Denture Implants vs Dentures: What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are fake teeth you can take out. They sit on your gums. They help you eat and talk when you lose your teeth.
There are two main kinds:
- Full dentures – replace all teeth
- Partial dentures – replace some teeth
Dentures use denture adhesive to stay in place. But they can still move when you eat or talk.
What Are Denture Implants?
Denture implants are metal posts that go into your jaw bone. They hold your new teeth in place so they don’t move.
The two main types are:
- Snap-in dentures (also called overdentures)
- All-on-4 implants (fixed, don’t come out)
Denture implants need surgery but give you teeth that feel real.
How They Compare
Cost
| Type | Cost | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Dentures | $1,000-$3,000 | 5-7 years |
| Denture Implants | $15,000-$30,000 | 20+ years |
How They Work
| Factor | Dentures | Denture Implants |
|---|---|---|
| How They Stay In | Suction, adhesive | Titanium posts in jaw |
| Can You Take Them Out? | Yes | Most types – no |
| Time To Get Them | 3-6 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Feels Like Real Teeth | No | Yes |
| Need Special Care | Yes, take out at night | No, brush like real teeth |
Who Should Get Dentures?
Dentures might be best if:
- You have a small budget
- You don’t want surgery
- Your jaw bone is too weak for implants
- You need temporary dentures fast
95% of seniors choose conventional dentures first because they cost less. But 40% report sore spots and 30% have trouble with denture adhesive.
Who Should Get Denture Implants?
Denture implants might be best if:
- You want a long-term fix
- You can pay more now to save later
- You have healthy gums
- You want to stop bone loss in your jaw
- You want to eat all foods
Studies show implant-supported dentures have a 95% success rate over 10 years, and patients report 89% better quality of life than with regular dentures.
Cost and Insurance
Dental insurance might pay for:
- 15-50% of removable dentures
- Rarely more than 10% of dental implants
Medicare does not pay for dentures or implants in most cases.
Some places offer payment plans for dental prosthesis costs.
How They’re Made and Fitted
Dentures
- Dentist takes molds of your mouth
- Makes a wax model
- Tests the fit
- Makes final acrylic dentures
- You need denture adjustment as your mouth changes
Denture Implants
- CBCT scan to check your jawbone density
- Bone grafting if needed
- Implant surgery to place titanium implants
- 3-6 months for osseointegration (bone growing around implants)
- Attach the fixed dentures to the implants
Risks and Problems
Problems with Dentures
- Slippage issues when eating or talking
- Denture sores on gums
- Bone resorption (jaw shrinks over time)
- Need denture relining or denture repair
- May need denture soaking overnight
- Can cause oral infections if not kept clean
Problems with Denture Implants
- Surgery risks (2-5% get infections)
- Not good for people with diabetes (slower healing)
- Smoking can cause implant failure
- Costs more to fix if problems happen
- Not all dental insurance covers them
What Patients Say
Dentures:
- 55% feel self-conscious about how they look
- 30% avoid hard foods like apples and nuts
- Have only 15-30% of normal bite force
Denture Implants:
- 90% say they look and feel natural
- Can eat all foods (80-100% normal bite force)
- Don’t need to worry about them falling out
Types of Implant Systems
Many brands make implant systems:
- Nobel Biocare (makes All-on-4®)
- Straumann Group
- Zimmer Biomet
- BioHorizons
- Dentsply Sirona
Your dentist or implant dental laboratory can help you pick the best one.
Materials Used
Denture Materials
- Acrylic resin (plastic)
- Porcelain
- Valplast® (flexible partial dentures)
- Metal framework dentures (stronger)
- Cobalt-chrome framework
Implant Materials
- Titanium alloy posts
- Zirconia implants (metal-free option)
- Porcelain crowns on top
How to Care for Them
Denture Care
- Take out at night
- Use denture brushes and special cleaners
- Soak in cleaning solutions
- Check for cracks or damage
- Visit dentist for denture relining
Implant Care
- Brush and floss like real teeth
- See dentist regularly for checks
- No special cleaning solutions needed
- May need special floss or tiny brushes around implants
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
- How much will it cost with my dental insurance?
- Do I have enough bone for implants?
- How long will the whole process take?
- What are my options if I don’t like them?
- Can I see before and after photos?
The Latest Options
Newer Denture Types
- Digital Smile Design (computer-made for better fit)
- CAD/CAM dentures (faster to make)
- Mini dental implants (smaller, less surgery)
- Snap-in dentures (removable but stable)
Newer Implant Types
- Immediate load implants (“Teeth in a day“)
- Zygomatic implants (for severe bone loss)
- All-on-6 implants (more support)
- Mini implants for dentures (less costly)
Real-Life Example: Mary’s Story
Mary, 67, tried conventional dentures first. She had problems:
- Couldn’t eat corn or steak
- Felt self-conscious laughing
- Got denture sores
- Had to use lots of adhesive
After 2 years, she switched to implant-supported dentures. Now she:
- Eats all foods
- Smiles with confidence
- Doesn’t worry about her teeth falling out
- Says it was “worth every penny”
Finding the Right Doctor
For the best results, see a:
- Prosthodontist (denture specialist)
- Dentist with Academy of Osseointegration membership
- Doctor who uses 3D imaging technology
The American Dental Association (ADA) can help you find a good doctor.
Summary: Which Is Better?
Dentures are better if:
- You need teeth right away
- You’re on a tight budget
- You can’t have surgery
- You need temporary dentures
Denture implants are better if:
- You want long-term teeth
- You care about stopping bone loss
- You want to eat all foods
- You don’t want adhesives or taking teeth out
Next Steps
- Get a checkup to see what’s best for you
- Ask about costs and payment plans
- See if your dental insurance helps
- Look at before/after photos
- Talk to people who have had both
Remember, your smile affects your life every day. Take time to make the right choice!
Questions People Often Ask
Can I eat normally with denture implants?
Yes! With dental implants, you can eat almost anything. People with regular dentures often can’t eat hard or sticky foods.
Do dentures look fake?
New dentures look more natural than old ones did. But denture implants look even more real because they don’t have the pink plastic part that shows.
How painful is implant surgery?
Most people say it hurts less than they expected. Your doctor uses local anesthesia, and you can choose sedation dentistry options too.
Can dentures be anchored to implants later?
Yes! Many people start with removable dentures and later get implants to hold them in place. These are called overdentures or snap-in dentures.
How long until I can eat normally?
With dentures, you might need a few weeks to learn to eat well. With implants, you need 3-6 months for full healing, but many people get temporary teeth to use while waiting.
