A woman in her forties is in a sunny garden and smiling as she thinks about choosing to get dentures or dental implants.

Dental Implants or Dentures—Which One Is the Best for You?

4 minutes to read

Posted: Jun 10, 2021

Gone are the days when people had to go through life with missing teeth. Lucky for you, there are a number of options available for replacing your chompers, dentures and dental implants being the most common alternatives. On this page, we’ll give you a quick rundown on dental implants and dentures to help you make an informed decision about which solution to go for.

The Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Before Making a Decision

Dentures and Implants: FAQs

The Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures

Dentures and dental implants serve the same purposes: they help you chew food, support your facial muscles, improve your speech, and help you feel more confident; however, there are a few differences between the two. Let’s have a look at dentures and dental implants in more detail first before we move on to their pros and cons to help you find the right solution for you.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth which can be fitted to your mouth. You can get different types of dentures, such as those that replace the teeth on the entire upper or lower jaw or that only replace a few missing teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are fixed with a metal prosthetic root that’s implanted in the jawbone. The top is fitted with a crown, which looks like a tooth. You can think of implants like permanent teeth replacements, as they are not removable. You can also find many different types of dental implants available.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Let’s take a look at the strong suits and drawbacks of dental implants and dentures!

	Pros	Cons
Dentures	They cost less than dental implants. They’re the best choice for people whose gums and jaws are weak or unhealthy. The process for getting dentures is noninvasive, so you won’t need to get anesthetized and have a dentist drill into the bone. Dentures allow your mouth to have time to heal following tooth extraction. Any damage done to dentures can be easily fixed or modified. Dentures can be trial tested, unlike dental implants.	Without adhesive, they might slip out while eating. Dentures can affect speech and the taste of food. They’re less comfortable and sturdy than implants. Dentures might make your gums sore, they need to be removed regularly for cleaning, and they can cause the bone underneath your dentures to deteriorate. Partial dentures may make adjacent teeth more vulnerable to decay or gum problems.
Dental implants	Studies show that implants have a longevity of more than 20 years. Dental implants are also more natural looking, and you don’t need to remove them regularly for cleaning. What’s more, they help maintain the original structure of your jawbone.	Dental implants cost more than dentures simply because of the additional costs that come with the surgery and the level of expertise required. Getting implants might require additional bone grafting procedures. Since implants require a sufficient amount of bone, they might not be an option for everyone.

In a nutshell, the main differences between the two methods are the cost of dentures vs. implants and how long they generally last before you need to replace them.

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Before Making a Decision

Now that you’re aware of the advantages and disadvantages of dentures and dental implants, you might be inclined to think you’re fully equipped to cast the die in regard to which solution to choose; however, with so many things on the line (such as your overall health and self-esteem), we suggest you consult your dentist before reaching a decision.

One final piece of advice: Although dentures sometimes can be difficult to adjust to, a denture adhesive can make the adjusting period so much easier. Fixodent’s denture adhesives not only provide you with a strong hold and tight food seal, but they also help you fight bad breath with antibacterial action.

Dentures and Implants: FAQs

Is it better to get dentures or implants?

Whether it’s better to get dentures or implants depends on your situation. Various factors can influence your decision, such as, for example, the cost or whether you have enough jawbone intact to support implants. Talk to your dentist about your options to find the right solution for you.

What is the cost of dentures vs implants?

On the whole, dental implants will cost a lot more, as on average, a single tooth can cost around $4,800, whereas full dentures will cost around $1,800.

Are teeth implants painful?

You’ll be administered a dental anesthetic when you get denture implants, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You might feel some mild pain afterwards when the anesthetic wears off, but it’ll be no worse than a tooth extraction.

Are teeth implants worth it?

Dental implants come with many benefits that make them worth it. They can last 20 years or more, and you don’t need to remove them, so it’s kind of like getting your former teeth back. Also, they help maintain the former structure of your jawbone and stop it from deteriorating.