Tooth loss can affect everything from your confidence to your ability to chew and speak comfortably. At Golden Dental Solutions in Golden, CO, our experienced dentists — Dr. Dallas Kenson, Dr. Andrea Leung, and Dr. Evelyn Qi — offer both dental implants and dentures as effective tooth replacement options. If you’re unsure which is right for your needs, understanding the key differences can help guide your decision.
All About Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, they’re topped with a custom crown or bridge. Because implants fuse with the bone, they provide excellent stability and help preserve jawbone density.
Implants are known for their durability, often lasting decades with proper care. They feel and function like natural teeth, making them a strong option for those seeking a permanent solution with minimal maintenance. However, successful implant placement requires good bone density and overall oral health.
What to Know About Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace multiple missing teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth on the upper or lower arch, while partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain. Today’s dentures are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever, but they do require regular removal for cleaning and may need adjustments over time due to changes in your mouth.
Dentures may be the right choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective, non-surgical solution or if you’re not a candidate for implant surgery due to health concerns or bone loss.
Key Differences to Consider
- Longevity: Implants can last many years, while dentures typically need to be replaced every 5–10 years.
- Bone Health: Implants help preserve jawbone density; dentures do not.
- Comfort and Fit: Implants feel like natural teeth; dentures may slip or shift.
- Maintenance: Implants are brushed and flossed like real teeth; dentures require special care.
- Cost: Dentures generally have a lower upfront cost but may need more frequent replacement.
All-on-4: A Stable Alternative to Traditional Dentures
If you’re missing most or all of your teeth but want more stability than traditional dentures can offer, All-on-4 dental implants may be a great middle ground. This technique uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. The result is a secure, non-removable restoration that looks and feels more natural than dentures, without requiring an implant for every missing tooth. All-on-4 can often be completed in fewer appointments and may be an option even for patients with some bone loss. It combines the benefits of implants with the convenience of full-arch restoration.
Schedule Your Tooth Replacement Consultation
Choosing between dental implants and dentures depends on your oral health, budget, and long-term goals. At Golden Dental Solutions, we provide personalized recommendations to help you restore your smile with confidence. Contact our renowned restorative and cosmetic dental team at 303-277-9600 to explore your best restorative options with a skilled team in Golden, CO.
