Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Missing teeth can affect not just your smile but also your confidence, eating habits, and overall oral health. At Dental On Park, we often guide patients through the decision between dentures and dental implants—two popular solutions for tooth replacement. Both options restore function and aesthetics, but they differ significantly in terms of comfort, durability, maintenance, and cost.
In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each, compare key factors, and help you determine which might be the best fit for your lifestyle.
Understanding Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. They can be full (replacing all teeth in an arch) or partial (filling in gaps while preserving remaining natural teeth). Made from acrylic, metal, or a combination, dentures rest on the gums and are custom-fitted for comfort.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They support crowns, bridges, or even full dentures, providing a permanent foundation. The process involves osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the bone for stability.
Pros and Cons of Dentures
Dentures have been a go-to option for decades due to their accessibility, but they’re not without drawbacks.
Pros:
Affordability: Dentures are generally less expensive upfront, with costs often ranging from $1,800 for a full set, making them budget-friendly for many patients.
Quick and Non-Invasive: They can be fabricated and fitted relatively quickly without surgery, often in just a few appointments.
Easy to Adjust or Replace: If your oral structure changes over time, dentures can be relined or remade without major procedures.
Cons:
Potential for Discomfort and Slippage: They may shift during eating or speaking, requiring adhesives, and can cause sore spots on the gums.
Bone Loss Over Time: Dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone, leading to gradual deterioration and changes in facial structure.
Higher Maintenance: Daily removal for cleaning is necessary, and they may need frequent adjustments or replacements every 5-10 years.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Implants offer a more modern, integrated approach but come with their own set of considerations.
Pros:
Natural Feel and Function: Implants mimic real teeth, allowing for comfortable chewing, speaking, and a stable bite without slippage.
Longevity and Durability: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, preventing bone loss by stimulating the jaw like natural roots.
Improved Oral Health: They preserve surrounding teeth and bone, reducing the risk of further tooth loss and maintaining facial contours.
Cons:
Higher Initial Cost: Implants are pricier, often exceeding $10,000 for multiple teeth or full-arch solutions, due to surgery and materials.
Surgical Process: Placement involves surgery, which requires healing time (3-6 months) and may not suit everyone, especially those with insufficient bone density.
Potential Complications: Risks include infection or implant failure, though success rates are high (over 95%) with experienced providers.
Key Comparisons: Dentures vs. Dental Implants
To make the decision clearer, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main factors:
These differences highlight how dentures suit short-term needs or budgets, while implants excel for long-term stability and quality of life.
Which Option Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your unique situation:
Opt for Dentures If:
You’re looking for a quick, affordable fix, have multiple missing teeth, or prefer a non-surgical approach. They’re ideal for those with bone loss who aren’t candidates for implants.
Opt for Dental Implants If:
You prioritise permanence, natural function, and preventing further oral health issues. They’re best for patients with good bone density and a willingness to invest in long-term results.
Hybrid Options:
Consider implant-supported dentures for the best of both worlds—stability without full implants for every tooth.
Factors like age, overall health, and lifestyle (e.g., diet or activity level) play a big role. Always consult a dentist for a personalised assessment.
Whether you lean toward dentures for their simplicity or dental implants for their enduring benefits, restoring your smile can transform your daily life. At Dental On Park, our team is here to discuss your options, answer questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile!
See a Dentist
For dental implants or dentures in Brisbane make sure to contact our dental clinics at Park Road, Milton and Buranda Village, Woolloongabba.
We are open and ready to accept patients from Brisbane, Milton and all other surrounding areas like Bardon Indooroopilly, Kenmore, Auchenflower Toowong, St. Lucia, Southbank, West End, Dutton Park, Coorparoo, Fairfield, Greenslopes, Annerley, South Brisbane, Stones Corner, Mount Gravatt East, Holland Park, Highgate Hill and Brisbane CBD.
