In the battle of dental implants vs dentures, dental implants often win. The next best thing to natural teeth, implants are a permanent solution that you never have to remove. Technically speaking, a dental implant is a titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone to support a dental crown. However, when someone speaks of a ‘dental implant’, they’re often referring to the entire three-piece construction, which consists of a screw, abutment, and crown.
If you find yourself wondering, ‘Are dental implants right for me?’, this blog is for you. We’re about to break down the pros and cons of implants, and eventually recommend some affordable dental implants for seniors.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws surgically placed into the jawbone to replace tooth roots. They house a dental crown, which attaches to the implant via an abutment. As discussed earlier, the phrase ‘dental implant’ technically refers to the screw only, but is often used as shorthand for the whole construction. If you hear someone mention ‘dental implants’, chances are they’re talking about the screws in their fully functional form: with the abutment and crown attached.
So, why do we use titanium screws? There are several reasons. For one thing, it’s the ideal combination of tough yet lightweight — for another, it resists corrosion, which is what you want in a perpetually moist environment. Perhaps most importantly, though, titanium is biocompatible, which means the body will not only tolerate it, but also work to integrate it with surrounding bone tissue. This process is called osseointegration and is the ultimate end goal of placing dental implants.
Beyond the Procedure
Three to six months after implant placement, the screws should have fully fused with the jawbone, replicating natural tooth roots. This is the major advantage that implants have over dentures: they maintain the connection between tooth and jawbone. While dentures do a decent job of emulating the top of a tooth, implants quite literally get to the root of the matter, delivering better bite force and preserving jawbone health. When you bite or chew, the jawbone receives stimulation from the tooth root (or, in this case, the implant). When it no longer receives this feedback, the jawbone naturally begins to recede, potentially giving the appearance of a sunken jawline.
Dental Implants vs Traditional Dentures
When it comes to dental implants vs dentures, it’s important to weigh the differences in stability, comfort, cost, and longevity. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Dental Implants | Traditional Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Fixed in the jawbone — no slipping | May shift or loosen during eating/speaking (that said, correctly fitted dentures shouldn’t do this — if you’re noticing shifting or looseness, you should see your dentist or denturist for an adjustment or reline) |
| Comfort | Feels like natural teeth | Can cause gum irritation or pressure points (but only as a result of an ill fit or improper hygiene practices — if your dentures are irritating your gums, consider revising your daily denture washing routine. If you’re noticing pressure points, that’s a sign of an ill fit, and you need to get your dentures adjusted or relined.) |
| Bite Force | Restores near-natural bite strength | Significantly weaker bite force |
| Jawbone Health | Prevents bone loss by stimulating the jaw | Bone resorption or recession may occur over time |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost | More affordable initially |
| Longevity | Can last decades with proper care | Typically replaced every 5–10 years |
| Maintenance | Brush and floss like natural teeth | Requires nightly removal and soaking |
While dentures may suit those seeking a cost-effective, non-surgical solution, dental implants are a more permanent alternative with stronger functionality.
Where to Find Affordable Dental Implants for Seniors
In the dental-implants-vs-dentures debate, dentures beat implants when it comes to cost-effectiveness. That said, our Collingwood dental clinic goes above and beyond to provide affordable dental implants for seniors or those on a budget.
Don’t let price get in the way of what you really need — have a chat with our friendly staff about our flexible payment plans. We use HICAPS to process on-the-spot claims from most private health insurance companies. We also accept Afterpay.
New Smile, New You
From dental implants to dental bridges and everything in between, Stanley St. Dental has the high-quality treatment you need. Take the first step towards restoring your smile today — book your first dental implant consultation at Stanley St. Dental.