Dentures or Implants? What’s the Right Option for You?

For patients who need to replace missing or damaged teeth, two of the options available are dentures and dental implants.

You may be wondering which is the right option for you- dentures or dental implants?

We will outline everything you need to know about the ‘dentures or implants’ debate.

What are dentures?

In essence, dentures are false teeth. They are removable teeth made of acrylic, nylon or metal, which fit snugly over the gums.

Dentures come in two different types:

complete dentures (which replace all your upper and/or lower teeth)
partial dentures (which only replace one or a few teeth).

When a dentist fits you with dentures, these will be customised to fit comfortably in your mouth and will visually match your teeth.

What are the benefits of wearing dentures?

Dentures are a cost-effective treatment option for patients who have missing teeth.

A tooth or teeth can be lost through gum disease, decay or injury, and can make life difficult and lead to a loss of self-confidence.

Dentures can replace your missing teeth and recapture your smile and could be the ideal solution for you.

Wearing dentures can:

replace missing teeth (if they have been knocked out or severely damaged).
eliminate potential problems caused by gaps in teeth.
improve your smile in a natural way.
boost your self-confidence, as you no longer have to feel self-conscious about gaps in your teeth.
improve your chewing ability and speech.
provide support to the facial muscles.
prevent the face from sagging.
prevent excessive wear and tear on your natural teeth.
Dentures are removable devices, which enable you to clean them properly and store them when you don’t need them.

Are dentures painful?

You may experience minor discomfort after your dentures are first installed, as you adjust to the feeling of them in your mouth.

However, dentures should not cause any pain. They are one of the safest dental treatments around.

As long as you take care of your dentures and attend dentist check-ups, you won’t experience dental problems.

If you do feel any symptoms such as severe pain in your teeth and gums, swelling or bleeding, then this may be a sign of poorly fitting dentures. If your dentures feel loose, this can cause sore spots.

Should this happen, you should book an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.

Where can I get dentures?

Here at Didsbury Dental Practice, we offer dentures to help patients restore their smiles and improve their oral health.

Our dental specialists ensure every patient is treated with the most sophisticated care and the best-customised treatment in a truly relaxed atmosphere.

We also offer compassionate dental care services for nervous patients – contact us for more information and we will be happy to help.

Click here to book your first consultation appointment for dentures.

Can I sleep with dentures on?

No, it is not recommended to sleep with your dentures in. The device is designed to be worn throughout the day, only. You should always take them out at night before you sleep, to give your gums a rest.

Wearing dentures at night can cause irritation and discomfort in the gums.

Additionally, there are health risks associated with wearing dentures during sleep. Research has shown that wearing dentures during sleep is linked to oral inflammation and microbial burden, and doubles the risk of pneumonia in the elderly.

This tells you the consequences of wearing dentures at night, which can cause detrimental effects on health, especially in older people.

How do I take care of myself when I wear dentures?

Brush your teeth gently at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Remove your dentures overnight.
After removing your dentures, soak them in a glass of clean water or in a denture cleaning solution, to keep them moist and kill any harmful bacteria,
Never submerge your dentures in boiling hot water or bleaching products which contain harsh chemicals.
Clean your dentures thoroughly at least once a day.
Follow the advice from your dentist.
Attend regular dentist check-ups- so your dentist can check for any problems.
If your dentures become loose, visit a dentist as soon as possible.
If there are stubborn stains and debris built up on your dentures, then bring these with you to the dentist for a professional clean.
Replace your dentures every five to seven years.
Use mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and fresh.
After eating, remove your dentures and rinse them off, to remove any food particles.
Chew food carefully and slowly.
Cut your food into small pieces, to make them easier to chew.
Keep a spare pair of dentures, in case you lose or break them.
If your dentures break or become damaged, never glue them by yourself. It can be harmful to your health if you try to repair broken dentures- this may irritate your gums or lead to an infection.
If you experience severe pain, discomfort, swelling or bleeding in your mouth, make an emergency dentist appointment as soon as possible or use the NHS 111 service.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant offers a way to restore missing or damaged teeth with a permanent, natural-looking solution. The process involves inserting a durable titanium screw into the jawbone, which replaces the missing tooth root.

