Partial dentures can last up to 8 years with proper maintenance, which is pretty impressive! On the other hand, dental implants can last a lifetime if you take good care of them. The materials they're made of won't decay, and they're immune to much of the harmful bacteria that can cause cavities.
Dental Implants Are A Better Long-Term Investment
Though dental implants are expensive compared to partial dentures, they are often a better long-term investment. This is because a typical dental implant will last 20-30 years, and potentially even longer with proper dental hygiene.
Dental implants are the preferred method of replacing missing teeth. A metal post is put in place of the root, and an artificial tooth that looks and feels natural replaces the missing tooth. The process takes some time because the implant will fuse to the jawbone.
Partial dentures and bridges are generally considered a more affordable option. They can be thousands of dollars cheaper than implants. Plus, insurance will generally cover dentures (at least partially). Because partial dentures don't require surgery, they can be placed quickly and with no recovery time.
The Cons of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can increase the buildup of plaque around the abutment teeth leading to tooth decay and gum disease. The abutment teeth may experience trauma along with the gums due to the pressure and movement of the partial. The loss of an abutment tooth may require a new partial.
One of the main benefits of partial dentures is that they are minimally invasive. Partial dentures are supported by the gums and do not require a surgical procedure. Dental implants, however, do require surgery to place the implants inside the jaw.
In most cases, you won't be able to tell that someone is wearing dentures if you have well-fitting dentures that are professionally made, are regularly cleaned, and fit well.
Typically, a dentist will recommend partial dentures when you have three or more missing teeth that are next to each other.
RPDs can increase the build-up of plaque around the abutment teeth which can lead to tooth decay (caries) and gum disease. Trauma to the abutment teeth or gums can occur from pressure or movement of the partial. Bone loss at the sites of missing teeth can occur and over time can affect adjacent teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? With regular brushing and flossing, the implant screw itself can last a lifetime, assuming the patient receives regular dental check-ups every 6 months. The crown, however, usually only lasts about 10 to 15 years before it may need a replacement due to wear and tear.
A. One partial denture is necessary for each arch. It does not matter how many back teeth you are missing. As long as you are not missing all of your teeth, a single partial denture will suffice for each arch.
While waiting for implants, temporary crowns may be a good choice. It is usually made of acrylic-based plastic, and the dentist will cement it in place. The crown offers an aesthetically pleasing option. It will appear like a real tooth, though the patient should be cautious about eating hard foods.
The most affordable tooth replacement solution is dentures. This is because they take the least amount of time to create. There is no surgery and no dental crowns to place. Instead, an impression is taken of the mouth along with measurements.
Dental implants may provide a preferable comfort level and better chewing than dentures. However, a 2019 study found that people who had implant-supported overdentures — a hybrid of dentures and implants — reported more satisfaction with the comfort and chewing efficiency compared to having conventional dentures.
Flexible dentures are most comfortable because it hugs the contours of the gum and it does not cause bruises to the gum and can last longer than other types of dentures.
Ideal candidates for dentures are men or women who have experienced significant tooth loss. A good candidate is one that still has a sufficient amount of healthy gum tissue and jawbone. The extent of the person's tooth loss also comes into question.
Dentures' Impact on Taste
Dentures should not affect taste, as all taste buds are on the tongue so covering the palate with denture acrylic should not affect a person's taste of food. However, some new denture patients complain that they can't taste food as well with the dentures as they could before they had dentures.
The short answer is yes, dentures can definitely change the shape of your face. But if you've been missing teeth or dealing with bad, ill-fitting dentures, the change may be for the better.
Dentures should be removed, cleaned and stored away prior to sleep, as any removable denture can put the wearer at risk for diseases and illnesses such as pneumonia, in addition to an increased risk in oral health problems like gum inflammation, gum and tongue plaque and other oral hygiene-related issues.
It's normal to experience discomfort with partials, especially in the first few weeks of wearing them. Your partials may feel awkward or bulky as you get used to them. You may also experience sore spots as your gums and mouth as you adjust to the new partial denture.
Generally you should wear your dentures for at least 8 hours a day. This will give your gums and jawbone time to get used to the dentures and prevent sore spots from developing. It is best to take them out at night so that your gums can rest. You should also remove them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
You may notice minor differences in your speech.
Your tongue, lips, and cheeks will need time to get accustomed to your dentures. Try reading out loud to yourself – it's an exercise that will help you get back to your normal speech. Also, initially speak slowly to prevent muffled speech.
Conclusion. While many get their first set of false teeth between 40 and 49, the need to replace teeth becomes nearly universal as people age. However old one is or whatever the situation, using dentures to replace missing teeth can mean better speech, easier eating, a healthier face and a great smile.
Permanent dentures are thinner than temporary ones as your dentist makes an impression that matches your teeth' shape and pattern. Therefore, the permanent partial dentures that will be made are similar to your teeth and fit better than temporary dentures.