Eventually, most of us will address the truth about age-related issues like tooth loss. For the elderly, 70% of us will face dental problems such as tooth loss. Elderly individuals who lose their teeth have a choice: dental versus implant. Dental implants are a sustained solution for tooth loss.
Keep reading to know both the advantages and disadvantages of dentures and implants.
Dentures for Seniors: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dentures are less costly than implants
Dentures are much cheaper than dental implants, and they allow you to remove them for any reason during the day. It is a perfect choice for seniors with weak or unhealthy jaws. The average cost of a high-quality set of dentures for a complete set of top and bottom dentures is $800 to $1,500.
- No Surgery Required
Dentures offer among the most economical techniques for substituting your natural teeth. They do not require surgery since it is removable. It is perfect for seniors since dentures have a scientific fitting process. It also ensures that it will match your gum tissue. Your mouth and even fit your muscles and your face shape properly. Dentures are also much safer options for seniors, and it is guaranteed that they will work better.
- Easy to adjust
Dentures can be removed and customized for your mouth, irrespective of the presence of the bone. It is a perfect option for seniors who want to minimize and prepare for future teeth loss. Your family dentist will check your denture and the alignment of your upper and lower jaws to make sure the denture length allows for optimal chewing and speech before dentures are made. It will ensure that the dentures are fitted to your mouth, making it last longer.
- Easy to fix and modify
Dentures are often made from a wide range of materials. They are made from a mold that fits in your mouth nicely. It is also removable, and it can be easily fixed and maintained. For instance, to take care of your dentures, you should not wear them overnight. They should be soaked in a solution.
Cons:
- They do not quite look as natural as dental implants
Dentures closely match your natural teeth so that the appearance should be whiter. It can also enhance your smile and your face, especially for seniors who still want to appear presentable. However, in the long run, dentures can wear off and will appear dirty.
- Must be removed and thoroughly cleaned regularly
Dentures are perfect for seniors who want to make their teeth nice and clean. However, it requires daily maintenance to remain viable for the long term. This maintenance can be a hassle to them.
For instance, you ought not to wear them overnight. During this time, the owner must soak them in water or a special cleaning solution.
- Certain Foods cannot be eaten with dentures
Denture slipping is likely to occur at uncomfortable or difficult times when you talk or eat.
Since the adhesive is the most stressful and the most essential thing for dentures. Hard foods are also not recommended when you have dentures.
Dental Implants for Seniors: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A permanent fixture in your mouth
Dental implants are long-lasting mouth fixtures. Dental implants are caps implanted in your jawbone (it looks like real teeth)
- They’re easy to care for
Unlike dentures, dental implants treatment is comparable to standard natural dental hygiene. It means that if you have implants, you can brush, flush, and have regular checks at least twice a day with a soft-bristle brush.
- Implants allow you to eat any food, including things that are sticky and crunchy
Dental implants are perfect for seniors who still want to eat all kinds of food, like sticky and crunchy foods. The implants will not be affected and will stay the same.
- Dental Implants do not affect speech
Seniors often find it hard to speak because of the absence of teeth or uncomfortable dental procedures. It is why dental implants are perfect for them since they stay in place. So the patients (or seniors) wearing it will sustain their regular manner of speaking.
Cons:
- Fuse with your jaw over time
The titanium screw is implanted in your jawbone. The implant and your jawbone will fuse for several weeks. When fused, it is possible to develop nerve or tissue damage.
- They can be expensive
The main potential disadvantage in selecting dental implants is the cost. In the end, repair work, capabilities, and cost must be considered.
- Implants require surgery to install and have a lengthy healing process
A dental implant has a healing time of about four to six months on average. It permits complete healing before the positioning of the crown.
Conclusion
When we encounter dental health issues, it will urge us to find a solution for this problem. Especially for seniors who do not have the capabilities to get the nutrients they need from food because of tooth loss. Well, in this article provided are two solutions, tooth dentures, and implants.