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Dental Implants vs Dentures Virginia Beach, VA

Should I get dental implants or dentures in Virginia Beach?

If you’re missing teeth, figuring out the best replacement can feel overwhelming. It’s important to compare your options to find what’s right for you. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley are here to guide you through this decision. At our Virginia Beach dental office, we offer both dentures and dental implants for patients who need to replace one or more teeth.

For years, dentures have been a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. However, dental implants have become the top solution for many patients, no matter how many teeth are missing.

Our dentists are committed to finding the best fit for each patient. We use the latest technology, including advanced 3D imaging software, to plan and place implants with precision. Read on to learn more about our tooth loss services.

Dental Implants versus dentures

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth. A technician creates them in a dental lab using impressions of your mouth and teeth. Our dentist offers complete dentures for patients who are missing all their teeth, and partial dentures for those missing some teeth in a row.

Complete dentures have a plastic base that matches the color of your gums, and the artificial teeth are attached to this base. The base forms a suction and seals with your gums to stay in place.

Partial dentures can have either a plastic base or a metal framework. They stay in place with clasps that rest around your remaining teeth. However, partial dentures are not a long-term solution for replacing teeth.

Dental implants are metal posts that a dentist or oral surgeon surgically places into the jawbone. Made from titanium, a material well-accepted by the body, these implants permanently sit just below your gum line.

The implant posts act as replacement tooth roots, supporting the structure of your jawbone. They provide a strong foundation for implant-supported dentures, something regular dentures can’t do.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dentures?

Dentures have been a trusted way to replace missing teeth for a long time, and they offer several benefits. One of the biggest advantages is that they keep the shape of your face, preventing the sunken look that can happen when teeth are lost.

Dentures also make it easier to eat and speak compared to having no teeth or just a few teeth. Another plus is that dentures are usually more affordable than dental implants, which makes them a good option for many people. The process of getting dentures is also fairly quick and doesn’t require surgery, which is a big relief for those who want to avoid any invasive procedures.

On the other hand, dentures do have some drawbacks. Unlike dental implants, dentures don’t replace teeth at the root, so you might experience bone loss over time. Dentures also need to be adjusted, rebased, or replaced as your mouth changes. If they don’t fit well, they can cause infections.

There are also diet restrictions with dentures, making it harder to eat a balanced diet. Adjusting to dentures can take some time, and they can sometimes slip in your mouth, making it hard to speak clearly or eat comfortably. Some people might even need to use adhesive to keep their dentures 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: