Dental Implants versus Dentures


Many of us need to have one or more teeth replaced as we age, and for some patients, the simplest solution is to replace all of the teeth to create a complete smile. If you’re someone who needs most or all of your teeth replaced, there are two main options available to you from your Cottonwood dentist: dentures and dental implants. But are dentures or dental implants better? And which is right for you? At Arizona Smile Designers, we strive to be a comprehensive resource for dental treatment to patients throughout Cottonwood and Sedona, so we’re here to shed some light on this question.

Should I Get Dentures or Dental Implants?

Both dentures and dental implants come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Dentures are the older treatment of the two and have been in use since almost the beginning of dentistry. Dentures use a removable set of false teeth to replace the smile. Their removability makes them easy to clean, but can also present inconveniences: you’ll need to use denture adhesive to keep them in place, and even with the adhesive, it’s possible for dentures to slip when talking or eating.

Dental implants, on the other hand, use a series of titanium posts inserted into the jawbone to support a set of false teeth. Titanium possesses the unique property of osseointegration, which means the titanium literally fuses to the jawbone, creating a stable base for your smile. This means you can’t remove your false teeth to clean them, but it also means a steadier support for your smile. And because dental implants fuse with the teeth, they spread bite pressure evenly along the jawbone instead of pushing down onto the jawbone, which prevents bone loss.

In general, dental implants are usually preferred for patients in Cottonwood that want a permanent solution. However, if the jaws or gums are too weak to support dental implants, dentures may still be the best option. Getting dental implants in Sedona also involves a minor surgical operation, while dentures don’t. It all depends on the specifics of your situation – so you should talk with your Cottonwood dentist to decide if dentures or dental implants are right for you.

Schedule a Consultation with Your Cottonwood & Sedona, AZ Implant Dentist

Both dentures and dental implants can provide an effective, convenient solution for helping you achieve a complete smile – and your Sedona dentists are happy to help you decide which is right for you. Contact us today to learn more about the two treatments and schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to hear from you!