Dental Implants or Dentures: Which One Is Better For You?

Missing a tooth affects more than just your smile. It can even make eating uncomfortable, change how you sound when you talk, or sometimes make you feel embarrassed about smiling or talking to people. Fortunately, there are many ways to replace missing teeth, with dental implants and dentures being two of the most common options.

So, which one should you opt for? The response is not one size fits all. Considerations such as how many teeth you have lost, the condition of your jawbone, your budget, lifestyle and general oral health can affect which option is better for you. Which brings us to the most frequently asked questions about dental implants vs dentures before you decide on action.

What are dental implants?

These are basically artificial tooth roots that get embedded into the jawbone. Once the implant is healed and fully integrated into your jaw, a dental crown will be placed on top to look and act like a natural tooth.

A dental implant is much more than just a replacement tooth on the gums. It is embedded into the jaw, which is why implants tend to feel more stable than removable alternatives.

These are used to replace one lost tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of replacement teeth. This process typically requires more time as the implant needs to heal before being attached to the final tooth unlike dentures.

What are dentures?

Dentures are false teeth that you can remove. Regardless, you could need both partials or full dentures based on exactly how many teeth you have actually lost.

Partial dentures are those that replace a few teeth, while the rest of the natural teeth fit in around them. Full dentures are used to replace all missing teeth in either the upper jaw or the lower jaw.

The biggest difference between these two restorations is that dentures are removable. A lot of people take them off while sleeping and then wash them separately. While today’s dentures look much more natural than old ones, they will still require an adjustment period.

Are dental implants better than dentures?

Comfort is subjective, but dental implants tend to feel more like natural teeth too due to their fixed nature.

Once healed, you generally don’t have to worry about taking them out before eating or having them wiggle around while talking. Conversely, dentures may feel more uncomfortable at times, especially when you are new to wearing them.

Ill-fitting dentures may also rub on the gums and lead to soreness. As time goes on, there are times when the shape of your gums and jaw may also change which can mean your dentures need adjusting or replacing. That is to say, dentures are not uncomfortable for those who have had them. For many people, a fitted set will be comfortable and work just fine.

Feature	Dental Implants	Dentures
How they work	Fixed into the jawbone and topped with a replacement tooth	Removable teeth that rest on the gums
Feel	Feels more like natural teeth	May take some time to get used to
Stability	Fixed and generally does not move while eating or speaking	Can move or slip, especially if the fit changes
Appearance	Designed to closely resemble natural teeth	Can also look natural when properly fitted
Eating	Usually allows a more natural eating experience	Some foods may take more effort to eat
Maintenance	Requires regular brushing, cleaning and dental check-ups	Needs daily cleaning and proper storage
Treatment time	Usually takes several months because the implant needs time to heal	Usually quicker to make and fit
Durability	Can last many years with proper care	May need adjustment or replacement over time
Bone health	Can help preserve the jawbone around the missing tooth	Does not provide the same stimulation to the jawbone
Cost	Higher initial cost	Generally more affordable initially
Removable?	No, the implant-supported tooth is fixed	Yes
Suitable for	People looking for a fixed, long-term tooth replacement and who are suitable candidates	People looking for a removable tooth replacement or a more budget-friendly option

Can you eat normally with dental implants?

Implants have one of the biggest benefits of making eating feel a lot more natural.

As implants are secured in the jaw they do not move around as dentures can. You can typically eat just about anything after your dentist has confirmed that the implant has healed and is ready for traditional use.

You might need a period to accommodate yourself with dentures. Some hard, sticky or chewy foods are trickier to eat without secure dentures. If comfort while eating your favourite foods is a significant concern, your dentist can make recommendations based upon your specific situation of which way may be best for you.

Are dental implants more cosmetically pleasing than dentures?

When designed and fitted well, both types can be made to look natural. While dentures can become loose or uncomfortable due to wear, moving around in the mouth as the gum tissue shrinks or is damaged, and dental implants can look quite natural because the replacement tooth itself does not move: it is secured above an implant in your jaw. A crown can be manufactured in the same colour and shape as your natural teeth.

