If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, you have many options for replacing them, but perhaps the two most popular choices are dentures and implants. In this post, we will compare dentures vs. dental implants, the pros and cons, and things you need to consider when considering which one to pick so that when you get ready to choose your tooth replacement method, you’ll have all the information you need.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a teeth restoration option that uses a set of false teeth attached to a supporting plate to restore a person’s smile. The plate is fixed into a person’s s mouth using suction or denture adhesive.
Dentures are typically considered dental appliances and not prosthetic tooth replacements as they are not permanently fixed to the mouth and must be replaced in time.
Pros and Cons of Dentures
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Easy to install | ● May be uncomfortable |
| ● More affordable option | ● Will need to be replaced over time |
| ● No surgery necessary | ● Generally do not feel like “real” teeth |
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth surgically installed into a person’s mouth via a post grafted into the jawbone. Because of how they are installed, they are considered a permanent fixture in the patient’s mouth. They cannot be removed without the aid of a dental surgeon.
They are made of strong materials like titanium and dental-grade porcelain to ensure they last a long time.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Strong and durable | ● Takes a long time to install |
| ● Feels like real teeth | ● Cost |
| ● No need for maintenance | ● Requires surgery |
Dentures vs. Implants: What is the Procedure?
The process for getting dentures and dental implants at a dentist in Westminster Co, is very different.
For dentures, the dentist will usually remove any remaining teeth and take an impression of the patient’s mouth. That impression is then sent to a lab, and dentures are created to the patient’s exact specifications. It can take 24 hours to about two weeks to complete the creation process. Once the dentures are complete, the patient returns for a fitting, and final adjustments are made.
The process for installation of dental implants begins with an examination to make sure the patient is suited for them. Depending on how many the patient needs, existing teeth may need to be removed. These extractions must heal before the installation process can begin, which can take up to 3 months. Once healed, the installation starts with the titanium post, which is grafted into the jawbone.
After the installation of the post, the connecting abutment and prosthetic tooth are installed on top, usually in a separate procedure. Once the installation has fully healed, the process is complete. The total time it takes to install implants can range from over one year.
Dentures vs. Implants: What is the Cost of Installation?
When we compare denture vs. implant cost, dentures are the cheaper option. A person can get a full set of dentures for as little as a few hundred dollars, with a premium set costing around $2,000.
Conversely, implants can cost $1,000 to $1,200 per tooth, with full sets ranging from $20,000 to $35,000.
Dentures vs. Implants: What are the Durability and Maintenance?
When it comes to getting dentures or implants from a Vancouver dentist, you’ll want to remember that dentures will need to be repaired and replaced every few years. Dental implants require no maintenance apart from good oral hygiene unless a traumatic accident occurs.
3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Dentures and Implants
If you’re still trying to decide whether you want dentures or dental implants, here are three factors to consider before making a choice.
The Cost – For many, the choice comes down to the upfront cost, whether it is covered by insurance. In some cases, dental insurance may not cover the full cost of implants.
The Time – As we mentioned, it takes much longer to get dental implants than dentures.
The Upkeep – There is virtually no upkeep to dental implants. Dentures, however, may break and, over time, will wear down and need to be replaced; many patients estimate needing a new denture about once every five years, depending on wear.