Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is the Best Option for You?

Tooth loss affects more than just your smile. It can impact your ability to chew, speak clearly, and feel confident in daily life. Replacing missing teeth with a durable, natural-looking solution is essential for long-term oral health. Dental implants and dentures are two common choices, but they offer very different experiences when it comes to comfort, function, and long-term outcomes.

Common Problems With Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetics that rest on the gums and replace missing teeth. While they’ve been used for decades, many people find them challenging over time.

Instability: Dentures can shift or slip out of place, especially while eating or speaking.

Bone Loss: Without tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone, bone resorption occurs, leading to changes in facial shape and fit issues.

Discomfort: Gum irritation, pressure points, and sore spots are common with long-term denture use.

Reduced Function: Certain foods can be difficult to chew, and dentures may interfere with taste and temperature sensations.

Frequent Maintenance: They require daily removal, cleaning, and periodic adjustments or replacements as the jawbone changes.

These issues often lead people to seek more permanent, stable alternatives.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is the Best Option for You?

Dental implants offer a fixed, long-lasting solution that closely mimics natural teeth in both form and function. They are placed directly into the jawbone, preserving bone health and providing a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations.

Dentures, on the other hand, rest on the gums and do not prevent bone deterioration. They may be suitable for individuals who are unable to undergo surgery or have specific anatomical limitations. However, implants consistently provide superior results in terms of bite strength, speech, aesthetics, and overall comfort.

For those who need full-arch replacement but still want enhanced stability, implant-supported overdentures can offer a removable option that snaps securely into dental implants, providing a better fit than traditional dentures alone.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. After placement, the bone gradually fuses with the implants in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, custom restorations are attached to the implants, completing your smile with a functional and natural-looking result.

The implant process typically involves:

• A consultation with detailed imaging and treatment planning
• Surgical placement of the implant(s)
• A healing period for osseointegration
• Placement of the crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic

Because they integrate with the jaw, implants help maintain bone density and facial structure—something dentures cannot do.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed for longevity. With proper care, they can last decades—often for life. Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and a healthy lifestyle all contribute to their success. While the restorations attached to implants (like crowns or bridges) may eventually need replacement due to wear, the titanium implant itself is highly durable and biocompatible.

Unlike dentures, which may require relining or frequent adjustments, implants offer a stable, low-maintenance solution that becomes part of your everyday life without constant concern or inconvenience.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about dental implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.