Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Pros, Cons & Cost Comparison

Dental implants and dentures help you replace your missing teeth, but they work in very different ways. Implants are fixed into the jawbone. They act a lot like your natural teeth. Dentures, on the other hand, sit on the gums. You can take them out with ease!  

Naturally, you’d wonder, “Which one should I choose?

The better choice depends on your bone health, your budget, and how permanent you want the solution to be. Let’s take a look at the pros, cons, and costs of each and then decide for ourselves. 

Quick Notes

• Dentures:
  • They are removable and usually cheaper upfront.
  • You can get them done quickly but they may slip out of place when you eat or speak.
• Dental Implants:
  • Dental implants are fixed tooth replacements that work very much like natural teeth.
  • Implants take months and involve surgery. The good part is, they can last for a very long time and preserve your jawbone.
• Best option: The best option depends on things like your budget, your bone density, and your overall oral health.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants replace missing teeth by placing small titanium posts directly into the jawbone. Think of them as artificial roots. Once the post fuses with the bone, a process called osseointegration, a crown or bridge is attached on top.

The whole process usually takes several months. Here, the healing time is very important because your bone needs to integrate with the implant before your dentist places the final tooth.

Implants work best for people with healthy gums and strong jawbones. Some people have low bone density. In such cases, dentists may suggest bone grafting first. This helps make the bone stronger before putting in the implant.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Here are some key advantages of dental implants:

• Strong and stable, they feel similar to natural teeth. This is because they are fixed in the jawbone. Chewing also becomes easier and closer to normal. 
• Implants also help protect the jawbone. They reduce bone loss and facial sagging. 
• With good care, many implants can last for many years.

Here are some key disadvantages of dental implants:

• Implants need surgery. They also require several dental visits and healing often takes time.
• There is also a small risk of infection or implant failure. For instance, heavy alcohol consumption increases the chances of implant failure. Similarly, smokers or people with uncontrolled diabetes may have higher risks. 
• Patients with significant bone loss may need bone grafting before implant placement, which adds cost and treatment time.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are artificial teeth that sit on the gums. The ones that replace all the teeth in one row are called full dentures. And the ones that replace only a few missing teeth are called partial dentures.

Dentures are made from acrylic, resin, or metal. To make them, dentists take impressions of the mouth. Then, they fit the final appliance after adjustments.

Unlike implants, dentures don’t require surgery. Many patients receive them within a few weeks after extractions, sometimes even on the same day.

Pros and Cons of Dentures

Here are some key advantages of dentures:

• Dentures are faster to get. They also cost less. 
• They do not need surgery. Many people get them soon after tooth removal. 
• Dentures help improve your smile. They can also improve speech and chewing. 
• If a person cannot have implant surgery, dentures are a good option. 
• Dentures can also be used for some time before getting implants later.

Here are some key disadvantages of dentures:

• Dentures can move when you eat or speak. Even well-fitted dentures may slip sometimes. 
• Some people also feel sore spots or pain on their gums because dentures sit directly on them. And yes, eating hard or sticky foods can become a bit tricky.
• Over time, dentures contribute to jawbone shrinkage, which can cause them to loosen and require relining or replacement.

Cost Comparison in London, UK

Costs vary depending on the clinic, materials, and location.

Single dental implants (post, abutment, and crown combined) cost:

• £5,016 in the UK

Dentures are cheaper:

• £400 – £1,500 per arch for partial dentures
• £1,500 to £2,500 per arch for premium dentures

Full arch implant bridge cost:

• £20,220 per arch in UK

Dentures do save money upfront. But repeated replacements and relines over the years can increase long-term costs.

So, which option is right for you? Just consult your dentist. They will check your jawbone strength and oral health and ask about your treatment goals. After this, they will suggest the best option for you.

FAQs

Which is better, dentures or dental implants?

Dental implants are often the better option. They are fixed in the jaw and feel stable when you eat or speak. Also, you may not need to change them for many years. In contrast, dentures are cheaper and faster and can sometimes move around in your mouth. What’s better for you really comes down to your budget, the strength of your jawbone, and what you personally need.

Why would a dentist not recommend an implant?

A dentist may not suggest implants if the jawbone is too weak or thin. The implant needs a strong bone to stay in place. Some health problems can also affect healing. For example, uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking. Some people cannot have surgery. In these cases, dentures or other treatments may be safer.

What is the 3/2 rule for dental implants?

The 3/2 rule states that there should be about 3 mm of space between two implants and about 2 mm of space between an implant and a natural tooth. This space protects the bone and gums. It also helps the implant stay strong and stable for many years.

What is the downside of having dental implants?

Dental implants need surgery. This means healing time is required. There is also a small risk of infection or implant failure. Some people need extra treatment first. For example, bone grafting if the jawbone is weak. This can increase the time and the cost.