Dental implants are titanium rods with false teeth attached that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.
Dentures are false teeth that rest on the gums or are attached to the surrounding healthy teeth (partial dentures). Most types of dentures are easily removable and are secured to the mouth with your natural saliva or denture adhesives when necessary.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution to missing teeth that requires less maintenance and looks the most natural, we strongly recommend asking your dentist if you are a candidate for dental implants.
If you are more interested in dentures, or you are not a candidate for implants, we have the most advanced solutions and support to make sure that your transition to dentures is easy and comfortable.
We proudly offer completely custom dentures that can be color matched and perfectly fitted to your mouth. This ensures a fit that looks and feels natural, without the need for a surgical procedure.
While there might be some differences between both solutions, such as cost, oral health, maintenance, and procedure processes; both dentures and dental implants help you achieve:
- A smile that looks and feels like your normal teeth
- The ability to eat more types of food that you may have given up while suffering from tooth loss
- Improved speech and a better sense of confidence when you smile!
Dentures vs. Implants: Direct Comparison
| Dentures | Dental Implants | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | If you have healthy gum tissue, the denture procedure is painless & non-surgical. After a dental examination, your dentist will make a mold to fit your gum shape. Then will have a last fitting to ensure denture comfort. | The dental implant procedure involves the placement of a titanium post into the jawbone. Although dental implants are safe, surgery is required which can increase the risk of infections or reaction. After the integration of the implant with the bone, a prosthetic tooth is attached. Unlike dentures, there is a post-surgery healing process for dental implants that can take up to a year. |
| Maintenance | Dentures are higher maintenance than dental implants since they require detailed cleaning to prevent excessive accumulation of bacteria that can lead to poor oral health. Additionally, because your mouth will change shape as you age, denture adjustments will be required at some point. | Maintaining dental implants consists of regular brushing and flossing just like you would do with your natural teeth. |
| Cost | Even though the upfront cost is less expensive than dental implants, there are outside maintenance costs to consider. These costs include regular check-ups, special cleaning products, replacements, adjustments, adhesives, etc. | Implants are an investment, which means the upfront costs are higher than dentures. However, in the long term there are little to no upkeep costs. Paying for implants can be flexible with our financing and payment plans that help you achieve the smile you deserve. Since dental implants are an expensive procedure, it’s less likely for dental insurance to cover the costs. We recommend having open conversations with your dentist and insurance provider to best assess your budget needs. |
| Day-to-Day Use | Although you will be able to eat almost anything, some hard and sticky foods can be difficult to chew with dentures. You can take dentures out at any time, which can be helpful for those with jaw problems or gum sensitivity. | There are no food limitations with dental implants. Dental implants are a fixed option, which means you can’t remove them once they are in. |
| Longevity | Dentures need to be relined every 1-2 years & it’s recommended to replace them every 5-7 years. | Implants can last up to 20 years with good care. |
| Aesthetics & Looks | At Affordable Dentures & Implants we have an on-site lab that can match your denture tooth color with the rest of your teeth to ensure the most seamless look. We also offer custom denture fitting services for a perfect fit that feels comfortable and helps you get back to doing what you love. | Dental implants tend to look more realistic due to materials being porous just like real teeth, which means the color does not deteriorate. |
We Believe Everyone Deserves to Love Their Smile
When deciding “what’s better - dentures or implants?” it is essential for you to choose the best option for you and your dental health. Do you like the flexibility that comes with taking out dentures? Or do you prefer a more natural tooth experience? Our comparison tool can help you decide, but be sure to ask the denture expert near you what they think to find the perfect fit for you!
Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about an affordable, long lasting solution to tooth loss.