When you are facing the loss of multiple teeth, or already wearing dentures you are not happy with, the decision about what comes next can feel overwhelming. Two of the most common options patients ask about at First Coast Oral Surgery in Jacksonville are traditional dentures and dental implants. Both replace missing teeth, but they are very different in how they work, how they feel, and how they perform over time.
Here is an honest comparison to help you and your surgeon make the right call for your situation.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that sit on top of the gum line. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, while partial dentures fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain. They are held in place by suction, adhesives, or clasps, and they are removed for cleaning and at night.
Dentures have been around for centuries, and modern versions are more natural-looking and better-fitting than ever. They are also generally more affordable upfront than implants. For patients who are not candidates for surgery, or who need a fast and lower-cost solution, dentures can be a reasonable starting point.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. A crown, bridge, or full arch restoration is then attached on top. Once healed, implants function and feel like natural teeth. You eat, speak, brush, and floss without removing anything.
Because implants integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, they stimulate bone the same way natural tooth roots do. This is a critical difference that we will come back to below.
Comparing the Two: What Really Matters
Comfort and Function
Dentures rest on top of the gums, which means they can slip, shift, or click during eating and speaking, particularly as the jawbone continues to shrink over time. Many patients with dentures avoid certain foods entirely.
Implants are anchored in the bone. They do not move. Patients regularly describe the experience as feeling like their natural teeth came back.
Bone Health
This is where the difference becomes most significant over the long term. When teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. Dentures do not address this. They sit on top of the gums and the bone beneath continues to shrink, which is why dentures that fit well when first made often need adjustment or replacement over time.
Implants stop this process. Because the titanium post functions like a tooth root, it preserves the bone around it. Patients who choose implants often maintain better facial structure as they age.
Cost Over Time
Dentures have a lower upfront cost, which is an important consideration. However, they typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years as the jaw changes shape, and there are ongoing costs for adhesives, cleaners, and adjustments.
Dental implants are a larger initial investment, but with proper care they can last decades, often a lifetime. Many patients find that when they look at total cost over 20 or more years, implants come out ahead.
Who Is a Candidate?
Most healthy adults are candidates for dental implants. The main prerequisites are adequate jawbone density and good general health. Patients who have had significant bone loss may still be candidates after a bone grafting procedure. Our surgeons use 3D imaging at the consultation to assess your bone structure and give you a clear picture of your options.
Patients who are not surgical candidates, due to certain medical conditions, medications, or personal preference, may be better suited for dentures or implant-supported dentures, which combine the stability of implants with the coverage of a denture arch.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There is no universal answer. The right choice depends on your oral health, your goals, your timeline, and your budget. That is exactly why we recommend starting with a consultation. Our board-certified oral surgeons in Jacksonville will evaluate your jaw, explain your options, and help you make a decision that makes sense for your life.
We see patients from across Northeast Florida at our Jacksonville office, and we take pride in making complex decisions feel manageable. Whatever you decide, we will make sure you have the information you need to feel confident.