Dental Implants vs Dentures: What Parents Should Know

If you’re juggling the usual family responsibilities while also trying to make a big decision about tooth replacement, whether for yourself, a partner, or an older relative, you’re not alone. Knowing the difference between dental implants and dentures can make the process feel a lot less overwhelming.

This guide breaks it down so you can make the right call for your situation. Keep reading to find out which option might suit your family’s needs best.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are fixed replacements that feel and function like natural teeth. A small screw is placed into your jawbone where the tooth used to be. Over time, the bone grows around it, keeping it stable. Once healed, a tooth-coloured crown or bridge is added on top.

Clinics like New Life Teeth in Dublin offer full mouth solutions using advanced methods like All on 4 implants and Zirconia bridges. These are designed to offer long-lasting support, especially useful if you’re looking for a more permanent fix that won’t need replacing after a few years.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable false teeth made to fit over your gums. You can get a full set or just a partial one depending on how many teeth you’ve lost. They’re usually made from plastic or a mix of materials and are moulded to fit your mouth.

Dentures can look quite natural these days, but they still need to come out each night. You’ll need to clean them properly and store them in a safe solution to keep them in good shape.

Daily Life: Comfort and Maintenance

Once you get used to them, dental implants feel like your own teeth. They stay put, so you can eat, talk, and smile without giving them a second thought. Dentures take a bit more patience. They can shift slightly when you’re eating or speaking, and some people need glue to help keep them in place.

Cleaning is different too. Implants are brushed and flossed like real teeth. Dentures need to be removed every night and cleaned thoroughly to avoid stains, smells, or gum issues.

Longevity and Cost Considerations

Implants tend to cost more upfront, but they’re built to last. With strong materials like Zirconia, they might not need replacing for many years. Dentures are more affordable at the start, but you might need to replace or adjust them more often as your mouth changes shape with age.

If you’re thinking long-term, maybe for a young adult or ageing parent, it’s worth weighing up the overall value, not just the price tag.

Suitability and Health Factors

Implants need healthy gums and enough bone, but if that’s lacking, options likeZygomatic or Pterygoid implants may help by anchoring into deeper bone. Dentures are less demanding. They suit most people, even with bone loss, and don’t involve surgery, making them a more accessible option for many.

Supporting Your Family’s Dental Choices

As a parent or carer, your time is limited, so choosing the right option means thinking both short and long term. Speak to your dentist and take time to consider what matters most whether that’s daily comfort, long-term cost, or overall ease of maintenance.

Image by Bruno Pereira from Pixabay