Your team at TLC Escondido Dental breaks down everything you need to know about dentures vs. implants. Start here to learn more and then give us a call at (760) 239-0632 to schedule a free consultation in our Escondido dentist office.
What are dentures?
Adhesive dentures are removable false teeth available in two different styles:
- Complete dentures — Full set of teeth for when you’re missing many teeth.
- Partial Dentures — Partial set of teeth for when you’re only missing a few teeth and have healthy natural teeth remaining.
Modern-day dentures can be both permanent and removable, and are custom made for the most natural-looking result.
Hear from Dr. Madrigal
“When I mention the word ‘dentures’ to my patients, most people think of their grandparents. It’s a hard stigma to break! But advances in dentistry really are amazing. Today’s dentures have a natural, real-life quality and can be a great solution for people of all ages.”
What are implants?
An implant takes the place of your tooth’s root. Dental implants are commonly considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. Why? They’re durable, permanent, and offer the most natural looking and functional results.
Once an implant is placed in your mouth, it’s finished with a durable restoration, like a crown, bridge, or most commonly, a denture! Yep, that’s right. It’s possible that you can get an implant and a denture. This procedure is called an implant-retained denture, and it’s an especially great choice for those missing four or more teeth.
Hear from Dr. Reyes
“Implants are a common procedure, but they deserve a specialized approach. Our Escondido dental implant office is equipped with the latest technology that allows for fully-guided implant placement, called the X-Guide Navigation System. You’ll get great implant placement precision on every implant placement — you deserve nothing less!”
What’s the biggest difference between dentures and implants?
At face value, the biggest difference between dentures and implants is that dentures don’t require surgery and implants do. But even this isn’t always true! It’s possible that you may need to have some teeth extracted before getting a full set of dentures, or you may need gum surgery to keep your mouth and future healthy.
Take a look at this chart to see how these two tooth replacement options really compare.
Dentures | Implants | |
Procedure | Besides removal of remaining teeth, minimal surgery is required. | At least 1 surgical procedure is required. |
Support | Sit on gums, offering no support for your jaw and may contribute to bone loss. | Fixed to jawbone, just like your natural teeth. Helps avoid bone loss in the jaw. |
Longevity | Need to be replaced every few years. | Durable enough to last many years, even a lifetime. |
Cost | Less expensive upfront, but additional costs over time. | More significant investment upfront, but little to no maintenance costs. |
Feeling | Takes some time to get used to, can be uncomfortable. | Feel and function just like your natural teeth. |
Appearance | Modern dentures look similar to natural teeth, but can be somewhat noticeable. | Look just like your natural teeth. |
Maintenance | Removable dentures must be taken out and cleaned regularly. | Cared for in the same way you would your normal teeth — brushing and flossing every day. |
Chewing Ability | Must be careful and limit certain hard or sticky foods. | Restores your full chewing ability. |
Can you replace all your teeth with implants?
While most people know that dentures can easily replace all your missing teeth, can implants do the same? Yes! Implants are a great option even if you’re missing most or all of your teeth. While our Escondido dentists typically don’t recommend an implant for every single missing tooth, we have a solution — implant-retained dentures!
This type of procedure replaces 4, 6, or 8 of your teeth with implants. From there, a denture is attached to fill out your smile! It’s an excellent option that gives you all the benefits of implants while limiting the total number of implants to something that feels more manageable.
How many teeth are you missing?
Surprising to many, the average adult between the ages of 20-64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth! If you’re missing teeth, our team would love to help you.
What are the benefits of getting dentures?
- Affordable (less expensive than implants)
- A quick fix (dentures can often be ready in just 2-6 weeks)
- Typically no surgery or corresponding long healing process
- You’re not a candidate for implants but still want the appearance of an entire set of teeth
What are the benefits of getting implants?
- An actual tooth replacement option, not just a façade of natural teeth
- No special cleaning or frequent replacements
- Feels and looks like natural teeth
- Strengthens your jawbone
- Promotes healthy gums
- Incredibly durable and permanent
Is it better to get dentures or implants?
Rely on your dentist to tell you which treatment is best for your health and future. If both options are available to you, you have a decision to make.
Here’s a small exercise we use with our patients to help them determine whether dentures or implants are the best choice for them. Give it a try!
- Can you afford implants? (Always talk with your dentist about financing options before you answer this one way or the other. For example, get a great discount on implants in Escondido through our in-house membership plan — up to 15% off your treatment!)
- Do you want/need a long-term solution to tooth loss?
- Do you want a solution that feels and looks exactly like natural teeth?
- Do you want a solution with minimal to no ongoing maintenance?
- Can you allow yourself time to heal from the treatment?
Now, look at your responses. If you answered “yes” to at least 2 of these questions, we recommend implants as the best option for you. If you answered “no” to all, talk to us about dentures instead.
TLC Escondido Dental is a top implant provider
Drs. Reyes & Madrigal are committed to delivering top-of-the-line dental implant care in Escondido. We’ve invested in the latest technology, equipment, and training to provide the highest standard of care.
Here’s what you can expect from our dental implant process:
- Using Digital Cone Beam technology, we’ll make a 3D model of your mouth. This digital blueprint ensures we have the full picture of your dental and gum health and an accurate diagnosis.
- Using the revolutionary X-Guide technology, we’ll place your implant under your gum line with exact precision.
- Once your implant has healed, we’ll invite you back to our office. We’ll place your custom-made restoration — whether that’s a crown, retained denture, or dental bridge.
Expect an easy experience and successful outcome!
Schedule your free implant consultation today
Still not sure if implants are right for you? Maybe dentures are the better option! Schedule a free consultation at our office and we’ll help bring clarity. Schedule today.