants are often referred to as the best form of tooth replacement because they are permanent and they do not harm the surrounding teeth. A dental implant is comfortable and looks natural when you smile. They can be used to replace one or multiple teeth. If you are in good health and are missing teeth you may be a good candidate for dental implants.
However, if you have been missing teeth for many years you may require bone grafting in your jaw before a dental implant can be placed. Dental implants are completed in several parts – first would be bone grafting if needed, then implant placement, and finally once the tissue is healed your dentist will attach the dental crown. Once placed, a patient will have full use of their tooth again and the implant will look natural and function like a regular tooth.
Benefits of Permanent Dentures
The benefits of permanent dentures are extensive and the procedure is life-changing for patients who have been missing teeth for some time.
Fast, Permanent and Better Quality of Life
The key benefit to this treatment is that it is fast, functional and permanent. Those who have suffered from missing teeth for years can relate to the inconvenience of having dentures slip and shift as you speak or chew. It is difficult to eat your favourite foods when you are missing teeth and the psychological repercussions are also immense. Patients often feel that they need to hide their smiles and are embarrassed by their missing teeth.
Permanent dentures are fast, they only require 4-6 dental implants per jaw in order to replace your full mouth of teeth. The implants are permanent and the prosthetic teeth look and feel natural.
Cost-Effective
In our recent blog post “How Much are Implant-Supported Dentures” we did an in-depth cost analysis of permanent dentures. Our findings confirm that implant-supported dentures are far more cost-effective than dental implants when the patient is looking to replace a full mouth of teeth.
They are still certainly an investment but do not let the price scare you, there are many ways to pay for your treatment and the procedure is permanent, which means you will not require replacement for decades to come. The cost of implant-supported dentures in Los Angeles ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 per arch for most patients.
In some cases, additional surgeries and procedures may be required and can affect the price. The best way to know the cost for your situation is to book a consultation with your implant dentist and get a price quote.
Replace Your Smile in A Day
Permanent dentures give you a full smile in a day. Once the implants have been placed and you have healed from the surgery, your denture abutment can be attached and working in just one visit to the clinic. This means that you will leave the clinic with a complete, full set of stunning, permanent and long-lasting teeth.
Long-Lasting
Implant-supported dentures are well worth the initial investment. They last for 20-25 years and for some patients they last a full lifetime. They are an incredible advancement in dental technology and have over a 95% success rate.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Permanent and Versatile
Dental implants are most often referred to as the closest replacement to a natural tooth. They are permanent and dynamic in the sense that they can replace a single tooth, or several teeth if needed.
They fully restore the tooth on the surface level and have the added strength and stability with the strong, biocompatible titanium tooth root. With a dental implant, you can eat the foods you enjoy, smile without worrying or speak without impediments.
Long-Lasting
Dental implants are very long-lasting. They will remain effective for 20-25 years but with proper care, you may not even have to replace them in your lifetime.
Beneficial for Jaw Health
When you have been missing teeth for a year to several years, the chances are high that your jaw has suffered as a result. Teeth provide a steady, constant weight on the jaw, and the pressure from chewing and biting food keeps your jaw healthy and intact. When you lose a tooth, there is no longer a tooth root stimulating the area and the jaw bone slowly degrades.
This weakens the jaw and makes your neighboring teeth more vulnerable. When a dental implant is placed soon after tooth loss, you can completely avoid this common problem. The implant root adds weight to the jaw and mimics the effects of a natural tooth. This means that your jaw will stay strong and healthy with the new implant.
Permanent Dentures vs Implants: A Comparison
Cost-Effectiveness
When it comes to permanent dentures and dental implants, one of the key differentiators is the cost. Both options can be cost-effective, but it depends entirely on the use case and the patient. In general, however, dental implants range from between $3000 and $5000 in Los Angeles, for one implant.
This is cost-effective if you are looking to have one or two teeth replaced. However, if you are a patient with a large number of missing teeth, or you are missing all of your teeth, implant-supported dentures will be more cost-effective for you and they will replace all of your teeth at once.
They cost between $15,000 to $25,000 per arch. When you do the math, the cost to replace a full mouth of dental implants (32 teeth) vs the cost to replace all of your teeth with permanent dentures, it is far more cost-effective to choose the permanent dentures. Therefore in this scenario, the pro for permanent dentures is that they are cost-effective, and are able to replace several teeth at once. If you are looking for a single tooth replacement, however, dental implants are the ideal choice.
Timeline
The timeline for both permanent dentures and dental implants is relatively similar. Both are long-lasting forms of tooth replacement and can be effective for over 20 years with the right care. Both options also help to protect patients against jaw bone loss by providing steady weight on the jaw, just like natural teeth.
Complexity of Procedure
Dental implants and permanent dentures have a relatively similar installation procedure. Both require the surgical placement of dental implants, which are inserted deep into the jaw bone. Patients getting permanent dentures will receive 4-6 implants. The recovery time after your procedure will be different for everyone, but patients should wait at least 6 weeks and check in with the dentist frequently to ensure a smooth recovery.
Permanent Dentures vs Dental Implants Which is Best for You?
Ultimately, when you are considering dental implants and permanent dentures, it is so important to consider your own situation and personal needs. You need to choose the option which is right for you and that is best determined by a consultation with our dentists.
Permanent dentures and dental implants are very similar when it comes down to it. The treatments overlap as patients require 4-6 dental implants when getting permanent dentures. The differences lie in the patient’s needs. For those missing one to two teeth, traditional dental implants may be the best route to take. Implant-supported dentures on the other hand are ideal for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth.
Dental implants, as well as implant-supported dentures, provide stability, dexterity and durability for those who are missing a tooth or several teeth. Both dental implants and permanent dentures will restore your smile and it is up to you and your dentist to determine which option is best for you.
Contact LA Dental Clinic for Permanent Dentures and Dental Implants
At LA Dental Clinic our team is always ready to help and we would be happy to meet with you and discuss your options for permanent tooth replacement, permanent dentures and dental implants. Give us a call at 213-385-9710 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.