Today’s dentures come in various shapes, shades and sizes for a customized fit to match the shape of your mouth and your actual teeth. The results are very dependent on the quality of treatment undertaken, and how well the prostheses fit.

Do implants last longer than dentures?

Dental implants are usually intended to be a permanent tooth replacement and with good care and regular dental check-ups they can last for many years. The crown on top of the implant will at some stage need replacing as it is subject to ordinary chewing and wear.

A full set of dentures typically doesn’t last as long. They can become flattened with repeated use, while gum and jaw alteration could be a problem. Consequently, there is a requirement for adjustments, relining, or replacement of dentures after some time.

Regardless of which option you choose, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important.

Do dental implants cost more than dentures?

Dental implants usually cost more at the outset than dentures do. Since the procedure takes 3 steps; a surgical part to implant it, the time needed to heal and finally replacing it with a tooth or more.

Dentures tend to be less expensive in the short term, so they could be an easier option for someone who needs the work done within a very tight budget.

Nevertheless, price must not be the only factor that you take into consideration. Since dental treatment is for life, it should be worth talking to your dentist about the expected lifetime (also maintenance and future costs) of the two options.

The cost of the implant or denture alone is not enough in particular, but your dentist will also explain to you the overall treatment costs.

Can everyone get dental implants?

Not necessarily. For dental implants to be successful, there needs to be a sufficient amount of healthy bone in the jaw to anchor the implant in place. You may also be in good health otherwise, your gums will need to be healthy and certain health or lifestyle factors can determine whether implants are appropriate.

There are instances where a person who does not have sufficient bone to begin with can receive an additional treatment (bone graft) before implant therapy.

This is also the reason that a proper dental examination and scans should be done before implants are considered. Finding a dentist who is going to determine your mouth instead of just picking an option based on the amount of missing teeth.

Are dentures better for elderly people?

Getting dentures, or implants has been said to be common as age progresses. Some older adults are candidates for implants, while other older adult patients may opt for dentures due to their desire for easier or lower-cost treatment. You have to consider existing dental problems, bone health, overall health and personal comfort.

The correct choice must depend on your individual situation and not upon your age.

What if you lost several teeth?

You may not need to choose between full dentures and single implants. There are many treatment options available depending on your condition. Implant-supported dentures may be a good option for others, in which implants are used to support the removable denture.

This can reduce movement compared with standard dentures. The need for a number of implants and type of restoration will vary depending on your treatment plan, dental condition and jaw bone. This can only be established in a consultation.

How do you care for implants and dentures?

Oral care is needed for dental implants most of the time. You will have to brush your units, clean around the implant lightly and you need to visit your dental professional for check-ins. An implant doesn’t mean you can stop caring for your mouth.

Dentures also need daily cleaning. They should then be cleaned with care, to remove food remains and dental plaque. Your dentist will also suggest how to preserve them and when to take them off. If you do one or the other, it creates a healthier mouth and can help you get more mileage out of your new teeth.

Are implants better than dentures?

There is no single right approach for everyone.

If you’re looking for a permanent, fixed replacement tooth and you have the jawbone and oral health needed to have dental implants placed, they may be the right solution. They look and feel more like natural teeth, and usually do not need to be removed.

Dentures are also an option for you if you want a removable treatment, want to replace multiple or all missing teeth, or would like a more affordable solution.

It all comes down to your teeth, gums, jawbone, lifestyle, expectations and budget. What is effective for one person sometimes may not be a suitable remedy for another.

Things to Do Before Deciding on Implants Vs Dentures

Do not take a treatment just because someone you know had a good experience with it. Some tooth loss can be caused by trauma or injury, and every mouth is different.

Perhaps the starting point for this is a visit to your dentist. Your dentist can look at your teeth and gums, evaluate your jawbone and talk to you about the options. Then you can use all available parameters such as treatment time, cost, comfort and maintenance of these procedures to compare with expected results before making a decision.

At Ishtaa Dental, we are not looking to make any tooth replacement just for the sake of it but to find a solution that is right for your teeth and life. Whether you are looking to get dental implants or dentures, getting a proper consultation can give you insight into your options to make an informed decision.