Full Arch Dental Implants Vs Full Dentures: Which Is The Better Choice in 2024?

When faced with missing teeth, whether it’s a few or an entire row, you’ll have to decide between full-arch implants or dentures. Let’s delve into how dental professionals make this decision and provide you with essential information before making your choice.

Understanding Full-Arch Implants

In Singapore, a full-arch implant typically employs around six dental implants (the exact number may vary based on your oral condition) to fully restore your dental arch. Unlike traditional dentures, full-arch implants are securely affixed to your gums, ensuring they won’t shift. Dentists often recommend full-arch implants for individuals with a healthy enough oral environment to support these posts, as they exert some pressure on the surrounding mouth structures. These implants not only offer a natural appearance but also help prevent bone loss by strengthening the jaw.

Full Arch Dental Implants:

1. Definition:
   • Full arch dental implants involve the surgical placement of implants in the jawbone to support a complete set of prosthetic teeth.
2. Procedure:
   • Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots.
   • After a healing period, a custom-made full arch prosthesis, often a fixed bridge or overdenture, is attached to the implants.
3. Advantages:
   • Stability: Implants provide a stable and secure foundation, preventing slippage or movement.
   • Natural Feel: They closely mimic the natural feel and function of real teeth.
   • Preservation of Jawbone: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
4. Considerations:
   • Surgery: The procedure involves a surgical component.
   • Healing Time: There’s a healing period before attaching the permanent prosthesis.

When Dentures Are Necessary

Dentures become the preferred choice when your oral health is severely compromised, making full-arch implants unfeasible. It’s important to note that you have several denture options to choose from, depending on your specific needs. For instance, if only a portion of your teeth is affected, partial dentures may be recommended. To determine the best option for you, it’s advisable to consult a Singapore-based dentist who can evaluate your oral health and discuss the suitable solutions.

Full Arch Dentures:

1. Definition:
   • Full arch dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace an entire set of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
2. Types:
   • Conventional Dentures: Fully removable and rest on the gums.
   • Implant-Supported Dentures: Attaches to dental implants for increased stability.
3. Advantages:
   • Affordability: Generally more cost-effective than implants.
   • Non-Invasive: No surgical procedure is required for placement.
4. Considerations:
   • Stability: Traditional dentures may lack stability, leading to potential movement.
   • Bone Loss: Over time, dentures may contribute to jawbone resorption.

Which option is the most suitable for your needs?

Which option is the most suitable for your needs? Every individual’s circumstances are unique. Ultimately, the choice between dental implants and dentures hinges on your lifestyle, financial considerations, and your desire for a transformative change. While dentures are often incorrectly perceived as an affordable choice, individuals who opt for dentures may come to regret their decision over time. Issues such as discomfort, poor fit, slippage, and overall appearance make dentures a less favorable option for those seeking a long-term solution.

On the other hand, full-arch dental implants, the more permanent of the two options, function like real teeth, promoting regular jaw function and a more natural aesthetic. Although they do involve a surgical procedure, the recovery period is relatively short, and the results are enduring, which includes the restoration of self-esteem that accompanies a healthy, natural-looking smile. Prior to making an investment in either option, it is essential to thoroughly assess all the advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing Between the Two:

1. Cost:
   • Implants are often more expensive initially, but they may offer long-term benefits.
2. Stability:
   • Implants provide superior stability, especially important for functions like chewing.
3. Longevity:
   • Implants can last longer than dentures with proper care.

Find Your Dentist in Singapore

At Meiplus Dentalcare in Singapore, we understand that making decisions about your health can be challenging. If you’ve been delaying a visit to the dentist, we’re here to assist you in addressing your dental concerns. If you have inquiries regarding whether dentures or implants are the right choice for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information.

Written by Dr John Kim(DDS, Columbia Univ. USA)