Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Should I Choose?
By the Apex Dental Team
Dec 2, 2025
You’re ready to take the leap and restore your smile to full radiance. But should you choose dentures or dental implants? And what about the options in between?
Dental implants and dentures are both strong options to help you get your smile back. Often, the decision comes down to your budget, lifestyle, health, and preferences—but it’s important to know the benefits and disadvantages before you decide, as well as if you’d be a better candidate for one option over another.
Discover the key differences between dentures and dental implants and find out which option might be best for you.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They can be full dentures (replacing an entire arch of teeth) or partial dentures (replacing a few missing teeth while fitting around your natural ones).
Affordable dentures are often a good option for older adults who don’t want to go through the more extensive dental implant process. They also can be a good alternative for someone whose jawbone has deteriorated and wouldn’t be able to support the posts required for implants.
At Apex, dentures are made in our own in-house lab with premium Enigmalife+ teeth, and most relines and repairs are done the same day. See our denture options.
What are the benefits of dentures over implants?
- Cost-effective: Typically less expensive upfront than implants.
- Non-invasive: No surgery is required—just molds and fittings.
- Quick solution: Custom dentures take a few weeks, and immediate (same-day) dentures can go in the day teeth are removed.
- Restores function: Helps improve speech, chewing, and appearance.
What are some disadvantages of dentures?
- Less stability: May shift or slip, especially while eating or speaking.
- Maintenance: Require daily removal, intensive cleaning, and occasional refittings.
- Bone loss: Dentures don’t prevent jawbone loss as you age.
- Shorter lifespan: Need periodic relines as your gums change, and eventual replacement (studies average about 10 years).
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a fixed, long-lasting tooth replacement option. A small titanium or ceramic (metal-free) post is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. One implant can hold a single crown; a few implants can hold a bridge or a full arch of teeth.
For most healthy adults, dental implants are a long-term option that can last decades with good care. Overall health and healing matter more than age. Some people also find that dental implants are more comfortable and better for chewing.
Advantages of dental implants
- Fixed and stable: Feel and function like natural teeth.
- Preserves bone: Can help prevent bone loss in the jaw as you age.
- Easy daily care: Brush and floss like natural teeth, plus regular cleanings to keep the gums around implants healthy.
- Long lifespan: With good care, implants can last for decades, often a lifetime; about 95% are still in place 10 years after placement.
Disadvantages of dental implants
- Higher cost: More expensive upfront than dentures.
- Requires surgery: Not suitable for all patients depending on health or bone density.
- Longer process: Each phase of the process can take several weeks before your final teeth are placed. For a full arch, Hybridge takes about 10 weeks, and you leave surgery with fixed provisional teeth.
Dentures vs. Implants—Which Should You Choose?
The decision between dentures and implants ultimately depends on your oral health, bone density, lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
- Choose dentures if you’re looking for a fast, affordable solution or if you’re not a candidate for implant surgery.
- Choose implants if you want a long-term, low-maintenance option that closely mimics the look and function of natural teeth.
The In-Between Options
Many people don’t realize there are options between a traditional denture and a full set of implants:
- Snap-in implant dentures: a denture that clicks onto a few implants (usually 2–4) so it doesn’t slip. You still take it out to clean it. Learn more
- Locator Fixed: a fixed full-arch bridge made in our in-house lab. Learn more
- Hybridge®: a fixed full-arch bridge on 5–6 implants, with a strong metal core and lifelike milled teeth. See how Hybridge compares
See every option side by side on our tooth replacement options page.
Schedule Your Tooth Replacement Consultation
Still not sure which option is right for you and want a second opinion? At Apex Dental, our compassionate dental experts offer personalized consultations to help you weigh your options and determine the best solution for your smile.
Whether you’re considering dentures or dental implants, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your oral health, and create a custom plan that fits your goals and budget—all so you can get a smile you love again.
IV sedation is available for implant surgery, and Cherry and CareCredit financing can spread the cost into monthly payments.
Ready to restore your smile?
Request your appointment today and take the first step towards a confident, healthy mouth that’s worth smiling about.