Know the difference between
Full Mouth Dental Implants VS Dentures
Are you unsure whether to choose dentures or dental implants? Below we explore each option’s history, benefits, and key differences, helping you make a confident, informed decision.
The Effects of Missing Teeth on Oral Function and Jaw Bone Changes
Did you know that missing teeth can lead to premature aging and bone loss in the jaw? When teeth are lost, their roots’ natural stimulation to the jawbone disappears. This triggers a process called bone resorption, causing the jaw to shrink over time.
Dental implants are the only solution that mimics natural teeth by stimulating the jawbone, preventing bone loss, and preserving your facial structure.
While dentures can replace missing teeth, they do not prevent bone resorption. Due to ongoing bone loss, denture wearers may experience facial sagging, a sunken appearance, and difficulty eating and speaking over time. Choosing dental implants helps maintain a youthful, natural look and supports long-term oral health.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Did You Know...
When teeth are lost, the roots no longer provide stimulation to the jawbone, which can lead to bone resorption over time.
Dental implants can help replicate some of the natural stimulation of teeth, supporting the jawbone. Dentures replace missing teeth but do not provide this same stimulation.
Each treatment option has clinical considerations, and the most suitable approach depends on individual oral health. A consultation with a dental professional can help determine which option may be appropriate.
Considerations When Teeth Are Missing or Using Dentures
Understanding Jawbone Changes Over Time
This video provides an illustrative guide showing how missing teeth can impact jawbone structure at different ages. It is intended for educational purposes only; actual oral health and treatment needs vary for each individual.
When all teeth are present, the jawbone and surrounding structures have support, which contributes to natural facial proportions.
Loss of some teeth can affect jawbone structure. Even around age 45, this may contribute to subtle changes in facial support
Without teeth, the jawbone may undergo further remodeling, which can reduce support for surrounding soft tissues over time.
Over time, areas without natural teeth may experience jawbone changes. Dentures replace missing teeth but do not provide the same stimulation to the jawbone, which may affect the structural support of the lower face.
The History Of Dentures & Dental Implants
At first glance, dental implants and dentures might appear to be interchangeable solutions to the same problem. However, these two treatments differ not only in how they are constructed and placed but also in the way they influence an individual’s life. To make the best decision for your dental health, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between these options and how each may impact your overall well-being.
But before that, let’s take a look at the ancient attempts at tooth replacement. The history of dentistry is a history of innovation.
Remains from ancient China have carved bamboo pegs, tapped into the bone, to replace lost teeth.
In Egypt, an Egyptian king had a copper peg placed into the gap left by a missing upper tooth. This copper peg was placed after the king’s death.
An iron false tooth was found in a cadaver in a Celtic grave located in France. Again, it’s assumed this false tooth was placed after the individual’s death.
As early as the 7th century BC, Etruscans in northern Italy made partial dentures out of human or other animal teeth fastened together with gold bands. The Romans had likely borrowed this technique by the 5th century BC.
In 1952, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark was studying the blood flow in rabbits. During this study, he found that the bones of the rabbits had fused to titanium chambers he’d placed as part of his research. Through serendipity, Dr. Branemark had discovered osseointegration, the process by which an implant fuses with the existing bone structure.
Finally, here was an allow that would not be rejected by the body and could fuse with bone for proper anchoring and stability.
After additional years of research, Dr. Branemark placed the first successful two-stage titanium dental implant in a live patient. This implant took six months to properly integrate with the bone tissue, and lasted for an astonishing 40 years. The modern dental implant we know today was, in effect, born.
What Are Your Options?
If you are considering replacing missing teeth, options include dentures and dental implants.The most suitable choice depends on individual factors such as oral health, function, and clinical considerations.
Dentures replace missing teeth but do not provide the same jawbone stimulation as natural teeth or implants. Dental implants are a treatment option that may replicate some of this stimulation, depending on the patient’s clinical needs.
Each option has advantages and limitations, so it is important to discuss your circumstances with a dentist. A consultation can help you understand which treatment options may be appropriate for you.
Full Mouth Dental Implants vs Dentures
When replacing missing teeth, the choice often comes down to traditional dentures or modern Full Mouth Dental Implants (also commonly referred to as All-On-Four).
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Aspect
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Full Mouth Dental Implants
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Dentures
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Jawbone Health & Considerations
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Missing teeth reduce stimulation to the jawbone. Dental implants may provide some stimulation similar to natural teeth, whereas dentures do not. Individual outcomes vary.
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Unlike dental implants, removable dentures do not integrate with the jawbone. Changes in jawbone structure may occur over time following tooth loss, which can vary between individuals.
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Function and Biting Ability
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Dental implants and dentures differ in how they support biting and chewing. The effectiveness depends on the patient’s oral health and treatment plan.
100%
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Reduced biting force may affect the ability to chew certain foods, which can vary depending on the type of denture and individual adaptation.
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Fit and Comfort
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Full mouth dental implants may offer a fixed treatment option that can support comfort and oral function, based on your individual needs and clinical assessment.
