Which is Better? Cost vs Procedure
When it comes to finding the best treatment for tooth loss, dental implants are, by far, the most superior solution you could opt for. No argument. And if it wasn’t for their high price tag, you can rest assured that every patient would likely use them to replace their missing teeth.
Dentures have been the norm for edentulous patients for decades. At a time when dental implants weren’t an option, dentures ruled the market. But that was when local dentists didn’t offer dental implants; dentures were their only option for some.
So, as we move into 2024, should you still opt for the plastic prosthetic over the titanium post? Let’s see…
What it’s like wearing dentures vs implants
Most denture wearers know the pitfalls of removable prosthetics – even if you’ve opted for a better, more modern, snug-fitting denture, you’ll know that not everything is rosy.
Dentures, often made from acrylic, rely on suction to stay in place when all the teeth in the mouth have been lost to trauma, decay or gum disease. And over time, as the gums shrink due to bone loss in the jaw, dentures become increasingly ill-fitting, loose and uncomfortable.
Wearing dentures will always have some degree of movement, even if you’re using dental adhesives to keep it in place. There’s always the chance that dentures can come loose and fall out, not to mention making speech and chewing more difficult and alienating.
In comparison, you won’t even notice your dental implants because they’re embedded into the jaw, just like a regular tooth root. Even if you opt for implant denture prosthetics like All-on-4, the experience is better as four implants fix a non-removable denture of 14 teeth to the jaw, providing the least degree of movement and a better quality of life.
Read: What a Lost Tooth Can Cost You
The difference in price
In 2023, some denture types cost almost as much as an individual implant.
However, replacing an entire row of missing teeth (up to 14) with implants is far more expensive. Systems like All-on-4, which only uses four implants and a hybrid denture of 14 teeth, can cost from £10,000, which might feel ludicrous if you’re used to only spending £1,000 on your typical dentures.
Let us put it to you this way: whilst these might be implant dentures, they’re nothing like regular dentures. They’re fixed, non-removable and can last up to 30 years without special care or maintenance. Immediately loaded on the same day as surgery, edentulous patients can leave the practice in just one appointment with an entire arch of new teeth.
If you’re considering dental implants, but the cost is a big factor, explore dental finance.
We’re a rare practice that offers 0% finance for the first 24 months of treatment, which means you can split the cost of your treatment interest-free for the first 24 months. Interest-bearing terms extend up to 60 months.
Read: Cost of Full Mouth Dental Implants
The procedure
With dentures, there’s no procedure; you simply have your impressions taken and wait three or so weeks for your dentures to be custom-made and returned. That’s it.
With dental implants, it typically takes one hour to place a dental implant chairside under local anaesthetic. You can expect the procedure to be relatively the same for a full mouth of missing teeth, just longer to place an additional three implants.
Once the surgery is over, you’d have to typically wait at least three months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone, except with All-on-4, which can be immediately loaded straight after with temporary teeth.
Read: Procedures Needed Prior to Implants
Things to bear in mind
Dentures are often chosen for convenience and cost. They’re cheap, and they’re easy. But within just six months, the bone in the jaw will begin to deplete, which causes facial sagging, gum shrinkage and further tooth loss if you have any remaining. Dentures do nothing to preserve or improve your oral state and will only worsen the condition over time.
Dental implants do the opposite. They fuse with the bone, prevent it from depleting and encourage good oral health. Patients experience no facial sagging or gum shrinkage and can live life without limits.
Book a free consultation to determine which system is the best for you.