Dental implants vs dentures: which is better for you? Missing teeth make it harder to eat, speak and smile. The two most common ways to replace them are dental implants and dentures. Here’s how they compare, so you can walk into your consultation knowing the questions to ask.
Dental implants vs dentures: the quick answer
- Implants are fixed in the jaw, feel the most like natural teeth and can last many years, but cost more up front.
- Dentures are removable, cost much less and are faster to get, but they can slip and usually need relines and replacement over time.
- Many people choose a middle option: dentures held in place by a few implants.
How they compare
- Stability: implants don’t move. Dentures can slip, especially lower dentures.
- Eating: implants let you chew almost anything. With dentures, hard or sticky foods can be difficult.
- Jawbone: an implant acts like a tooth root and helps keep the jawbone from shrinking. With dentures, the bone under them slowly shrinks, which is why dentures loosen over time.
- Daily care: brush and floss implants like natural teeth. Dentures come out every night for cleaning.
- Time: dentures can be ready in weeks. Implants need a few months to heal into the bone before the final tooth is placed.
Cost: implants vs. dentures
Typical U.S. price ranges from consumer cost guides:
- Single implant with crown: about $4,000 on average (implant roughly $1,000–$3,000, plus the crown)
- Full denture, one arch: roughly $600–$2,000 for basic to mid-range, more for premium dentures
- Implant-supported dentures: significantly more than regular dentures; the price depends on how many implants you need
Your exact cost depends on how many teeth are missing, whether you need extractions or a bone graft, and the materials. At Enjoy Dental, financing for a single implant starts at $34 per month (crown not included), subject to credit approval. Read how implant financing works.
What does Medicaid cover?
For adults in Florida, Medicaid covers full and partial dentures (and relines), but not dental implants. If you have Medicaid, dentures may be the most affordable way to replace missing teeth. Enjoy Dental accepts Medicaid and most PPO plans.
Which one is right for you?
Implants may be better if you’re missing one or a few teeth, have healthy gums, and want a fixed, long-term solution.
Dentures may be better if you’re missing most or all of your teeth, need a lower-cost option, or want a faster result.
The only way to know is an exam with X-rays to check your gums and jawbone.
For more, see the American Dental Association’s patient guide to dental implants.
Talk to a dentist in Hialeah
Dr. Nicte Boyle and Dr. Jheiny Garcia will explain every option — implants, bridges and dentures — with a written plan and price, in English or Spanish. See our dental implants and dentures pages, call (305) 871-9111, or book a consultation.