If you're missing one or more teeth, you're probably considering your options to restore your smile, your bite, and your confidence. Two of the most common solutions are dentures and dental implants—but how do you decide which is right for you?
While both options help improve your ability to chew, speak, and smile, they differ in terms of procedure, cost, maintenance, and long-term outcomes. Your lifestyle, oral health, age, and personal preferences all play a role in making the best decision.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of dentures and implants to help guide your decision—and explore a few other alternatives worth considering.
Dental implants involve a surgical procedure. First, a metal post (acting as a tooth root) is placed into the jawbone. Over time, the bone heals around the implant, creating a secure foundation. Once healed, a crown is attached to the top, creating a natural-looking tooth replacement.
This process can take several months but offers a permanent and stable solution. However, you must have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant—or be willing to undergo bone grafting if necessary.
Dentures are non-surgical and typically faster to receive. Whether you're missing a few teeth (partial dentures) or all of them (complete dentures), your dentist will take impressions and customise a removable prosthetic for your mouth.
Unlike implants, dentures don’t require any jawbone support, making them ideal for patients with bone loss. However, they rely on adhesives or clasps to stay in place, which may take time to get used to.
Dental implants are more expensive upfront. In the UK, the cost per implant typically ranges from £2,000 to £2,500 per tooth. This does not include any additional procedures such as extractions, bone grafting, or temporary restorations.
However, implants are long-lasting—often 20+ years—and may save you money in the long term.
Dentures are significantly more affordable initially. A full set of dentures can range from around £500 to £1,500 per arch, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the case.
If you're on a tighter budget or need a quick solution, dentures may be the more practical choice.
Implants are low maintenance. Simply brush, floss, and schedule routine dental check-ups—just like you would for natural teeth.
Dentures require more care. You’ll need to:
Over time, your jaw shape can change, which may require your dentures to be refitted or replaced.
Implants are safe and reliable, but they do carry some risks:
Success depends heavily on bone health and oral hygiene.
Common issues with dentures include:
While not as invasive as implants, dentures may require frequent adjustments to remain comfortable and functional.
Younger adults may lean toward implants for a longer-lasting solution, while older adults may prefer the simplicity and non-invasiveness of dentures.
Implants need sufficient bone density. If you’ve had bone loss due to injury, gum disease, or ageing, dentures—or a bone graft before implant surgery—may be necessary.
Implants offer a more natural feel and function, especially when it comes to eating and speaking. Dentures may take more time to get used to and require more attention to care and cleaning.
If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it routine, implants may suit your lifestyle. Dentures require commitment to daily cleaning and proper storage.
If you’re not quite sold on dentures or implants, here are a few other options to explore:
Bridges are fixed prosthetics that fill gaps using surrounding teeth for support. They’re ideal for replacing one or a few adjacent teeth and don’t require surgery.
A flipper is a removable, low-cost solution used to replace one or two teeth temporarily. While not durable, it’s useful while waiting for a more permanent restoration.
A hybrid between implants and dentures, snap-in dentures attach to a few implanted posts, providing more stability than conventional dentures while remaining removable for cleaning.
They are more stable and comfortable but can also be more expensive and require similar maintenance and care to implants.
Choosing between dentures and dental implants isn't just a dental decision—it’s a lifestyle choice.
✔️ Implants are ideal for those seeking a long-term, low-maintenance, and natural-feeling option—provided you’re a good candidate.
✔️ Dentures are great for those who need a more affordable and quicker fix, especially if surgery isn't appealing or bone loss is a concern.
Whichever path you choose, be sure to consult with a trusted dental professional to explore your personal needs, oral health, and budget. With the right guidance, you can restore your smile and your confidence—comfortably and effectively.
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