Dental Implants vs Dentures: What Is the Best Option?
Getting dentures isn’t the same as getting dental implants. Both treatments can improve your smile and your confidence. However, there are some key differences between the two. Before deciding which option is best for you, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each solution. It’s also important to get personalised advice from your dentist.
As experts in dentistry, we’ll explore in this article the differences between dental implants vs dentures to help you decide which is better for you.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant essentially means getting a replacement tooth. The procedure involves fixing a titanium screw into your jawbone and then fitting a crown (replacement tooth) over the top.
After surgery, the jawbone “fuses” around the new tooth, holding the implant in place. Sometimes, you may need surgery on your jawline before getting implants to ensure the new tooth/teeth fit securely.
Implants can be fitted to replace just one missing tooth or several teeth. The false teeth are designed to match your existing teeth perfectly, in terms of size and colour. It’s a permanent solution, as the implants can last a long time.
What are Dentures?
Getting dentures means wearing a plastic or metal framework in your mouth that contains false teeth. They fix to your jawline, but they are not permanent. You can remove them anytime, including when you eat, sleep or drink.
Dentures can last for long periods, but they usually need replacing every 5-8 years. How often you need new dentures depends on how well they are cared for and what changes occur to your mouth or jawline over time.
Dentures come in full or partial sets. If you have no teeth, you can get a full set of dentures with lots of false teeth. If you only have a couple of missing teeth, you can get a partial set. The procedure for fitting both options is very similar.
Are Dental Implants the Same as Dentures?
Dental implants are not the same as dentures. Here’s a quick summary of the main differences between the two treatments.
| Treatment | Dentures | Dental Implants |
| What are They? | Involves putting in a removable plastic or metal frame in your mouth that contains false teeth | Involves fixing a titanium screw into your jawbone and fitting a replacement tooth, called a crown, on top |
| How Long Do They Last? | Need to be replaced every 5-8 years | Can last forever (with proper care) |
| How Much Do They Cost? | Usually cheaper than dental implants | Usually more expensive than dentures because the treatment is more complex and they last longer |
What are the Pros & Cons of Dentures vs Implants?
Both dentures and dental implants have their pros and cons. What makes them preferable for one person may not be the same for another. It’s important to get personalised advice from an expert Orthodontist before deciding.
As a general guide, here’s a quick summary of the main pros and cons between dentures vs dental implants.
| Treatment | Dentures | Dental Implants |
| Pros | They are cheaper than dental implants Installing them is a quick, easy and non-invasive process Because they are not permanent, you can test them out before deciding if they’re right for you | They are long-lasting, up to 20 years if looked after properly They can be more comfortable than dentures You don’t need to remove or clean them regularly They help maintain the structure of your jawline |
| Cons | They can be difficult to get used to They can slip out or move around in your mouth when eating or talking Wearing dentures long-term can cause bone loss in your jawbone, making it harder to find dentures that fit securely in your mouth | They aren’t suitable for everyone, like if you smoke, have diabetes that isn’t controlled or if you’ve had radiotherapy on your jaw You may need pre-treatments before getting implants fitted, like a bone graft or sinus lift They are more expensive than dentures |
How to Choose Between Dental Implants vs Dentures
Choosing between dentures or implants depends on various factors, including the impact it has on your finances, lifestyle and confidence.
Consider the impact each solution will have on your lifestyle before deciding. For example:
- Are you prepared to undertake regular cleaning? Dentures need daily cleaning in addition to caring for your teeth, while dental implants don’t require much more than daily brushing and flossing.
- Do you mind the impact they could have on your ability to speak and eat? Dentures take getting used to and they can move around in your mouth, whereas implants feel like natural teeth.
In addition to this, consider which treatment you’d prefer. For example:
- Do you need a long-term or short-term treatment? Dentures are a short-term solution, while dental implants can last up to 20 years.
- How much treatment are you willing to undergo? Getting dentures is a quick, non-invasive process, but getting dental implants can involve numerous invasive treatments.
- How much are you willing to spend? Dentures are a less costly solution, but you may need more of them over a long period. Dental implants are more expensive, but they can last much longer.
Answering these questions for yourself is important to understand which is better: dentures or dental implants. If you’re unsure which treatment is best for you, speak to an expert Orthodontist for advice.
Asking questions is the best way to understand how each treatment will impact your lifestyle positively and what drawbacks there may be.
As experts in dentistry, we’re here to help. If you can’t decide whether dentures vs dental implants are right for you, book a consultation today with our friendly team at Dental House.