What Are The Differences Between Dentures And Dental Implants?

Losing teeth can severely affect your health, appearance, and confidence. In most cases, dentures and dental implants are two of the most popular solutions. But do you know which one is better for your case? Take a look at their differences before actually making the decision!

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth as well as missing gum tissue. They come in full or partial dentures.

Full dentures, also called complete dentures, replace all the teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or in both jaws.

Partial dentures, also known as dental partials, are used to fill in the gaps where your natural teeth are missing.

Full dentures are placed directly on the gums, while partial dentures are supported by the remaining teeth with specially fitted clasps or precision attachments.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants require one or more titanium screws to be surgically inserted into the jawbone. The dentures are then attached to the screw.

Differences Between Dentures And Dental Implants

1. Price

One of your biggest concerns about dentures vs dental implants might be their respective prices.

Dental implants involve surgery and are a more permanent solution for tooth replacement, so as a result they cost more than dentures.

How Much Are Dentures?

Full Dentures Cost

One denture arch costs anywhere between $500 to $5,000. A full set of both upper and lower dentures will cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000.

Partial Dentures Cost

Partial dentures start at $300 to $500, but the average is between $700 and $1,600. If you want a metal framework for the support, you may end up paying $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Of course, the price will vary according to the number of teeth replaced.

How Much Are Dental Implants?

The average cost of a single denture implant is a whopping $4,000 or more. A full set of implants can cost somewhere in the range of $24,000 to $100,000.

So, you can see the huge price difference between dentures and dental implants. Compared with dental implants, dentures are the more affordable option for tooth loss.

However, keep in mind that less expensive often means less effective.

2. Look

Dental implants tend to look and feel more natural than dentures. If you want to feel like you’ve never lost a tooth, your best bet is to choose dental implants.

The good news about dentures is that with advancements in technology, today they look better than ever.

So, you can visit a local cosmetic dentist to figure out what exactly dentures and dental implants look like.

3. Replacement

Dental implants are likely to last at least 20 years if not forever. The titanium screw can last a lifetime, but after 20 years, you usually need a new crown or full arch bridge because some teeth can chip.

The Dentures need to be replaced every 3-6 years.

4. Surgery

As mentioned earlier, when it comes to dental implants, titanium screws need to be surgically implanted into the jawbone. A recovery period is necessary after surgery. The whole process usually takes 3-6 months.

Dentures need no surgery and are non-invasive. So, they are not as painful as dental implants. Dentures are customized to your needs, and then you just push them into your mouth. The whole process takes only weeks.

5. Effect On Surrounding Teeth

Partial dentures can weaken the natural teeth supporting them, potentially causing further dental problems. This is not an issue with dental implants.

6. Effect On Eating

You can eat all the things you love to eat with dental implants, while you need to avoid sticky and hard foods with dentures.

7. Care

Dentures should be removed every night, so your gums can rest. Plus, they need to be cleaned regularly. You’ll have to buy cleaners, which means an extra expense. What’s worse, the cleaning process can be annoying.

Dental implants don’t require special care. You just need to handle them the same way you’d handle your natural teeth.

There are many other differences between dentures and dental implants, but our list here covers the main ones.

Making A Decision: Dentures Or Dental Implants?

At this point, you may have made an initial choice, but you'd better first discuss it with your doctor to make your final decision.