Dental Implants vs Dentures - Weighing Your Tooth Replacement Options

Dental Implants vs Dentures - Weighing Your Tooth

Dental implant costs can range widely depending on the treatment complexity and other factors. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses involved in getting implants.
 

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Overview: Dental Implants vs Dentures

Dental implants and dentures aim to replace missing teeth but in very different ways

Dental Implants

Dental implants

Titanium screws fused to the jawbone to support artificial crowns, bridges, or implant retained dentures

Dentures

Removable appliances that replace missing teeth and gums. Can be complete or partial dentures
Dentures

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Dental Implant Procedure vs Getting Dentures

The procedures involved also differ

Dentures

Dental Implant Procedure

  • Two separate surgeries - one for implant placement, one to attach crowns once healed 
  • Requires 4-6 months for full process
  • Only local anesthesia needed in most cases

Denture Procedure

  • No surgery involved
  • Full process takes about 1 month start to finish
  • Several fittings required to adjust denture shape
  • Local anesthetic often used when extracting remaining teeth
Dentures

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Implant vs Denture Cost Comparison

The costs differ substantially

Dental Implant Cost

$1,500 - $6,000 per implant 
$3,000 - $30,000 for a full mouth 
Usually not fully covered by insurance
 

Denture Cost

$300 - $3,000 per denture plate $600 - $5,000 for full upper and lower Often fully or mostly covered by insurance

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Comparison of Comfort and Function

Key differences exist in comfort and function

Dentures

Dental Implant Comfort

  • Implants are fixed permanently in the jaw.
  • No slipping or rubbing since they fuse to the bone. 
  • Feel like natural teeth while chewing and speaking.

Denture Comfort

  • Removable appliance that may rub or feel loose.
  • Require denture adhesive to help hold them in place.
  • Can affect speaking and eating ability.
Dentures

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Aesthetic Outcomes

The aesthetic results also differ

Dental Implant Appearance


Implant supported crowns are designed to match natural teeth.
Prevent bone loss for youthful facial structure.
Do not require coverage of palate or connecting bars.
 

Denture Appearance

Removable plastic or resin appliance. May appear artificial looking with age as bone loss progresses. Requires coverage of additional oral structures.

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Dental Implant vs Denture Longevity

The longevity and replacement needs also differ

Dentures

Dental Implant Lifespan

  • Last at least 10-15 years with proper care
  • With diligent hygiene, can last several decades
  • Replacing worn crowns renews the restoration 

Denture Lifespan

  • Last 5-10 years before needing replacement
  • Bone loss over time requires adjusting fit
  • Repair or relining may extend lifespan briefly before needing new dentures
Dentures