Dentures or Implant Dentures in Winslow, AZ? How to Choose

Published by Winslow Dental.

If you're missing most of your teeth, or you've been told you soon will be, you're probably weighing two paths: a traditional denture or a denture held in place by dental implants. Both can give you a full smile again. They differ in how secure they feel, what they cost and how much treatment they take. Below, Dr. Brent Gardner shares how he walks patients through this choice at our Winslow dental office, so you can come to your consultation knowing what to ask.

What is a better option than dentures?

For many people, the better option is keeping the healthy natural teeth they still have. A partial denture fills the gaps and clasps onto your remaining teeth, which keeps it steady. When every tooth needs to be replaced, an implant-supported denture, one that snaps onto posts placed in the jawbone, holds more securely than a denture that rests on your gums.

Dr. Gardner recommends keeping your healthy teeth whenever they can be saved. Eating and chewing are much easier with your own teeth, and a denture can't match them. If you have good teeth that can be fixed, he'll recommend keeping them and building a partial denture around them. As long as you keep those teeth clean, that setup can last a long time.

How do traditional dentures and implant dentures compare?

The biggest differences are stability, cost and treatment time. The two options usually compare like this:

• A traditional denture rests on your gums and stays in place through its fit. It takes several appointments and no surgery.
• An implant-supported denture attaches to implants in your jawbone, so it moves less when you eat and talk. It needs a dental implant surgery step and healing time first.
• A traditional denture is the more economical choice and often has some insurance coverage. Implant options cost more.
• Implants need enough healthy jawbone to anchor in, so your bone health helps decide whether they're right for you.

Your first denture appointment usually includes a 3D cone beam scan and a panoramic x-ray. Those images show us your bone health and let us screen for any problems before we plan your treatment. You can read more about our restorative dentistry services in Winslow, including how we replace missing teeth.

How much do dentures cost compared to implant dentures in Winslow, AZ?

A traditional denture costs less than an implant-supported denture, and dental insurance often covers part of a traditional denture. Your total depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether any teeth need to come out first, and whether implants are part of your plan.

Our team walks you through every option before treatment starts, so you know what you're paying, when you're paying it and what your insurance covers. We offer CareCredit, in-house payment plans and HSA or FSA payments. You can see the insurance plans we accept on our finances and insurance page.

Cost is also why Dr. Gardner often suggests a phased approach. You can start with a traditional denture and see how you do. Some patients do well with one and stay happy with it. If you want more security later, Dr. Gardner can "start adding some implants to help stabilize the denture so it's not flopping around," which makes it easier to eat a wider range of foods.

What is it like getting used to new dentures?

The first few days with new dentures are the hardest, and it gets easier with practice. Your gums may feel sore while they adjust, and eating and speaking take some time to relearn.

Dr. Gardner compares new dentures to a new wooden leg: nobody runs a marathon the day they get one. If you're planning on corn on the cob and steak the night you get your teeth, give yourself a little more time. It usually takes a couple of appointments to fine-tune the fit so you can eat and speak comfortably.

A few tips from our team:

• Wear your dentures for short stretches at first, then build up.
• Read a book out loud in front of a mirror. Practicing your speech helps smooth out a lisp.
• Start with soft foods cut into small pieces.
• Keep coming in for checkups. Your mouth changes over time, so a denture that fit well at first may need adjusting later. Even with a full denture, we recommend a visit at least every three to five years for x-rays and a screening.

Why do Winslow patients choose Winslow Dental and Dr. Gardner for dentures?

Patients choose Winslow Dental because Dr. Gardner starts with the most conservative plan that will work for you. He'll tell you plainly when your teeth are worth saving, even when a full denture sounds simpler. Then he lays out the pros and cons of each option so, in his words, "you've got all the information you need and you can make a choice." If a traditional denture works well for you and you enjoy it, he sees no reason to add implants or surgery.

Dr. Gardner grew up in Arizona, trained at Ohio State and came home to care for his hometown. He has practiced dentistry for over 12 years and is the third dentist to call Winslow Dental home, right in downtown Winslow. Patients know him for being thorough, direct and good at getting you numb.

If you're deciding between dentures and implants, the easiest first step is a conversation with Dr. Gardner. Call us at 928-289-4441 or send us a message to schedule a denture consultation at our Winslow dental office.

Published by Winslow Dental (Dr. Brent Gardner).