Dentures Or Implants, Which Should I Choose?

If you’re looking to restore your smile, you may well be facing the dilemma of choosing between dentures or implants. Which option you choose is likely to depend on your budget, preference and condition of your oral health.

While dentures and implants both replace missing teeth, they are two very different types of treatment. Understanding the differences could help you reach a decision. That said, it’s always best to discuss all of your treatment options in detail with your dentist so you can make an informed dental choice. Meanwhile, here’s a comparison between dentures and implants to bring you up to speed with both options.  

Look, feel, and function

Dentures

Modern-day dentures are lighter and smaller so they feel more comfortable than their predecessors. They’re color-matched to any existing teeth and sit on a ‘gum-like’ base. Thanks to modern technologies and techniques they look extremely natural and most people won’t know that you’re wearing a denture. They do take a while to get accustomed to, and you’ll need to practice speaking out loud and chewing to help you adjust.

Implants

Dental implants are fitted directly into the jawbone and look, act, and feel just like your real teeth which means they fit straight into your life with little adjustment. Moreover, because implants act as artificial tooth roots, they stimulate the bone preventing bone loss and helping retain the facial structure.

Treatment length and care

Dentures

To get dentures made, impressions will be taken of your mouth and gums to ensure your dentures have a snug fit. These impressions are then sent to the lab that is making the dentures.

Typically a preliminary set of dentures is sent from the lab, enabling the dentist to make any adjustments to the fit and bite before the permanent set of dentures is produced.

On average it takes around eight weeks to get dentures depending on whether any teeth need to be extracted beforehand in which case there may be a delay while your gums heal.

Dental implants

According to the AAID, 3 million people currently have dental implants and this number is increasing annually by 500,000 which shows their popularity.

Generally, the implant procedure requires multiple stages with weeks of healing time in between. As a result, from start to finish it can take up to 9 months and sometimes longer to get an implant. However, in some cases, implants can be placed immediately, and this is something your dentist will discuss with you.

Two surgeries are normally required for implants: one to place the implant post into the jawbone and the other to attach the abutment which connects the prosthetic tooth or teeth to the implant.

Dentures or implants – Cost

Dental implants are costlier compared to dentures and other treatments like bridges.

While prices can differ depending on the dentist's location and other variables, it’s estimated that the cost of a single tooth implant from start to finish is between $3,100 and $5,800. For an implant bridge replacing 3 or 4 neighboring teeth, you could expect to pay between $6,000 and $10,000 and for a full mouth of implants you’re looking at around $60,000 to $90,000. A cheaper option is implant-supported full-arch dentures also known as All-on-4, which range from $24,000 to $50,000.

In comparison, the average cost for a full removable denture is $1,831.84 but it will need to be replaced, usually between 8 and 10 years.

Dentures or implants – maintenance

Caring for dental implants is similar to maintaining natural teeth. This involves brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristle brush, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups.

Dentures, however, require more extensive daily maintenance to remain in good condition. They should not be worn overnight and need to be soaked in water or a special cleaning solution during that time.

As your bite changes over time, dentures will need occasional refitting. In contrast, dental implants are permanent fixtures, though replacement crowns may be necessary if the original ones crack or break.

Dentures and implants - longevity

While implants can last as long as natural teeth with proper care, dentures need replacing between 5 to 10 years. The reason for this is that when teeth are missing, bone loss occurs and this causes the jawbone to shrink and the dentures to become loose. While they can be adjusted by your dentist, they will need eventual replacement.

Dentures or implants – Reaching a decision

Before reaching a decision, there are factors to consider:

• Age- An older adult may not want to put themselves through the complex procedure and cost of dental implants and might prefer to opt for dentures. Whereas, those in their sixties, for example, could potentially benefit from implants for a couple of decades or more and consider the cost to be worthwhile.
• Bone density – Dental implants need adequate bone to support them. If you have suffered bone loss, you may require a bone graft to become eligible for the treatment and this adds time and cost to the overall procedure.
• Functionality – Dentures start to slip and slide as the jaw changes shape and this can make it difficult to chew certain foods. However, a report carried out in 2019 found that people with implant-supported dentures found them more effective when eating than conventional dentures.

The takeaway

Choosing between dentures and implants should be done thoughtfully and in consultation with your dentist.

While implants are more costly, they can last 20 years or more, whereas dentures may need periodic adjustments or replacements over time.

By thoroughly evaluating all your options for replacing missing teeth and considering your priorities and desired outcomes for the prosthetics, you can make a confident final decision.

Are you considering dental implants?

Why not schedule an implant consultation with the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry to learn if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and discuss your best tooth replacement options?