Dentures vs Dental Implants: Which Tooth Replacement Option Should You Choose?

Missing teeth do not just affect how you look in photos. They can change the way you speak, what you are able to eat, and how confident you feel in everyday life. The good news is that modern dentistry gives you more options than ever to rebuild your smile.

For many patients at Silver State Smiles, the big question becomes:

Dentures vs dental implants. Which should I choose?

Both dentures and dental implants are proven, effective tooth replacement options, but they work very differently and come with their own advantages and limitations. In this guide, we will walk through the key differences so you can have a clearer conversation with your dentist and make the choice that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

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What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. They can be:

• Full dentures which replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw
• Partial dentures which replace several missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place

They are usually made from acrylic and sometimes reinforced with metal for extra strength. Dentures rest on your gums and are shaped to fit the contours of your mouth.

Learn more about our denture options here:

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Pros of Dentures

More Affordable Upfront

Dentures typically have a lower initial cost than dental implants, making them accessible for patients who need to replace many teeth at once.

Non Surgical Option

Because no surgery is required, dentures can be a good choice for patients who are not candidates for implants due to medical conditions, bone loss, or other factors.

Faster Treatment Timeline

In many cases, dentures can be designed and delivered in a relatively short period, especially compared to the multi step process of dental implants.

Can Restore a Full Smile at Once

Full dentures allow you to go from having many missing teeth to a complete smile in a single prosthesis.

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Cons of Dentures

Less Stability and Comfort

Even well made dentures may move slightly when talking or eating. Some patients experience sore spots or need time to adjust to wearing them.

Adhesives and Adjustments

You may need denture adhesives to keep them in place. Over time, your jawbone and gum tissue change shape, so dentures often need relining, adjustments, or replacement.

Reduced Chewing Power

Dentures typically do not offer the same biting strength as natural teeth or implants. Some foods can be difficult to chew, and dietary adjustments may be needed.

Bone Loss Over Time

Because dentures sit on top of the gums and do not stimulate the jawbone, the bone can slowly shrink, which can affect facial appearance and denture fit.

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What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant fuses with the bone, a crown, bridge, or full arch prosthesis is attached on top.

Dental implants can be used to:

• Replace a single missing tooth
• Support a bridge for several missing teeth
• Support full arch solutions like All on 4 or All on 6

Explore dental implant treatment options here:

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Pros of Dental Implants

Look, Feel, and Function Like Natural Teeth

Implants are anchored in the bone, making them very stable. You can speak, laugh, and eat with confidence.

Help Preserve Jawbone

Implants stimulate the jawbone similarly to natural tooth roots, helping slow or prevent bone loss after tooth loss.

Long Term Solution

With proper care, implants can last many years and often decades. While the crown or prosthesis may eventually need replacement, the implants themselves are designed to be durable.

No Slipping or Clicking

Implants do not rely on suction or adhesives. There is no concern about movement while talking or eating.

Easier Maintenance

Implant supported teeth are usually cared for like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits.

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Cons of Dental Implants

Higher Upfront Cost

Dental implants require a larger initial investment compared to dentures. For many patients, the long term stability and comfort make this worthwhile.

Surgical Procedure Required

Implant placement is a minor surgical procedure. Some patients may need additional treatments such as bone grafting before implants can be placed.

Longer Treatment Timeline

Implants require healing time for the bone to fuse with the implant, a process known as osseointegration. The full process can take several months.

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Dentures vs Dental Implants: Side by Side Comparison

Stability and Comfort

• Dentures: May move or shift and may require adhesive
• Implants: Fixed in place, very stable and comfortable

Chewing and Speaking

• Dentures: Improved compared to missing teeth, but not as strong as natural teeth
• Implants: Closest option to natural teeth in function

Bone Health

• Dentures: Sit on the gums and do not prevent bone loss
• Implants: Help stimulate and preserve jawbone

Maintenance

• Dentures: Removed for cleaning and may need relining or replacement
• Implants: Cleaned like natural teeth, prosthetics may need replacement after many years

Cost

• Dentures: Lower upfront cost
• Implants: Higher upfront cost but often better long term value

Treatment Time

• Dentures: Usually faster to complete
• Implants: Multi step process with healing time

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When Dentures May Be the Better Choice

Dentures may be more suitable if:

• You need to replace many or all teeth on a limited budget
• You prefer a non surgical solution
• You have health conditions that make implant surgery risky
• You want a faster way to restore your smile and are comfortable with a removable option

Modern dentures can still provide a natural looking smile and improved function when designed by an experienced dentist.

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When Dental Implants May Be the Better Choice

Dental implants may be the preferred option if:

• You want the most natural feeling, long term solution
• You are missing one or several teeth and want to avoid removable appliances
• You want to protect your jawbone and facial structure
• You are comfortable with surgery and a longer treatment timeline

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What About Implant Supported Dentures?

Implant supported dentures combine the benefits of both options.

With this approach:

• A small number of implants are placed in the jaw
• A custom denture snaps onto the implants
• Stability is significantly improved compared to traditional dentures
• Bone stimulation helps improve long term fit

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So Which Tooth Replacement Option Should You Choose?

There is no one size fits all answer. The right choice depends on:

• How many teeth you are missing
• The health of your gums and jawbone
• Your medical history
• Your budget and timeline
• Your expectations for comfort, appearance, and maintenance

This is why a personalized consultation matters.

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Talk to Silver State Smiles About Your Options

At Silver State Smiles, our team takes the time to:

• Examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone
• Review your medical history
• Discuss your lifestyle and goals
• Explain every tooth replacement option clearly
• Create a treatment plan tailored to you

Missing teeth do not have to define your smile or confidence. Whether you are considering dentures, dental implants, or implant supported dentures, we are here to guide you every step of the way.