Dentures vs Dental Implants: Which Is Right for You?

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile

Losing teeth can be challenging, but modern dentistry offers excellent solutions. The two most popular options are dentures and dental implants. As a dental prosthetist with over 14 years of experience in Sydney, I help patients navigate this decision every day. Let me share what you need to know.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. They've come a long way from the uncomfortable options your grandparents might have worn.

Types of Dentures

Full Dentures (Complete Dentures)

Replace all teeth in upper, lower, or both arches
Rest on your gums and are held in place by suction
Modern materials look remarkably natural

Partial Dentures

Replace some missing teeth while preserving natural teeth
Attach to remaining teeth with clasps or precision attachments
Help prevent remaining teeth from shifting

Implant-Retained Dentures

Snap onto dental implants for superior stability
Can be removed for cleaning
The best of both worlds (more on this later)

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to replace tooth roots. Once healed, they support crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Benefits of Implants

Feel and function like natural teeth
Preserve jawbone and facial structure
Don't require adhesives
Can last a lifetime with proper care

Considerations

Require surgery and healing time
Higher upfront cost
Not suitable for everyone (bone density matters)
Each implant replaces one tooth

Cost Comparison in Sydney (2025)

Solution	Price Range	What's Included
Full Dentures (per arch)	$1,200 - $4,000	Impressions, fittings, denture
Partial Dentures	$800 - $3,000	Custom-made to fit existing teeth
Single Dental Implant	$4,000 - $6,500	Surgery, implant, crown
Implant-Retained Dentures	$8,000 - $25,000	2-4 implants + denture

Prices vary based on materials, complexity, and location. Health funds may cover partial costs.

Pros and Cons: An Honest Comparison

Dentures

Pros:

Lower upfront cost
Non-invasive (no surgery)
Quick process (weeks, not months)
Easy to repair or adjust
Suitable for most patients

Cons:

Can slip or click during eating/speaking
Require adhesive for best fit
Need to be removed for cleaning
May accelerate bone loss over time
Require periodic replacement (5-10 years)

Dental Implants

Pros:

Permanent solution
Most natural feel and function
Preserve jawbone
No slipping or clicking
No special cleaning routine

Cons:

Significant upfront investment
Requires surgery and healing time
Not everyone is a candidate
Multiple appointments over months
Possible surgical complications

Who Should Choose Dentures?

Dentures may be your best choice if you:

Want a more affordable solution
Need to replace all or most teeth
Have health conditions that make surgery risky
Prefer a non-invasive option
Need a quick solution

Who Should Choose Implants?

Implants may be ideal if you:

Are replacing 1-3 teeth
Have healthy bone density
Want a permanent solution
Can afford the higher cost
Are in good overall health

The Best of Both Worlds: Implant-Retained Dentures

Here's what I tell many of my patients: you don't have to choose between dentures and implants. Implant-retained dentures combine the best features of both.

How They Work

2-4 dental implants are placed in your jaw
A custom denture snaps onto these implants
The denture is removable for cleaning
But it stays firmly in place during eating and speaking

Why I Recommend Them

As someone who both makes and fits dentures, I see the transformation implant-retained dentures bring to patients. People who've struggled with loose dentures for years suddenly have confidence to eat anything, laugh freely, and smile without worry.

The investment is significant, but so is the improvement in quality of life.

Making Your Decision

Here are the questions I ask every patient:

What's your budget? Be honest about what you can afford, including potential financing options.
How's your overall health? Some conditions affect implant success.
How quickly do you need a solution? Dentures can be ready in weeks; implants take months.
What matters most to you? Stability? Aesthetics? Cost? Long-term value?
Have you had dentures before? If so, what didn't work about them?

My Recommendation

If you're unsure, start with a consultation. I'll examine your mouth, discuss your lifestyle and priorities, and give you an honest assessment of your options. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and the right choice depends on your unique situation.

What I can promise is this: whether you choose traditional dentures, implants, or implant-retained dentures, I'll craft a solution that fits properly and restores your confidence.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Book a consultation at one of my 14+ clinic locations across Sydney. I'll take the time to understand your needs and help you make the right decision for your smile.

Book a Consultation →

Have questions before booking? Call me directly on 0420 550 249 or send a message.