Dentures vs. Implants: Best Restoration According to Dental Professionals

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, those 65 and older have an average of nine decayed or missing teeth. Your smile is often one of the first things people notice, and, based on research from the Journal of Periodontology, missing teeth can negatively affect self-image.

If you’re debating on getting dentures vs. implants to replace lost teeth, doing your research is vital to making a decision that’s best for your budget, insurance coverage and lifestyle.

There are several key factors that differentiate dentures from dental implants. One of the main differences is in their quality, which affects their cost. Aside from the quality of materials used, dentures and implants also differ in their longevity and comfort, as well as a handful of other things.

Dentures: Typically referred to as a semipermanent fix to fill gaps from missing teeth, dentures can be removed regularly and with relative ease. They are typically a more affordable option and most dental insurance companies agree to help cover the cost.

When deciding if dentures are right for you, consider this advice from Evan McCarthy, founder and CEO of Sporting Smiles:

Implants: As a more permanent solution to missing teeth, the process for getting implants is much more extensive, invasive and expensive than dentures. However, this investment will likely last much longer than any semipermanent option.

Implants are also often more secure in your mouth and help to strengthen and maintain oral bone structure.

In an email to RetireGuide, Dr. Adrienne Hedrick at Longmont Dental Loft said the following regarding implants:

Look through the side-by-side comparison below to get a better idea of the differences between implants and dentures.

There can be a major cost difference between dentures and implants. The cost of each also varies depending on certain factors, including your dental provider’s level of experience and any follow-ups or consultations needed.

You may also have to pay for procedures that are preparatory to getting implants or dentures, such as having teeth removed. According to Healthline, removal can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per tooth.

Dentures: Depending on the type of materials you choose and how authentic you want them to look, dentures can range from $300 to $8,000, according to Fixodent.

Implants: According to the European Denture Center, full dental implants cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per arch. This amount, again, depends on the type of materials you choose, your dentist’s experience level, lab work that may need to be done and the location of your dental office.

If you don’t need all your teeth replaced, partial dental implants cost less — typically ranging from $2,500 to $12,000.

Understanding the process for getting dentures vs. implants might impact your decision on which to get. It can also help you better understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Dentures: Compared to implants, the process for getting partial dentures can be fairly simple. According to Healthline, your dentist will measure and take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and order dentures that fit the shape of your mouth.

For complete, or full-mouth, dentures, you’ll need to have any remaining teeth extracted. Typically, your back teeth will be removed first and your gums are given about four to eight weeks to heal. Once healed, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and remove any remaining teeth. Your dentures will then be placed in your mouth and adjusted immediately after surgery.

Implants: Because implants are built to be more secure, the procedure is typically more invasive and takes longer to recover from compared to dentures.

Dental implant surgery requires drilling into your jawbone and placing a metal screw in place of a tooth root. After this has been done, you’ll have to wait for the bone to grow into the screw or implant, according to Mayo Clinic. This process can take several months. If needed, a partial, temporary denture can take the place of your missing teeth until you can move into the next phase of the implant procedure.

Once your bone has grown into the implant, you’ll potentially need additional oral surgery to place the abutment. The abutment is a connector that attaches to your implant and your false teeth. Once this is complete and your gums are healed, your false teeth can be attached.

Both dentures and dental implants can be costly. Like any expensive investment, not taking care of them can increase the need for maintenance or even replacement.

Dentures: Unlike dental implants, you’ll likely need to replace your dentures at some point. According to Preferred Dental Care, you may be able to get five to 10 years of use out of a single pair. Caring for your dentures properly will help you get the most benefit out of them for as long as possible.

To care for your dentures, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following:

Never use hot water when dealing with your dentures, as it can cause the materials to warp. You also shouldn’t use whitening toothpaste or other tough cleaning products like stiff-bristled toothbrushes.

Dental implants: While implants may be tougher and sturdier than dentures, you should still understand how to care for them so they stand the test of time. Forest Park Dental gives the following advice for taking care of your implants:

There are a variety of ways to pay for replacement teeth, but certain options aren’t available for specific procedures. For this reason, it’s important to understand what your insurance coverage will pay for and other payment options available to you.

As with everything in life, seeing the benefits and drawbacks of your options can help you make the most informed decision and prepare you for any possible setbacks.

Cost: While it is possible to get dentures that cost just as much as implants, generally speaking, dental implants will cost you more. In fact, getting implants for your whole mouth can cost upward of $20,000. Dentures, on the other hand, may only cost you a few thousand dollars or even a few hundred.

Comfort: Sturdiness and security from your replacement teeth can give you more daily comfort when eating and speaking. Because implants were made to secure the false teeth directly to your gums and bone, they’re naturally more secure than dentures that often just require a superficial adhesive.

In response to this, Dr. Kire Stojkovski of Farr Institute told RetireGuide in an email:

“Implants have [as much] strength as that of a real tooth because they are made up of titanium. Implants are also comfortable like that of a real tooth.”

However, it’s important to remember that the process for getting implants is typically more invasive, requiring surgery and other procedures. For this reason, the process for securing implants can be more uncomfortable than that of dentures.

Longevity: Dentures, in general, only last around five to 10 years. Because of their increased durability and stability in the mouth, implants can last much longer. In fact, you may only need to get implants once in your lifetime, depending on how you care for them and how young you are when you get them.

Impact on facial structure: Because dentures are fitted around your bone, every time you bite or clench your teeth, you place pressure on the ridges of bone they are placed on. This can accelerate bone deterioration and impact the structure of your face, according to Pasadena Periodontics & Dental Implants.

Implants, however, can actually support and strengthen the bone structure of your mouth.

Insurance coverage: Many dental insurance plans cover some of the costs for dentures. However, dental implants are often not covered, so you’d want to look into specific insurance for dental implants.

Depending on what you’re looking for, dentures or implants could be the right choice for you. In a recent email to RetireGuide, Dr. Rashmi Byakodi, a dentist and health and wellness writer for Best for Nutrition, said:

“Choosing dentures or implants depends mostly on your health status, gum health, and also your budget. If you are looking for a long-term solution and a prosthesis that looks and feels like your natural teeth, you should choose implants. However, a dental implant is a time-taking, two-phase process. If you are looking for a quick fix, dentures are the right choice.”

There’s a lot to know about replacement teeth, so you may have additional questions. Look through the frequently asked questions below if you’re still unsure about a few things regarding dentures vs. implants.

If you’re unsure about dentures and implants, there are other replacement options available. Some alternatives include:

Deciding on dentures vs. implants is a big choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you know you’ll need to decide soon, talk with your dental provider and insurance company to figure out the best way to pay for your replacement teeth.

If you’re not sure if your Medicare or Medigap coverage will help pay for your desired procedure, talk with an insurance expert or consider enrolling in a new plan if you’re able.