Dentures or implants?

Implants are so expensive - I've heard they cost around $1500 to $2000 EACH! My gosh, a whole mouth would be more than the cost of a new home!! That's ridiculous! I don't know how much dentures cost - but isn't the visual outcome basically the same? Can people tell whether you have dentures or implants? How can they tell?

Dentures or implants?
Let me start off by saying I am sorry for the first 3 answers that appear before in this post, especially the second answer. The second answer is filled with so much incorrect and harmful information that it borders on negligence. I just hope that person is not really a dentist.


Now to answer your question. Yes, implants can be on the expensive end of dental treatments. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for in life. While I was still practicing a majority of my business was focused on the placement and restoration of dental implants. I'm not sure how many dental implants you may need so it is a little difficult to know the approx total cost of your procedure. I can tell you that $1500 per implant sounds about right. If you need several implants you might be able negotiate a lower cost per implant. Dentures should cost you about $1500 each. If you need an upper and a lower, then it will run about $3000.


Now for the other parts of your question. From a visual perspective, implants are far superior in esthetics to dentures. Denture teeth are either plastic or porcelain, and they are placed in an acrylic material that it matched to the shade of your gums. Implants will usually be restored with a crown, normally made of porcelain and metal. If you need multiple implants, you will not necessarily need one implant/ one crown. Depending on the location, it might be possible to have bridges of multiple crowns supported by fewer implants. For example, if you need crowns for your upper front 6 teeth, it might be possible to have them supported by only 3 or 4 implants. In the back areas of your mouth (where your molars are), you might need at least one implant per crown.


If the implants and crowns are done correctly you should not be able to notice them, and you might not be able to tell they are not artificial. The only way someone will be able to tell if you have implants is if they see an x-ray of your mouth, or if the implants are not placed below the gum line. If you have dentures, usually 9 out of 10 people will be able to tell you have dentures.


Now to talk about the myths about implants mentioned in the other posts. The benefit of an implant over a denture is sevenfold.


1. Implants are permanent, and they do not need to be removed (and can not be removed). A denture needs to be removed nightly to be cleaned and to allow the gum tissue to rest.


2. Dentures will need to be adjusted and possibly replaced over time. Implants, however, (with few exceptions) will last the rest of a person's life in they are properly cared for by the person. Implants should be thought of as natural teeth, and they need to be flossed and brushed accordingly.


3. Implants are no longer considered a cosmetic procedure. The question, however, is whether they will be covered by insurance. When I started practicing in 2001, implants were not usually covered by insurance companies. It was not because they were considered a cosmetic procedure, it was more so because insurance companies felt traditional bridges were a cost saving alternative. However, as the cost of the implant parts came down in price, it became easier for the dental community to bring the procedure fees down. I began to offer the placement of implants inside the friendly confines of my office in late 2002. At the time, my fee for a 3-unit bridge, which is used to replace a single missing tooth located between 2 other teeth, was $2400. In an effort to increase the possibility of a patient wanting the implant/crown option and insurance opting to cover the procedure, I placed my fee at $2500. To my astonishment, it was a SUCCESS. For an additional $100, the patient's did the implant, and the insurance companies covered the procedure. In a matter of one year, I placed over 100 implants, and every one of them that was submitted to insurance for payment was covered.
Reply:i'm going threw the exact same problem right now :( it sucks. what i'm trying to do is get implants on the teeth that are close to the front and dentures on the ones in the back but with the way money situations are going I may just end up in all dentures :( I hate that insurances don't cover cosmetic surgery, it really shouldn't be considered cosmetic, we need teeth to live, they are really high tech that most people really can't tell what you have.,
Reply:An implant is largely used to replace a tooth that fell out for reasons other then disease or rot. For example, some that fell and knocked out a tooth on something as they fell. It isn't used to replace an entire mouth full of teeth.





If someone is only replacing a few teeth, they would get a bridge rather then dentures. A bridge is like a denture except that it has holes in it to go around your existing teeth.





Dentures require you to have no teeth left at all.





Dentures or a bridge have to be taken out to be cleaned, etc. They might have to be left to soak each night, and you wouldn't sleep with them in. Also they are often very uncomfortable untill you get used to them, which could take a year of constant wear. On the other hand, an implant is brushed just like a normal tooth. It doesn't have to be taken in and out, and so is less maintence.





However the reason for getting an implant instead of a bridge or dentures is largely just for cosmetic reasons. They don't want to be seen wearing them, or especially having to take them in and out. For some men, they feel it would be a sign of weakness. For women... well who wants to be kissing and have your dentures come loose. Who wants to have to excuse themselves before going to bed, and first thing in the morning, to put in and take out thier teeth in private. Additionally bridges and dentures are seen as a sign of getting and or bieng old. Those that are vain about thier age might get it for the same reason they might get laser corrective surgery. To not be seen as getting old.
Reply:I do not know about implants, but I do know about dentures. I have had full dentures for over fifty years. I have had three sets during that time and no one can tell I have them. I live in Canada, and they only cost under $2000, for both top and bottom.
Reply:If you're rich and you can afford implants why not, because this is better %26amp; you're confident with it, not like dentures it's so hazard to remove it %26amp; clean every night.
Reply:I have full upper denture and nobody can tell that I wear denture. I f you have good cosmetic work and learn to speak ....you gonna be happy...I have beautiful smile and I am proud with that....It's not true that everybody can notice like "doc" says.....Find good cosmetic dentist in your area and ask him about mini-implant dentures. I just had my job done last week...if you need to know more about procedure , just ask me...it's look beautiful and cost FAAAAAR less then single implants.