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Denture fit and comfort can vary between individuals and over time. Some patients may require adjustments or additional support to maintain comfort and function.
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Appearance & Design
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Dental implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth and may help support facial structure where teeth are missing. By replacing the tooth root and supporting the surrounding bone, they can help maintain a more natural appearance and reduce the visible effects of tooth loss.
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As dentures do not replace tooth roots, they may provide different levels of support to the surrounding facial structures over time. A dental professional can advise on suitability for individual needs.
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Function & Everyday Use
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Implant-supported teeth may assist with daily activities such as eating and speaking. Function, comfort, and ongoing care requirements vary between patients and are discussed as part of treatment planning.
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May experience variations in fit and stability, with adjustments sometimes required over time.
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Maintenance & Follow-Up
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Full mouth dental implants require ongoing care as part of long-term treatment. Regular dental reviews, professional cleaning, and any required maintenance are discussed based on your individual needs.
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May require ongoing adjustments, relines, and periodic replacement to maintain fit and function over time.
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Clinical Considerations & Longevity
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Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and may help restore chewing function, support clearer speech, and provide a fixed solution that integrates with the jawbone. With appropriate oral hygiene and regular dental care, implants can support long-term oral function and stability. A dental professional can assess your individual circumstances and advise whether dental implants are suitable for you.
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Dentures sit on the gums and do not integrate with the jawbone, so changes in oral structures may occur over time. Ongoing maintenance and adjustments may be needed to support comfort and function.
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Full Mouth Dental Implants
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Aspect
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|---|---|
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Jawbone Health & Considerations
|
Missing teeth reduce stimulation to the jawbone. Dental implants may provide some stimulation similar to natural teeth, whereas dentures do not. Individual outcomes vary.
|
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Function and Biting Ability
|
Dental implants and dentures differ in how they support biting and chewing. The effectiveness depends on the patient’s oral health and treatment plan.
100%
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Fit and Comfort
|
Full mouth dental implants may offer a fixed treatment option that can support comfort and oral function, based on your individual needs and clinical assessment.
|
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Appearance & Design
|
Dental implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth and may help support facial structure where teeth are missing. By replacing the tooth root and supporting the surrounding bone, they can help maintain a more natural appearance and reduce the visible effects of tooth loss.
|
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Function & Everyday Use
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Implant-supported teeth may assist with daily activities such as eating and speaking. Function, comfort, and ongoing care requirements vary between patients and are discussed as part of treatment planning.
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Maintenance & Follow-Up
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Full mouth dental implants require ongoing care as part of long-term treatment. Regular dental reviews, professional cleaning, and any required maintenance are discussed based on your individual needs.
|
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Clinical Considerations & Longevity
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Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and may help restore chewing function, support clearer speech, and provide a fixed solution that integrates with the jawbone. With appropriate oral hygiene and regular dental care, implants can support long-term oral function and stability. A dental professional can assess your individual circumstances and advise whether dental implants are suitable for you.
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Dentures
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Aspect
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|---|---|
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Jawbone Health & Considerations
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Unlike dental implants, removable dentures do not integrate with the jawbone. Changes in jawbone structure may occur over time following tooth loss, which can vary between individuals
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Function and Biting Ability
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Reduced biting force may affect the ability to chew certain foods, which can vary depending on the type of denture and individual adaptation.
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Fit and Comfort
|
Denture fit and comfort can vary between individuals and over time. Some patients may require adjustments or additional support to maintain comfort and function.
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Appearance & Design
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As dentures do not replace tooth roots, they may provide different levels of support to the surrounding facial structures over time. A dental professional can advise on suitability for individual needs.
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Function & Everyday Use
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May experience variations in fit and stability, with adjustments sometimes required over time.
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Maintenance & Follow-Up
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May require ongoing adjustments, relines, and periodic replacement to maintain fit and function over time.
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Clinical Considerations & Longevity
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Dentures sit on the gums and do not integrate with the jawbone, so changes in oral structures may occur over time. Ongoing maintenance and adjustments may be needed to support comfort and function.
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Illustrations of Full Mouth Dental Implant Treatments
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Please note the ‘after’ image shown was captured approximately two weeks following the procedure. Results may vary.
Primary Treatment: All-On-X Upper & Lower
Why Patients Choose Nova Dental Implant Centre
Experienced team in dental implant care
Treatment Planning Tailored to You
Your oral health, goals, and clinical needs are carefully considered to develop a treatment plan suited to your individual situation.
In-House Dental Laboratory
Sedation Options
For patients who prefer it, sedation dentistry is available. The clinical team will discuss appropriate anaesthesia options based on each patient’s needs.
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Functional Restoration
Treatment planning considers both tooth replacement and oral function, with recommendations based on your clinical assessment and individual needs.
Talk to Our Patient Consultants About Full Mouth Dental Implants
If you’re considering options for replacing missing teeth, our Patient Consultants can answer your questions and explain whether full mouth dental implants may be suitable for you.