Dental Implants Vs. Dentures: What’s The Difference?

If you are struggling with missing teeth and want to explore your options, modern dentistry provides several solutions.

In this short guide, you can learn more about two of the most popular types of tooth replacement procedures: dental implants and dentures.

Read on to learn more about them and find out which one is best for you!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of artificial tooth designed to replace the tooth in its entirety, including the root.

Implants are usually made from three elements: a metal post, an abutment, and a crown or dental prosthetic.

There are also different types of implants:

Singular implants: These only replace one tooth and are some of the most common types of implants used.

Mini implants: These have a shorter metal post and can be implanted even if the patient has dealt with jawbone loss. Mini implants also don’t need an abutment piece.

Implant-supported bridges: They can replace around three adjacent missing teeth with one prosthetic.

Implant-supported dentures: These involve getting 4-6 metal posts inserted into the jawbone and attaching a denture on top. They can either replace the full or partial arch and be fixed or removable.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are one of the oldest types of dental prosthetics. They’re a custom-made set of artificial teeth patients place in their mouths to replace teeth and gum tissue.

There are two main types of dentures:

Full: These replace the entire row of teeth on an arch. If you still have some natural teeth but they're very damaged, they’ll be extracted.

Partial: These replace a portion of the arch and use adjacent teeth to stay fixed.

Traditional dentures are fully removable, allowing you to easily clean them while still being comfortable and stable enough to help you eat and speak confidently. But with implant-supported dentures, you can also have a fixed restoration.

Which One Is Right for You?

To answer that question, Dr. Eric Morrison will take a closer look at:

Your current oral health condition
How many teeth you are missing
Your gum health
How much jawbone mass do you have?
Your medical history and any medications you’re taking

Based on all this information, Dr. Morrison can recommend the best teeth replacement option for you. For example, if you’re in generally good oral health and are only struggling with 1-2 missing teeth, single implants or even bridges may be a great solution.

But if your dental damage is severe and you are also experiencing jawbone reabsorption, then you may be better off with a custom denture.

Request a Visit to Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re interested in dentures or dental implants in Chevy Chase, come meet Dr. Eric Morrison to find out which of these procedures will restore your oral health and your smile’s appearance.

Schedule a consultation at Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry online or call (301) 637-0719 today.