There is broad confusion over the use of these terms because sometimes they are used interchangeably. This article is all about alleviating that confusion. Technically, they are all different things. Below, we’ll discuss the differences.
Dentures
When you think of dentures, you generally think of false teeth. But how these false teeth work is what makes them dentures. The teeth are constructed out of plastics and look like real teeth. They are then fixed to the gums using a dental adhesive. These are the dentures we all know and recognize.
However, in some cases, dental implants are also called dentures. This is especially true when a patient requires a full-mouth replacement. These are called implant-supported dentures. Teeth are extracted if need be in the upper or lower part of the jaw, and all of the teeth are replaced there. This, of course, is preferable to traditional dentures because they won’t fly out of your mouth when you sneeze. Implant-supported dentures give you both the look and feel of real teeth. Traditional dentures do not.
With implant-supported dentures, you are not restricted in what types of food you can eat. You don’t have to worry about taking your dentures out at the end of the day. You take care of them as if they were your real teeth.
Implants
Implants describe the technique for installing dentures or bridges. As opposed to affixing the dentures to the gums using an adhesive, implants are installed directly into the gumline and the jawbone. These can include single tooth replacements, bridges, or implant-supported dentures.
Implants are vastly superior in just about every way. Not only do they look like real teeth, they actually function like real teeth. This means that you don’t have to spend time placing your dentures into special fluid, and you’re not limited in the types of food that you can eat.
Traditionally, implants were associated with single tooth replacements. But thanks to innovations in dentistry, you can now have strips of teeth replaced or an entire mouthful of teeth replaced.
Bridges
Dental bridges cover a number of teeth, not one tooth or a full mouth replacement. Traditionally, these can either be adhesive or snap on. They fill gaps in your smile that would otherwise not look very good.
You can also get implant-supported bridges. For those who are missing a few teeth or have bad teeth that are all in a row, implant-supported bridges are the best solution for your needs.
Implants vs. Traditional Aesthetic Teeth Replacement
Traditional tooth replacement was all about retaining some semblance of aesthetic quality. While implants certainly do that, they do much more. Glue-on or snap-on dentures are simply not as good as dental implants. They may produce the aesthetic impact that you’re looking for, but what they don’t provide is the same functionality.
With dental implants, implant-supported bridges, or implant-supported dentures, the teeth are actually a part of your jaw. The implants are installed directly into your gums and jawbone. They feel like real teeth and they function like real teeth. That means you can still enjoy the foods you once enjoyed without worrying about whether or not they’re going to cause your dentures to dislodge.
Cons of Dental Implants Over Traditional Dentures
While dental implants are the superior long-term choice for replacing missing teeth, they also require a surgical procedure. Traditional dentures don’t. You simply have the dentures made and then you glue them to your gums.
For that reason, the process of installing dental implants is generally longer. Broken or rotted teeth must be extracted. In their place, titanium abutments must be installed to hold the new false tooth or teeth. It takes at least three months for the abutments to fuse with the jawbone. Once that’s happened, the tooth or bridge can be installed. In the meantime, however, temporary replacements can be installed.
The Bottom Line
If you want a permanent solution to tooth loss, dental implants are the only solution. While traditional dentures and bridges provide aesthetic solutions, dental implants provide that plus the functionality of real teeth. The process takes longer to install and will require some discomfort during the surgery, but it’s well worth it for those who miss their real teeth.
Talk to Acton Implants About Your Options Today
If you’re missing teeth or want to move on from your traditional dentures, Acton Implants provides top-quality dental implants at a price you can afford. Contact us today set up your appointment!
