Dental implants and dentures can both replace missing teeth, but they work in different ways. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone to support replacement teeth, while conventional dentures are removable appliances that replace some or all missing teeth. Neither option is automatically better for everyone. The choice depends on your oral health, available bone, number of missing teeth, treatment preferences, maintenance needs, timeline and cost considerations.
If you are considering implants, our dental implants in Newmarket page explains candidacy, treatment planning and implant options in more detail. This guide focuses specifically on the differences between dental implants and dentures so you can understand the trade-offs before discussing your options with a dentist.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, commonly made of titanium, that is placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or another dental restoration. Depending on the treatment plan, implants may support a single crown, a bridge or a larger implant-supported restoration.
Because the implant is placed in the jawbone, treatment requires enough healthy bone and suitable oral health. According to the Canadian Dental Association, patients generally need healthy gums and sufficient jawbone to support an implant. When bone volume is insufficient, bone grafting may be considered in some cases.
What Is the Dental Implant Process?
Dental implant treatment begins with an assessment of your teeth, gums, bite and the area where teeth are missing. Dental imaging may also be required to evaluate the available bone and surrounding structures. The treatment plan depends on the number and location of missing teeth, your oral health and the type of restoration that will be supported by the implant.
If implant treatment is appropriate, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. Local anaesthesia is generally used to numb the treatment area. After placement, the implant and surrounding tissues need time to heal. The implant can gradually integrate with the surrounding bone, a process known as osseointegration, which may take several months.
After appropriate healing, an abutment and final restoration may be placed according to the treatment plan. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the restoration may be an implant-supported crown or bridge. Not every patient follows exactly the same sequence, and additional procedures such as bone grafting are only recommended when clinically necessary.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit the mouth and may be used when several teeth or all teeth in an arch are missing.
The Canadian Dental Association describes two main types of conventional dentures: partial dentures and complete dentures. Dentures do not require an implant to function, although implants can sometimes be used to help support certain removable overdentures.
Partial vs. Complete Dentures
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. They may use clasps or other components to help keep the appliance in place and can be removed for cleaning.
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, replace all of the natural teeth in an upper or lower arch. Conventional complete dentures are removable and rest on the gums and supporting tissues.
An implant-supported overdenture is different from a conventional denture. It remains removable but attaches to dental implants for additional support. Fixed implant-supported restorations are another category and should not be confused with conventional removable dentures.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Key Differences
The most important difference is how the replacement teeth are supported. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, while conventional dentures are removable and generally rest on the gums, with partial dentures sometimes using remaining teeth for support.
| Comparison | Dental Implants | Conventional Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Placed in the jawbone to support a restoration | Removable appliance supported by oral tissues and, for some partial dentures, remaining teeth |
| Surgery | Implant placement involves a surgical procedure | Conventional dentures generally do not require implant surgery |
| Bone Requirements | Sufficient bone is required; grafting may be considered when needed | Do not require bone for implant anchorage, although fit depends on the shape and condition of the supporting tissues |
| Removal | Implant-supported crowns and many implant restorations are fixed | Partial and complete conventional dentures are removable |
| Maintenance | Require careful brushing, cleaning between teeth or around the implant and regular dental monitoring | Require daily cleaning, removal as directed and periodic assessment of fit |
| Treatment Time | Often involves several stages and a healing period | Usually does not require osseointegration, although fabrication and adjustment require appointments |
| Cost | May have a higher initial cost depending on the number of implants and procedures required | Cost varies according to the type of denture, materials and treatment required |
Stability and Chewing
Because implants are anchored in the jawbone, implant-supported restorations can provide a fixed or more stable form of tooth replacement in appropriate cases. Conventional dentures rely on the supporting tissues and their fit, so some patients may need time to adapt to eating and speaking with them.
Fit can also change over time because the mouth and supporting tissues can change. Dentures may therefore require adjustments or relining as recommended by a dentist.
Maintenance and Daily Care
Dental implants are not maintenance-free. Implant-supported teeth and the surrounding gums need regular oral hygiene and professional monitoring. The Canadian Dental Association recommends keeping implants clean with brushing and appropriate interdental cleaning and attending regular dental checkups.
Complete and partial dentures also need daily care. They should be removed and cleaned according to your dentist’s instructions. The fit of a denture should be reviewed periodically because poorly fitting dentures can cause soreness and other oral health problems.
Cost Differences Between Implants and Dentures
There is no single price that applies to either treatment. Dental implant costs can vary depending on the number of implants, type of restoration, diagnostic imaging and whether additional procedures are required. Denture costs can vary according to whether the denture is partial or complete, its design, materials and any future adjustments or relining.
