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Dental Implants vs Dentures Virginia Beach, VA

Should I get dental implants or dentures in Virginia Beach?

If you have missing teeth, your replacement options can seem overwhelming at first. Weighing the pros and cons of each choice is an essential step in figuring out which one is the best option for you. Fortunately, Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley are here to help with this challenging decision. Our dental practice offers dentures and dental implants in Virginia Beach, VA, to our patients who are missing from one to all their teeth.

For many years, dentures have been the go-to teeth replacement option. Although, dental implants have become the number one solution for patients with any number of missing teeth.

Our dentists are passionate about finding the right option that fits each unique patient. We use the latest methods and tools to aid in the planning and precise placement of the implants. For example, our Virginia Beach dentist office has advanced 3D imaging software. Continue reading to learn more about our tooth loss services.

Dental Implants versus dentures

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dentures are custom artificial teeth. A technician creates them in a dental laboratory with impressions of your mouth and teeth. Our dentist provides complete dentures for a patient who is missing all their teeth. We can also provide partial dentures to fill in the gaps from a row of missing teeth.

Complete dentures consist of a plastic base that we color-match to blend in with your gums. The artificial teeth attach to this base and stay in place. The base will form a suction and seal with your gums.

Partial dentures can either consist of a plastic base or metal framework. They stay in place with clasps and rest around the remaining teeth. However, partial dentures are not a long-term tooth replacement solution.

Dental implants are metal posts that a dentist or oral surgeon surgically places into the jawbone. They consist of titanium, a material that the human body accepts well. Our dental implants will permanently sit just below your gum line.

Implant posts will act as replacement tooth roots to support the jaw bone structure. The implants will create a strong foundation for implant-supported dentures. This is something that dentures can not do.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dentures?

Dentures are the tried-and-true method of tooth replacement. Some of the benefits of choosing dentures include:

  • Will hold the shape of the face, avoiding the sunken-in look
  • The patient will be able to eat and speak better than when they had no/fewer teeth
  • Inexpensive option to replace teeth
  • Dentures are less expensive than implants
  • The process to get them is fairly quick
  • You do not need surgery to get dentures

Dentures have several downsides as well. Modern dentures have come a long way, but still have these following cons:

  • Will not replace missing teeth at the root
  • The patient will slowly suffer from bone loss
  • You will need to adjust, rebase, or replace dentures over time
  • Ill-fitting dentures can cause infections
  • Diet restrictions make it difficult to consume a healthy diet
  • Adjusting to them will take some time
  • Dentures can slip around in the mouth, causing slurred speech and difficulty eating
  • It may require adhesive to stay in place

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer numerous advantages that clearly outweigh any drawbacks. Some of the top benefits include:

  • High success rate
  • Prevent bone loss because they replace teeth at the root
  • Will permanently hold the shape of the face, avoiding the sunken-in look
  • Durable and stable
  • Will not slip around in the mouth
  • Only a few food restrictions
  • Allow for better speech
  • Implant restorations look and feel like natural teeth
  • If cared for properly, they can last a lifetime
  • Much more convenient and easier to care for
  • Gives the patient an overall higher self-esteem

Although some potential drawbacks may exist, the benefits make them a worthwhile investment. Dental implants can have a few small risks. Some of the drawbacks are:

  • Involves one or more surgical procedures
  • Implants come with a high price tag
  • Treatment time can take four to nine months, sometimes longer

Dentures are often a cheaper alternative to implant restorations. However, they usually don’t last as long and can be uncomfortable. Dentures can also cause speech impediments, while dental implants do not.

Dental implants are more expensive than dentures, but they can last a lifetime and better improve oral health. They also provide better chewing function and help with speech impediments. To learn more about our dental implant services, visit: