Missing teeth can be frustrating. When you’re dealing with this, choosing between dentures vs dental implants can feel overwhelming. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” fix. Some folks want something quick and budget-friendly. Others think about long-term comfort and function.
At Higher Ground Dentistry here in Upland, we walk patients through the dentures vs dental implants decision every week. This helps you feel confident about whichever path you take. Understanding your tooth replacement options is the first step toward getting your smile back.
Dentures: A Time-Tested Solution That Keeps Getting Better
Dentures sometimes get unfairly criticized. But they’ve genuinely helped millions of people regain their confidence and quality of life. Today’s dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before.
Modern dentures are custom-made appliances crafted from high-quality acrylic. Sometimes they’re reinforced with metal for extra durability. They rest comfortably on your gums. They’re removable, which makes cleaning simple and thorough.
Why Dentures vs Dental Implants: Denture Benefits
- Your wallet will thank you — they’re much cheaper upfront
- No cutting, no stitches, no waiting around for bones to heal
- Perfect for patients who aren’t candidates for oral surgery
The Reality Check
- Your jawbone won’t get the stimulation it needs. You might lose bone over time. This can change how your face looks.
- Sometimes they slip around when you’re talking or chewing. Adhesive becomes your friend.
- Your mouth changes. Expect to get new ones or adjustments every 5-10 years.
Think of it like buying a car. It’s reliable transportation that gets the job done. But you’ll need maintenance.
Dental Implants vs Dentures: The Permanent, Long-Term Solution
Implants are basically artificial tooth roots made of titanium. We surgically place them in your jawbone. After everything heals up, the bone grows around it. This takes a few months. Then we attach a crown, bridge, or even dentures that won’t move around.
The Mayo Clinic notes that dental implants have a success rate of over 95% when properly maintained.
Why People Are Obsessed with Implants
- They feel like your real teeth — you’ll forget they’re fake
- Your jawbone stays healthy and strong
- Take care of them right, and they could outlast you
The Honest Truth About Implants
- They’re expensive — like, really expensive
- Surgery means recovery time. You need decent bone. We might have to build some up first.
- The whole process takes months, not weeks
- According to WebMD, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants
It’s like renovating your kitchen. Costly and time-consuming. But the results are worth it.
Dentures vs Dental Implants: Understanding Your Options
Every patient’s situation is different when weighing dentures vs dental implants. Some people prioritize getting their smile back quickly and affordably. Others prefer to invest more upfront. They want a long-term solution they won’t need to replace. Both approaches make perfect sense. It depends on your priorities, timeline, and budget.
We often recommend dentures when patients need a faster solution. Or when they want to spread costs over time. Dental implants tend to appeal to different people. These are folks who can invest more initially. They want the convenience and durability benefits.
Sometimes we even suggest hybrid options like implant-supported dentures. This gives you more stability without the full implant investment.
Let’s Figure This Out Together
Tired of avoiding photos because of your smile? Come contact us at at Higher Ground Dentistry at 909-946-9090. We’ll sit down and look at your specific situation. We’ll talk through what actually makes sense for your life here in the Inland Empire.
No pressure, no dental jargon. Just straight talk about your options. You can also learn more about our comprehensive dental services or read patient reviews to see how we’ve helped others with similar decisions.
Because at the end of the day, your smile should work for YOU.