For that reason, cost comparisons are most useful after an examination and treatment plan. A lower initial cost does not by itself determine which treatment is most appropriate for your oral health or long-term needs.
How Long Do Dental Implants and Dentures Last?
Dental implants are intended to provide long-term support for replacement teeth, but no implant or dental restoration can be guaranteed to last for life. Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, gum and bone health, bite forces, smoking, medical factors and ongoing dental care. The crown, bridge or other restoration supported by an implant may also need maintenance or replacement over time.
Dentures also require ongoing care. Because your gums, jaw and remaining teeth can change over time, a denture may need adjustment, relining, repair or eventual replacement to maintain an appropriate fit.
Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
Not necessarily. Dental implants may offer advantages for patients who want an implant-supported tooth replacement and have suitable oral and bone health. Dentures may be more appropriate for patients who prefer a removable option, want to avoid implant surgery or have clinical circumstances that make implant treatment unsuitable or less desirable.
The decision should be based on more than appearance or cost. Your remaining teeth, gums, available bone, general health, number of missing teeth, ability to maintain the restoration and personal treatment preferences all matter.
Who May Be Better Suited to Dental Implants?
Dental implants may be considered when a patient has one or more missing teeth, suitable oral health and enough bone to support the proposed implant. An examination and dental imaging may be needed to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate.
If there is not enough bone, bone grafting may be discussed in selected cases. However, needing additional treatment does not automatically mean that an implant is the best option. Alternatives should still be considered as part of treatment planning.
Who May Prefer Dentures?
Dentures may be considered when several or all teeth are missing and a removable replacement is appropriate. They may also be an option for patients who do not want implant surgery or for whom implant treatment is not recommended after assessment.
Partial dentures can replace several missing teeth while retaining suitable natural teeth. Complete dentures can replace a full arch when all natural teeth in that arch are missing.
Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dentures
Choosing between implants and dentures is an individual treatment decision rather than a question of which option is universally better. Some patients place a higher priority on having a fixed restoration, while others prefer a removable treatment or want to avoid surgery.
A dental assessment can help clarify the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, the amount of available bone and the replacement options that fit your needs. Other treatments may also be relevant. For example, a dental bridge may be considered for some missing-tooth situations, while patients missing most or all teeth in an arch may also want to learn about All-on-4 dental implants when clinically appropriate.
At Eagle Family Dentistry in Newmarket, we can assess your oral health and discuss the advantages, limitations, treatment stages and cost considerations of appropriate tooth-replacement options before you decide how to proceed.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures FAQ
What Is the Main Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures?
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone and support replacement teeth or restorations. Conventional dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and rest on the gums, with partial dentures sometimes receiving additional support from remaining natural teeth.
Are Implants Better Than Dentures?
Neither treatment is better for every patient. Implants may provide a fixed or more stable option when oral health and bone conditions are suitable, while dentures may be appropriate for patients who prefer a removable option or do not want or cannot have implant treatment. An individual assessment is needed to compare the options properly.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
Implant placement is generally performed with local anaesthesia to numb the treatment area. Experiences vary, and some soreness, swelling or discomfort may occur after surgery as the area heals. Follow the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist and contact the dental office if symptoms become concerning or do not improve as expected.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Whether implants are worthwhile depends on your oral health, goals, treatment needs, alternatives and budget. They may offer advantages for some patients, but they also involve surgery, healing, maintenance and potentially higher initial costs. A treatment plan allows you to compare the expected benefits, limitations and costs with alternatives such as dentures or bridges.
Do Dental Implants Last Longer Than Dentures?
Implants are intended as a long-term tooth-replacement option, but their lifespan cannot be guaranteed. Dentures also vary in longevity and often require periodic adjustments because the mouth changes over time. Both options require ongoing care and dental monitoring.
Can I Get Dental Implants After Wearing Dentures?
Possibly. Wearing dentures does not automatically prevent future implant treatment. A dentist needs to assess your gums, jawbone, medical history and other clinical factors. Dental imaging may also be required to determine whether sufficient bone is available or whether additional treatment should be considered.
How Do I Know Which Tooth-Replacement Option Is Right for Me?
The most appropriate option depends on the number and location of missing teeth, condition of remaining teeth, gum health, available bone, overall health, maintenance preferences, treatment goals and budget. A clinical examination and appropriate imaging can help your dentist explain which options may be suitable for your individual situation.