It is then intended to fuse with the bone in the jaw over time to act the same way the original root would have. The small screw can then have a crown, bridge, or denture securely attached for a natural-looking finish.

With the titanium screw intended to remain in the jaw, the idea is that you will then need to have the external crown, denture, or bridge replaced at least every 15-20 years for optimal performance.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are designed to restore any lost confidence and provide you with a permanent solution to ongoing dental issues.

Once the implants are healed, and you can apply normal pressure to them, you should notice no difference compared to having the original tooth in place.

Dental implants can:

Restore your smile
Enhance your self-confidence
Repair strength in your jaw
Be a cost-effective solution to tooth loss
Prevent further bone loss

Are dental implants painful?

Installing dental implants is a safe treatment. The procedure should not involve any pain, as your dentist will numb the mouth using local anaesthetic.

Patients may experience discomfort during the healing process, but this is no different from any other procedure. You can take over-the-counter painkillers to manage this, and you should follow the aftercare tips that your dentist will provide.

Click here to read our blog article on ‘Are dental implants painful?’

Where can I get dental implants?

Here at Didsbury Dental Practice, our dental implants start from just £30 per month and offer a sustainable way to replace teeth.

Instead of paying out for new dentures or replacement semi-permanent solutions, an implant acts as a natural addition to your jaw.

Click here to book a consultation with one of our dental specialists.

Can you eat with dentures or dental implants on?

Yes, you can eat and drink while you are wearing dentures or dental implants.

When you first get either of these dental treatments, it may take a few days to adjust to the feeling of eating and drinking. So, a soft food diet will avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth and help your gums heal faster.

Choose foods that are easy to chew, like soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and yoghurt.

You should avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods like carrot sticks and apples. These foods can get stuck in your teeth, which may cause you discomfort and pain.

You may also find it helpful to avoid eating spicy and sticky foods.

You should also avoid acidic and sugary drinks, as these can encourage bacteria and plaque.

Also, be careful about drinking really hot liquids: as wearing dentures can make it difficult to tell what temperature your food is.

What’s better- dentures or implants?

Both dentures and implants bring their own strengths.

Dentures need to be replaced in a few years, whereas implants can last a lifetime.
Dentures tend to be cheaper than implants.
Implants are easier to manage, as they don’t need to be cleaned every night as dentures require.
But some patients prefer dentures, as these can be removed overnight.

Your dentist will advise you on which is the best treatment option for you- dentures or implants.

Whichever treatment option you go for, you will be in safe hands at Didsbury Dental Practice.

Visit our website to find out more about getting dentures or implants.

How do I take care of myself when I wear dental implants?

After getting dental implants, you should take great care to look after your teeth and gums. Follow our tips below to practise a good oral hygiene routine:

Do not eat until the local anaesthetic has worn off.
Avoid eating hard, crunchy and sticky foods and stick to a soft food diet for a few days, until you get used to the feeling of the dental implants.
Do not smoke until the wound has healed.
Floss daily.
Use mouthwash to keep your mouth fresh and healthy.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
If you experience severe pain, discomfort, swelling or bleeding in your mouth, make an emergency dentist appointment as soon as possible or use the NHS 111 service.

We hope you now have a better understanding of which option is right for you – dentures or implants.

To find out more about Didsbury Dental Practice, visit our website here.

We offer a wide range of dental treatments and services, including teeth whitening, Invisible Braces (Invisalign ), Alias lingual braces, Six Month Smiles Braces and Damon Clear Braces.

If you need an emergency appointment, visit our webpage on our emergency dental treatment here or call our dental emergency helpline on 0161 413 2835. Alternatively, walk into the practice and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.

Visit our blog to read more articles on dental health.