Eating with Dentures vs eating with Implants

Eating with Dental Implants – Why they are a Game-changer!

Dental implants & conventional dentures are a world apart…

Some things in life are just better than others. Like a hot, homemade meal instead of a TV dinner or well-made hiking boots over flip-flops, some things simply don’t compare. And when it comes to eating good, nutritious food, dental implant-based teeth are a world ahead of conventional dentures.

There are two main tooth replacement options for individuals missing teeth: dentures or dental implants (and their associated prosthetic attachments). While some patients are still happy to wear dentures or simply don’t have enough bone to have implants, dentures are not nearly as ideal as tooth implants. Here’s why.

Eating with dentures

Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissues. While sometimes a more suitable option for patients with low bone density or reluctance towards oral surgery, this removable option can have its drawbacks when it comes to eating certain foods.

Avoiding hard foods

Unlike permanent tooth replacement options like dental implants, dentures come with a few food-related limitations. Denture wearers generally have to avoid hard and sticky foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, hard sweets, caramel and popcorn.

Less chewing efficiency

Unlike implant-supported dentures or fixed bridges, dentures aren’t directly anchored into the jawbone, which can consequently result in instability and discomfort when chewing. Since dentures can’t help to prevent bone loss in the way implants can, your chewing or biting efficiency may also be reduced, due to the gradual deterioration of the jawbone.

Less flavour

Since full (upper) dentures cover the palate of your mouth, they can reduce your ability to taste different flavours of food. Upper dentures can also feel bulky and uncomfortable in your mouth.

Risk of trapped food

As a removable tooth replacement option, it’s not uncommon for food to become trapped behind dentures. If you don’t clean and care for your dentures properly over time, this can lead to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Eating with Dental Implants

Unlike dentures, dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution. Titanium implants are anchored into your jawbone below the gum line, which offers the following benefits:

No limitations

Although you might need to avoid hard foods and sweets during the healing period of your implant procedure, dental implants offer a stronger and more stable solution to dentures as they are anchored to the jawbone. This means you can eat your favourite foods with confidence (and without limitations).

Restored chewing efficiency

Due to their resemblance to your natural teeth in both feel and function, dental implants can help restore much of your chewing efficiency, meaning you can successfully chew on firmer food.

Prevents bone loss

Unlike alternative tooth replacement options, dental implants can help prevent bone loss. Since they are anchored into the jawbone, tooth implants provide your jaw with the stimulation it needs for bone growth.

Get the best care & advice from Perth’s dental implant experts

At Aria Dental in Perth, our highly trained implant dentists can help you enjoy the best dental health. Whether you’re considering dental implants or need advice on your existing implants, our experienced dentists and leading Prosthodontist can help you with a quote on your All on 4 treatment cost.