Most people living in the United States know what dentures are. Dentures are sets of fake teeth used to stand in place of missing teeth. Although dentures have become a staple in American culture, dental implants, the actual replacement of missing or damaged teeth has gained in popularity. In this blog, we study the pros and cons of dental implants vs dentures. By doing so, we can get a better idea of which is more favorable to dental patients in need of teeth replacement.
Dentures: The Classic Way of Replacing Teeth
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. A denture is an actual set of teeth that an individual puts into his or her mouth. Dentures are usually removed at night. They aren’t affixed to the jawbone.
Patients can get partial dentures or conventional dentures. Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base. Partial dentures are used in place of conventional dentures when one or two natural teeth remain in the lower or upper jaw.
If no teeth remain, patients must get conventional dentures. Conventional dentures replace teeth in the entire mouth. As with most dental procedures and products, there are pros and cons with dentures.
Denture Pros
The most obvious reason to get dentures is so that individuals can continue to masticate their food. Without teeth, we can’t chew food. That means, we can’t break food down in our mouths before it enters our stomachs. Check out other reasons that make dentures the way to go to replace teeth.
- Costs less than dental implants – The cost of dentures are often significantly less than the cost of dental implants. The average cost for dentures is $1,000 – $3,000.
- Denture technology – The technology around dentures have become better and better. Dentures in 2019 are much better than dentures created a decade ago.
- Most dentures are covered by insurance – Because dentures are the low-cost alternative to teeth replacement, many dental insurance companies in the United States cover dentures. Most don’t cover dentures at 100%, but many will pick up at least half the cost.
- Dentures are for weak gums and unhealthy jawbone – Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone. If you have weak gums and unhealthy jawbone, dentures could be the alternative for you.
Denture Cons
The three pros listed above are the most common reasons to get dentures. Insurance paying, at least partially, for dentures is the most important factor. However, with dentures comes some major cons. Below, check out what those are:
- Dentures must be cleaned – You can’t just affix your dentures and then take them out when you’re ready to go to sleep. Dentures must be kept in shape. They must be cleaned. This adds cost, time, and effort to your daily routine.
- Dentures require denture adhesive – Simply put, dentures require denture glue to remain in place. They can slip while eating or speaking without adhesive.
- Partial dentures can cause infections – If not fitted properly, partial dentures might promote infection and decay in natural teeth.
- Dentures cause a lack of self-esteem – In a U.S. Oral Care Survey, 56% of denture wearers said they avoid eating certain foods and feel limitations in their work, social, and romantic lives.
You can read more about the study here. Overall, dentures vs dental implants provide what they promise: a low-cost alternative. Those with soft jawbone and weak gums might want to consider dentures.
However, before doing so, read about dental implants vs dentures and how they differ from each other.
Dental Implants: The Dental Tech Way of Replacing Teeth
Great strides in dental technology has allowed patients to get procedures unheard of just about a decade ago. Due to the dental tourism industry, dental implants have become especially popular. Check out pros and cons of dental implants.
Dental Implant Pros
Because dental implants act like natural teeth, they’ve become a popular alternative to traditional dentures. Check out other pros regarding dental implants.
- Affixed directly into jawbone – Dental implants are affixed directly into the jawbone. They provide the stability that dentures lack.
- Dental implants don’t require upkeep – Dentures must be taken out of the mouth and cleaned. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone with a post and a crown. They require much less upkeep than dentures.
- Dental implants act like real teeth – Denture wearers are afraid of eating certain foods because even with denture adhesive, their mouth wear can slip. Dental implants don’t slip. They act like real teeth, which means patients with true dental implants can eat whatever they wish.
- Dental implants can last for life – Eventually, dentures wear. Most dental implants last for life.
- Mini-dental implants are possible – Mini-dental implants are an alternative to true dental implants. Mini-dental implants can be used for individuals with soft gum tissue and weak jawbone.
Dental Implant Cons
While there are plenty of positive reasons to go for dental implants, there are a few cons. Check out below for what those are.
- Dental implants cost more than dentures – Dental implants, no matter where you get them, cost more than dentures. This makes sense because they’re an overall better dental product.
- Most insurance in the U.S. won’t cover dental implants – Most dental insurance in the United States won’t cover dental implants. Again, this makes sense because all insurance looks to cover the least costly alternative.
- Dental implants might require pre-surgeries – Patients might need a sinus lift or bone graft, or both before getting dental implants.
- Dental implants take time to heal – Because implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they take time to heal.
Dental Implants vs Dentures Cost Comparison
The main reason individuals don’t get dental implants and settle on dentures is cost. Dental implants in the United States cost a lot. The cost can be around $50,000 for an All on 4. The cost for an All on 8 in the U.S. can run up to $80,000.
The cost for dentures in the United States is from $1,000 to $3,000. Denture costs can add up over time due to maintenance and replacement fees. Dentures don’t last forever, which means, eventually, a denture wearer could end up paying way more than they planned.
Dental tourism was created to address all dental procedure cost concerns. The picture brightens for patients looking to utilize the dental tourism industry. For example, in Costa Rica the average cost for an All on 4 is $25,000 or less. A single arch costs $11,000 or less while an All on 8 costs $35,000 or less. That’s a lot of money, but it’s a lot less than $80,000!
Although dental implants cost more than dentures, they are, by far, the better alternative to replace missing teeth. The pros for dental implants far outweigh the cost concerns when we take into account the cost-savings by having procedures performed in Costa Rica.
Check out our page, Dental Implants in Costa Rica, for everything you must know about dental implant procedures.
How Care Overseas Can Help
Care Overseas was created to help U.S. and Canadian citizens find an alternative destination for their dental procedures. We believe that everyone has the right to affordable dental care. We provide dental tourism services from helping patients find the perfect dental clinic in Costa Rica to finding a place to stay while in our nation, and to even setting up tourist activities during their stay.
Head to Care Overseas now and get a quote for your dental procedure. You can also call us at 866-778-2766 and we will walk you through the process. Dental care shouldn’t be stressful. Let Care Overseas help!