Losing teeth affects more than just your smile. It changes how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Many patients visit their dentist asking the same question: Should I get dental implants or dentures? Both options work well, but they’re quite different. Let me help you understand which one might be right for you.
If you are looking for implant dentistry in Port Moody, understanding these choices can help you decide what’s optimal for your oral health.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed into your jawbone. Your dentist performs implant surgery to put these posts into your jaw. After healing, a crown (artificial tooth) attaches to the implant. It looks and works just like your natural tooth.
Implant dentistry has become very popular because implants feel permanent. You can find implant dentistry near you at most modern dental clinics today.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable false teeth. They sit on top of your gums. You can take them out at night and clean them. Some dentures replace all your teeth (full dentures). Others fill in just a few missing spots (partial dentures). They’re held in place by suction or special adhesive paste.
Comparing Both Options: The Main Differences
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dentures |
| Permanence | Stay fixed in the mouth | Removable daily |
| Jawbone health | Prevents bone loss | Bone continues shrinking |
| Eating ability | Chew like normal teeth | May limit some foods |
| Maintenance | Brush like real teeth | Soak and clean the outside of the mouth |
| Initial cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Lifespan | 20+ years or lifetime | 5-8 years before replacement |
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you choose cosmetic implant dentistry, you get several advantages. Implants stop your jawbone from shrinking. When teeth disappear, the bone underneath starts disappearing too. Implants keep that bone strong and healthy.
You can eat anything you want. Apples, corn on the cob, steak—nothing is off limits. Your implant teeth won’t slip or move while you talk or laugh. Many patients say they forget which teeth are implants because they feel so natural.
The best part? With proper care, implants last for decades. Some patients never need replacements.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures cost much less at first. If you need to replace many teeth quickly, dentures give you a complete smile faster. The dentist doesn’t need to do surgery. You get impressions made, and your dentures are ready within weeks.
They work well for patients who cannot have surgery due to health problems. Some people have diabetes or take medications that make implant surgery risky. Dentures become the safer choice.
The Downsides You Should Know
Implants require surgery and healing time. The process takes several months from start to finish. Your jawbone must be strong enough to support implants. Sometimes patients need extra procedures to build up bone first.
Dentures can feel uncomfortable at first. They might slip when you eat sticky foods. Some patients develop sore spots on their gums. You must remove them daily for cleaning, which some people find embarrassing.
Making Your Decision
Visit a dentist near you for a complete exam. Your dentist will check your jawbone density, overall health, and budget. Be honest about your lifestyle and what matters most to you.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Can I afford the higher initial cost of implants?
- Am I healthy enough for surgery?
- Do I want permanent teeth or removable ones?
- How important is bone health to me?
Many patients start with dentures and later switch to implants. This gives them time to save money while still having teeth.
My Professional Advice
If you’re young and healthy with a good jawbone, implants often provide better long-term value. Yes, they cost more now, but you won’t keep replacing them.
If you need a quick solution or have health concerns, dentures work wonderfully. Modern dentures look very natural and function well.
Some patients even combine both. They get implants in key spots and attach dentures to those implants. This gives stability without replacing every tooth.
The right choice depends on your unique situation. Schedule a consultation at your local dental clinic. Your dentist in Port Moody will create a treatment plan just for you to help get your confident smile back.
Missing Teeth? Get the Right Restorative Solution Today!
Missing teeth can make eating, talking, and smiling hard. At Mint Dental, we offer safe and trusted restorative treatments to help you get your smile back. Our team uses simple steps, modern tools, and gentle care to guide you. Whether you need dental implants, bridges, or dentures, we help you choose what is optimal for your oral health.
Ready to restore your smile? Call Mint Dental today to book your visit.