Implants vs Dentures – Ultimate Comparison Guide
If you’re missing one or more teeth, both dental implants and dentures are viable options. While both treatments do a good job at replacing missing teeth, they differ greatly in the power, stability and support they provide.
As dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they offer different and better long-term benefits, but let’s explore each prosthetic below, considering everything from cost to procedure, so you can choose the one that’s most suitable for your needs.
Written by: MyoDental 40 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8AB.
Comparison of both treatments at a glance
Outlining the differences
Exploring the differences between different types of dental implants and dentures:
Dentures:
- Removable appliances
- Available partially and for full mouths
- Typically, artificial teeth are attached to gum-coloured bases
- Sits on the gums rather than being anchored into the bone
- Relies on suction, clasps or dental adhesives to stay in place
Dental implants:
- Small titanium posts placed into the jaw
- Replaces missing tooth roots
- Lasts up to 30 years
- Replaces single, multiple and full arches
Implant-retained dentures:
- Suitable for full arch replacement
- 2-3 implants secured into the jawbone
- Supports a removable denture
All-on-4 dental implants:
- Suitable for full arch replacement
- 4-6 implants secured into the jawbone
- Supports a fixed, non-removable bridge
Comparing the pros and cons
The advantages and limitations of each treatment:
Dentures
✅ Typically covered by insurance or NHS
✅ Does not require surgery or bone grafting
✅ Lower upfront costs compared to implants
✅ Treatment is usually completed within a few weeks
❌ Less stable when eating or speaking
❌ Requires more frequent adjustments or replacement (typically every 5–10 years)
❌ Restores less bite strength than natural teeth
❌ Does not stimulate the jawbone, which can lead to bone loss over time
Dental implants
✅ Can last up to 30 years or longer with proper care
✅ Most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement
✅ Does not rely on or damage adjacent teeth
✅ High long-term success rate (around 95–97%)
✅ Helps preserve the jawbone and facial structure
❌ Less likely to be covered by insurance
❌ Longer treatment process (usually several months for healing)
❌ Higher upfront cost compared to dentures
❌ Requires a minor surgical procedure
Comparing the cost
Missing teeth costs can vary between types of prosthetics and depend on the number of teeth being replaced and the complexity of your case.
Dentures are typically the most affordable option, especially upfront (not so much long-term, with repairs, relining, and replacements).
Dental implants, on the other hand, require a higher initial investment but are designed to be more durable, costing patients less over time.
- Dentures cost from £850
- Single implants cost from £2,150
- Implant dentures cost from £5,600 (2-5 teeth)
- Same-day (All-on-4 full mouth implants) cost from £9,995
Both treatments are available on 0% finance over 12 months. Longer interest-bearing terms up to 60 months are available. Explore dental implant financing options to see how treatment costs can be spread into manageable monthly payments.
Comparing the procedure
The dental implant procedure is more involved than the denture process.
To create a fixed, stable base, dental implants, which are actually artificial tooth roots, are placed into the jawbone, not just replacing the tooth but the root as well.
After placement, the implant requires time to fuse with the surrounding bone before a final prosthetic is fitted, but temporary teeth are often provided during this time.
Dentures offer a non-surgical route to replace missing teeth and are often custom-made to sit neatly over the gums. Because they do not require surgery, they can usually be made and fitted within a few weeks.
Comparing stability and longevity
Dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing strong stability and allowing them to function similarly to natural teeth.
With proper care, implants can last for many years and are often considered a long-term solution for missing teeth.
Dentures sit on the gums and rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place.
While they can restore the appearance of missing teeth, they may shift slightly during eating or speaking and typically need to be replaced after several years.
FAQs
1. The main difference between dental implants and dentures?
Implants are fixed in the (bone of the) jawbone and replace the old tooth root and tooth with a new fixed crown made of porcelain. Dentures, on the other hand, are removable appliances that rest on the gums and rely on adhesives to stay in place.
2. Are dental implants more stable than dentures?
A common complaint about dentures is that they can move around in the mouth, making eating and speaking difficult. Implants are anchored into bone and do not move.
3. Which option lasts longer, implants or dentures?
Dental implants can last up to 25 years, while dentures last 5 to 10 years, depending on maintenance.
4. Are dentures cheaper than dental implants?
Dentures are usually the most affordable dental option at MyoDental, with prices starting at £850. In comparison, a single implant starts at £2,150.
5. Are getting dentures a faster treatment?
Dentures usually take only a few weeks and do not require surgery, whereas implants have a long healing time between extracting a tooth, adding a post and then finishing the process with a crown.
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