When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the two options most patients weigh up are dental implants and dentures. Both restore the appearance of a complete smile. Both allow you to eat and speak more comfortably. But the experience, longevity, and clinical outcomes are fundamentally different, and understanding those differences is essential before making a decision.
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth, either partial (replacing some teeth) or full (replacing all teeth on an arch). They rest on the gum and are held in place by natural suction, clasps on remaining teeth, or dental fixative adhesive. They are removed for cleaning and typically at night.
Dental implants are titanium posts placed surgically into the jawbone, where they fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture is attached to the post, creating a restoration that functions and feels like a natural tooth. It does not come out.
Dentures can move during eating and speaking, particularly as the jawbone changes shape over time, which it inevitably does when teeth are absent. This can cause rubbing, discomfort, and the need for periodic relining or replacement. Many patients, particularly those with full lower dentures, report significant difficulty eating certain foods.
Implants are fixed in the jaw and do not move. Biting force is transmitted directly through the implant to the bone, closely replicating the function of a natural tooth root. Patients with implants can eat freely, speak confidently, and forget they are there.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to resorb because it is no longer receiving the stimulation of a tooth root. Dentures sit on the gum and do not prevent this bone loss. Over years, the shape of the jaw changes, dentures become less stable, and the appearance of the lower face can alter.
Implants, because they are placed into the bone, provide exactly the stimulation needed to maintain bone density and volume. Bone preservation is one of the primary long-term arguments in favour of implants.
Dentures typically need to be replaced or relined every five to ten years. The ongoing cost over a lifetime adds up considerably.
A well-placed, well-maintained implant can last 20 years or more, and in many cases, for life. At Berkhamsted Dental, we use Straumann implants, one of the most clinically proven implant systems in the world, with decades of evidence behind them. The upfront investment is higher, but the long-term value is often significantly better.
Not everyone is immediately suitable for implants. Sufficient bone volume is required, and certain medical conditions need to be considered. However, many patients who believe they are not candidates can still receive implants with appropriate planning or bone augmentation procedures.
The best way to find out whether implants are suitable for you is through a thorough assessment, including a CBCT scan with our carestream cs 8200, which gives us the three-dimensional information needed to plan treatment safely and accurately.
Whether you’re booking your first appointment, have a question about our treatments, or simply want advice on your dental care — our friendly team is here to help.
