(03) 9571 9016
Find Us
DENTAL IMPLANTS VS DENTURES MELBOURNE: FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
If the idea of having to wear dentures for the rest of your life makes you uncomfortable, you’ll be glad to hear that you have other options. Today, more and more people are choosing dental implants over dentures as a solution for smile restoration. With benefits like improved comfort, enhanced chewing ability and better overall dental health, the advantages of dental implants run much deeper than their cosmetic appeal. Here’s a quick comparison chart and overview of dental implants and dentures.
| Dental Implants | vs | Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Preserve remaining jawbone and maintain facial structure (keeps you looking young) | Decreasing jawbone quality can lead to further deterioration of facial structure | |
| Feel and function like natural teeth | Can feel fake and unnatural | |
| Strong, stable and securely attached to the jaw; fit comfortably | Often slip and move around; cause discomfort | |
| No need for creams or adhesives | Likely require creams and adhesives | |
| Help restore normal chewing capacity | Restricted chewing capacity (often have to avoid certain foods) | |
| Long-lasting solution | Eventually need to be remade or relined | |
| Easy care and cleaning | Need to be removed regularly for cleaning | |
| Investment can last a lifetime | Less expensive, but often less effective |
Comparing Costs
Dentures can be a more affordable option for tooth replacement. But once you add in buying fixatives, cleaning solutions and denture replacements, the cost does go up. When you consider that removable dentures usually need to be replaced every seven to 15 years, compared to an average 25-year life span for dental implants, it’s easy to see why so many people think of dental implants as a long-term investment in themselves.
For those who want a permanently fixed solution that’s the next best thing to their natural teeth, dental implants are definitely an investment worth making. Dentures simply can’t match the comfort, confidence and peace of mind that dental implants provide. Innovative treatments, precise technology and the Carnegie Dental Group approach helping make dental implants more affordable. Also, third-party financing options are available for patients who qualify. Just another thing to consider when weighing up your options.
Implant Supported Dentures
What are Implant-Retained Dentures?
An implant-retained denture (or overdenture) is a full denture which is stabilised on two or more dental implants. Similar to a full denture, it’s removable – but it clips on and off special abutments that connect to dental implants, instead of relying on suction to stay in place.
Step 1: Dental implants are carefully placed into the jaw bone and then left to heal for three to six months.
Step 2: Once healing takes place in the mouth around the dental implants, an abutment is placed on each implant and the denture is re-modelled to clip on and off the abutments.
Step 3: And lastly, the denture is fitted and adjusted for your comfort.
Full suction dentures eventually become loose over time. Implant-retained dentures offer far improved comfort, stability and retention. An implant-retained denture offers many benefits over full dentures. For existing denture wearers who have gone without teeth for some time, they may offer more lip support than full mouth implant bridges.
- Improved retention and stability
- Biting forces improved
- Speech is improved
- Taste ability is not lost (as upper overdentures don’t cover the palate)
- Ability to chew and digest food is improved
- Improved nutrition through consuming a wider diet
- Allows for more streamlined dentures
- Good lip support
- Easy to clean
- Cost-effective to repair and replace
- Reduced rubbing or irritation from loose dentures
- No denture adhesives needed
- Helps to prevent jaw bone shrinkage and retains facial shape
- Helps to prevent a hollowed cheek appearance
- May help prevent gum recession
What our Customers Say About Dental Implants over Dentures
This video shows a patient who has had an Implant Retained (Supported) Denture
This video shows a patient who has had a Single Unit Implant
Find out more about dental implants
Preventing Bone Loss in the Jaw
Perhaps the most significant benefit of dental implants over dentures is they can preserve bone in the jaw. Implants replace the root of the tooth and stimulate the jawbone, helping it maintain its density. This also can prevent shrinkage of the jawbone, so the integrity of the facial structure stays in tact and keeps you looking younger.
Fit, Function and Freedom
From a comfort and performance standpoint, dental implants far outshine dentures. Removable dentures can slip and move around when eating or speaking, causing discomfort and sometimes even embarrassment. Ill-fitting dentures tend to irritate gums and may lead to sores in the mouth. There’s also maintenance to think about. Applying adhesive paste to secure dentures can be tricky and staying on top of regular cleanings can be a chore.
Dental implants, on the other hand, feel and function more like your natural teeth. You clean and care for them as you would real teeth. You can eat all the foods you love, speak without fear or worry, and confidently go about your day never thinking twice about your teeth. Dental implants bring a level of freedom and sureness that may be hard to imagine as a denture wearer.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of dental implants vs. dentures, schedule your free consultation at the Carnegie Dental Group today. There’s no obligation or no commitment. Visiting us is just a great way to become more comfortable with dental implants.
Find out more about dental implants
