Are Dental Implants or Dentures the Best Option For Elderly People?
Another way to ask that question is, “what tooth replacement option will allow you to eat healthy protein and vegetables with the least amount of issues as possible?”
Not every answer is black and white. There are factors that vary for different people and those factors have to be considered when answering questions—especially when it involves your health.
So when it comes to replacing teeth with dentures, covering all of your bases is crucial. You cannot just assume it’s fine to get dentures without examining the pros and cons.
Are Dentures the Best Option for Elderly People? What About Dental Implants?
Aaaaand we’re gonna say it again. You guessed it. There is no black-and-white answer. So, we’re going to give you the information you need to make a more educated decision.
We’ll start with the basics.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices made of a hard plastic used to replace missing teeth. They are able to remain in the mouth because they rest on gum and bone tissue. There is also a layer of saliva in between the device and the gums that creates suction. Typically, the more surface area the denture covers, the greater the suction.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth that do not come out. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to create sturdy anchors for a permanent set of upper and/or lower teeth to be attached to.
Dental implants can be life changing as they give patients the ability to eat, smile, and talk again without worrying about their teeth. They also don’t come with many of the discomforts of dentures (specifically upper denture problems)
Ready to change your life for the better? See if you may be a candidate for dental implants with the 60-second quiz.
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Pros and Cons Of The Upper Denture
The upper denture covers the entire roof of the mouth and therefore has much more surface area. Because of that, elderly folks usually have less issues with their upper dentures staying in.
While that sounds nice, if the entire upper palate is covered with the denture it makes it harder to taste food. Many people also get sore gums and experience frequent gagging.
Additionally, with the upper dentures not being secured by anything makes the embarrassing moments seen on ABC’s funniest home videos that much more possible.
Dental implants use posts that are placed and fused into the jawbone to secure a set of fake teeth. In other words, they aren’t going anywhere!
This secure attachment allows for a stronger bite force, comfort from not having the palate covered, and no sore gums from dentures rubbing on them.
Pros and Cons Of The Lower Denture
The lower denture, if fit properly, gives an opposing force that allows you to at least chew your food.
However, several studies have shown that on average a person in dentures only has about ⅕ of their natural biting force which may give you an unexpected limit to what you can eat.
Additionally, without much coverage on the bottom jaw denture patients generally have more issues with the lower than the upper. Even with a large amount of denture adhesive problems still arise.
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Additional Things to Consider About Dental Implants vs Dentures for Elderly People
Caring for Dentures Requires a Daily Commitment.
The dentures must be removed nightly and thoroughly cleaned. Cleaning dentures includes rinsing with water (should be hot or warm water which can cause warping), brushing clean with an appropriate denture cleaner, rinsing again with cool water, and then storing in cool water.
Dentures Can Break Easily.
If dentures are dropped onto a hard surface, or you bite down on hard food they can crack or break. This is because they are often made from acrylic plastic, which is not the most durable material.
So hands must be sure and steady when removing, cleaning, and inserting those dentures. You must also be aware and pay attention while eating harder foods.
Dentures require maintenance and follow-up appointments with a dental care provider.
If dentures are not fitting properly, something is wrong.
In fact, it is likely the fit will change over time and the dentures will need to be refitted or replaced. This is because without teeth to keep your jawbone healthy and strong, the bone deteriorates and changes shape.
If you are having continual issues with speech or eating certain foods, this is a sign the fit needs to be adjusted.
One benefit of dental implants is that they actually stimulate the jawbone in the same way that natural teeth do. This helps keep it from changing shape and deteriorating.
Maintenance for dental implants is similar to maintaining your natural teeth and they aren’t removable like dentures.
At Nuvia, you can get a new smile made from Zirconia - a strong and durable material that does not easily break or crack. When it comes to choosing between dental implants and dentures for elderly people and others alike, many people prefer something strong, permanent, and functional.
Dentures Contribute to Bone Loss.
Elderly people already have to be careful with bone loss, and unfortunately dentures just speed up the process of bone loss in their mouths.
Wherever natural teeth roots are missing, you can expect bone atrophy. It’s a vicious cycle for denture wearers because this means they will need to be refitted multiple times.
As previously mentioned, dental implants can actually help prevent bone loss and won’t need to be refitted multiple times.
Dentures come with their fair share of problems, and we would not recommend them as the best option for replacing missing teeth...
Dental implants on the other hand, are an effective and permanent solution to replace missing teeth that save patients the headache and frustration that comes from dentures.
Dentures Can Cost More Over Time.
One reason people choose dentures to replace their missing teeth is because they have a much lower upfront cost than dental implants.
However, over time dentures will need to be replaced, refitted, repaired, etc. And if a patient with dentures decides after some time that dental implants would suit them better, they may or may not need additional procedures to restore the bone in their jaw that was lost while wearing dentures.
Dental implants require oral surgery, which results in a higher upfront cost. However with proper care dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. No refitting or replacing the same way dentures require.
Additionally, payment plans can make dental implants more affordable than you might think. Download the FREE dental implant cost guide below to get an idea of what dental implants might cost you.
Download Here
Are dental implants right for you? See if you may be a candidate with this 60-second quiz.
Alternatives to Dental Implants and Dentures for Elderly People in Need of Tooth Replacement
Here are a few alternatives to both full mouth dental implants and dentures for elderly people:
Partial Dentures.
We’ve already given you the basics on a full set of dentures, but what about partials? Partials are removable dentures designed to replace a few of your teeth, rather than a full arch. The adjacent teeth must be healthy so the partial can be anchored to them for stability.
Just like a full set of dentures, partials must be removed nightly and cleaned. All of the concerns that come along with full dentures apply to partial dentures, as well.
Hear from a real patient about his nightmare experience with partial dentures.
Fixed Bridges.
A bridge can be used to replace one tooth or a few adjacent teeth. The teeth on either side of the bridge must be filed down to place a crown over them and then the false teeth will be held in place by attaching to the crowns. A fixed bridge can also be held in place by an implant. This is a much more secure way to replace a few missing teeth than a normal bridge.
Using a fixed bridge would mean that you anticipate all of the other teeth remaining healthy and stable for years to come. If those teeth don't stay healthy, the bridge will begin to fail and another solution will need to be found.
Dental Implants With Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours.
Dental implants are an exceptional alternative to dentures for elderly people. They don’t contribute to bone loss, they are stable, and they are a permanent solution.
HOWEVER - not all dental implants are created equal.
Traditional methods of dental implants may take up to 10+ months to give patients their permanent teeth. At Nuvia, you can get your permanent teeth in 24 hours.
This revolutionary process allows you to start enjoying a beautiful, strong new smile 24 hours after your dental implants are placed.
And there’s no need to worry about a liquid-only diet that may be required elsewhere. With Nuvia’s permanent teeth in 24 hours, you can enjoy a soft-food diet immediately after getting your new teeth.
So what’s so special about Nuvia dental implants? How are they different from standard implants? Instead of putting you in a temporary set of teeth made of acrylic (plastic), you get a new, permanent set of teeth anchored to dental implants in just 24 hours.
These teeth are fixed in and DO NOT come out unless you see a dental implant provider.
This is great news for our older patients who prove to be good candidates. They can come in on a Tuesday and before the end of the day Wednesday, they can walk out with a perfectly healthy smile and eat real food when they leave.
In the End
There are clearly risks involved with dentures for elderly patients.
Nuvia dental implant center provides a permanent solution that eliminates problems you would have with dentures.
Everyone deserves to smile and eat their favorite foods without worry or pain.
Find out if you may be eligible for Dental Implants by taking the 60 second quiz below.
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