Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for You? 

Missing teeth change how your mouth functions and how you feel in your own skin. Meals become harder to enjoy. Words don’t always come out the way you expect. Even a simple conversation can feel different when you're adjusting your bite or worrying about how your smile looks.

Dentures and dental implants in Davie, FL, both offer ways to move forward, but they take you down very different paths. One offers a permanent, anchored solution. The other provides flexibility and simplicity. 

Neither is automatically better than the other—it all depends on what you need.

What Are Dental Implants and Dentures? 

Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. They're surgically placed into the jawbone, and once healed, they serve as a base for crowns, bridges, or full arches of teeth. 

Dentures, on the other hand, are removable prosthetics designed to replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch. They rest on your gums and are typically made from acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal. 

Modern dentures have come a long way in terms of appearance and comfort, but they don’t anchor into the jaw the way implants do. 

Both options serve the same essential purpose: replacing missing teeth and restoring function. The key is finding which approach works better for your individual needs. 

Which Looks and Feels More Natural? 

When it comes to aesthetics and comfort, dental implants tend to offer a more natural feel and appearance. 

Because they’re embedded in the jawbone like real teeth, implants function independently and feel like part of your natural smile. There's no movement, no shifting, and no special adhesives needed. 

Dentures have greatly improved in recent years and can also look very realistic, especially with custom designs. However, some people find that dentures feel bulkier in the mouth or take time to adjust to. They may shift slightly while speaking or eating, particularly if the fit changes due to bone loss over time. 

Eating, Speaking, and Maintenance 

Daily use is a major factor when weighing your options. 

With implants, most patients can eat a full range of foods, including crunchy fruits, chewy bread, and firm meats, without discomfort or worry. Implants also stay firmly in place, so speaking clearly and naturally is not a challenge. 

Maintenance is simple: brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, just like with natural teeth. 

Dentures, especially full dentures, may come with more lifestyle adjustments. You might need to avoid sticky or hard foods, particularly in the early stages. Speaking can take a little time to get used to, especially if the denture feels loose or slips out of position.  

Maintenance includes removing and cleaning them every day, soaking them overnight, and occasionally using adhesives for stability. 

How Long Do They Last? 

Dental implants are built to last. With proper care, they can remain functional for decades—or even a lifetime. However, the crown or bridge that sits on top will eventually need replacement due to wear, often every 10 to 15 years. 

Dentures can last from 5 to 10 years since they wear down, become stained, or stop fitting properly due to changes in your jawbone structure. Relining or replacing them is often necessary as well. 

How Do the Costs Compare? 

Upfront, implants do cost more than dentures. This is due to the surgical placement, materials used, and the overall process, which can include multiple appointments and imaging. 

However, because they last much longer and require less maintenance, implants often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. 

Dentures are more affordable initially and are usually covered to a greater extent by insurance. Yet, they often require adjustments, relines, and eventual replacement. Over 15 to 20 years, the cumulative costs of new dentures and related maintenance can approach the cost of a single implant procedure. 

Most dental offices offer financing options and payment plans to make both solutions more accessible. Be sure to discuss your coverage and goals with your provider before deciding. 

Who’s a Good Candidate for Each? 

Dental implants require a certain level of bone density and healthy gums to succeed. If you’ve been missing teeth for a long time, your jawbone may have deteriorated to the point where a bone graft is needed before implant placement. 

Overall health also plays a role. Chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or a history of smoking can affect healing and success rates. 

Diabetes can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infection and repair tissue after surgery, while smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, which can delay healing and increase the risk of implant failure. 

Dentures, by contrast, are more universally accessible. They’re often recommended for patients who aren’t candidates for implants due to health reasons or limited bone structure. 

Dentures can still significantly improve quality of life, even if they don’t offer the same stability as implants. 

A thorough exam, including X-rays and a review of your medical history, is essential to determine which path is best for you. 

Which Option Is Right for You? 

Choosing between dental implants and dentures depends on your goals, budget, and health. If you're looking for the most natural-feeling, low-maintenance, and long-lasting option—and you're medically eligible—dental implants may be your best bet. They offer the closest experience to having your natural teeth back. 

However, dentures remain a practical and effective solution, especially for those who want a more affordable or non-surgical approach to restoring their smile. 

Regardless of what you choose, what matters most is moving forward with a solution that supports your health and confidence. 

Ready to Reclaim Your Smile with Dentures or Dental Implants in Davie, FL? 

If you're missing teeth, the right restoration can make everyday things feel easy again. At Flamingo Commons Dental, we offer long-lasting options like dental implants and custom dentures designed to fit your life, not just your mouth. 

Schedule an appointment with our trusted dental team today!

‍