Last Reviewed 12 June 2025
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Table of Contents
Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for You?
Losing a tooth (or several) can be overwhelming – but the good news is that modern dentistry offers effective tooth replacement options to restore your smile. The two most common solutions are dental implants and dentures, and each comes with its own advantages.
As a fully private dental clinic in Bermondsey, London, Calm Dental specializes in advanced tooth replacements, from high-quality OSSTEM dental implants to custom-made dentures. (In fact, we use OSSTEM implants, a globally respected system known for high success rates and long-term reliability)
We often meet patients asking whether dental implants or dentures would suit them better. This friendly guide will compare both options – covering appearance, comfort, durability, maintenance, cost, and long-term oral health – so you can make an informed decision on which is right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth that feel almost like the real thing. An implant is essentially an artificial tooth root – a small titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone. Over a few months, the implant fuses with the bone (a process called osseointegration), creating a sturdy foundation. Once healed, a lifelike crown (false tooth) or bridge is attached on top. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Implants are standalone and don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. Because they’re anchored in the jaw, implants are extremely secure and don’t slip or shift during everyday activities like eating and speaking. For someone missing all teeth, multiple implants can even support a full bridge or overdenture for full-mouth restoration. In short, dental implants offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to bring back your confident smile.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a more traditional tooth replacement method. A denture is a removable appliance with prosthetic teeth set into an acrylic base that resembles gum tissue. Dentures can replace some missing teeth (partial dentures) or all teeth in an arch (complete dentures). They rest on top of your gums (and palate, for upper dentures) and are custom-molded to fit your mouth. Modern dentures are crafted to closely mimic the look of natural teeth, improving your smile’s appearance and supporting your cheeks and lips. They restore basic function for biting and chewing, though not as firmly as implants.
Dentures are held in place by suction and sometimes denture adhesive. Because they are not fixed in the bone, removable dentures may shift at times, and getting used to them can take a little practice. Still, dentures remain a popular option – especially for those seeking a non-surgical, affordable tooth replacement in London and elsewhere. At Calm Dental, we ensure our denture patients get a comfortable fit and a natural aesthetic as much as possible.
Appearance & Aesthetics
When it comes to appearance, dental implants are often considered the gold standard. An implant with a crown is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth – it emerges from the gums just like the real thing. The crown is custom-made to match your tooth colour and shape, giving a seamless smile. Because implants integrate into the jaw, they also help maintain your facial structure by preventing the “sunken” look that can occur when teeth and bone are lost. In fact, implants look and feel like natural teeth, offering a highly realistic result.
Dentures, on the other hand, have improved tremendously in appearance over the years. Modern dentures are designed to look cohesive and natural, and they do provide support for your cheeks and lips (preventing that collapsed facial appearance to some extent). When fitted well, dentures can give you a pleasant, full smile.
However, there are subtle aesthetic differences: the acrylic gum portion of a denture may not perfectly match your natural gum tone, and the teeth of a denture, while attractive, might not have the exact translucency of real teeth. Dentures also cover the roof of your mouth (for upper sets) with a base plate, which isn’t visible in your smile, but is a difference in design. Overall, both options can significantly improve appearance; implants just tend to have an edge in looking exactly like a real tooth because they’re fixed in place and don’t require extra material around them.
Comfort & Fit
Comfort is a key consideration in the implants vs. dentures debate. Dental implants are typically more comfortable for most patients once healed. Since an implant becomes part of your jaw, it doesn’t press on your gums or move around. You can bite apples or chew steak with confidence. There’s no risk of an implant slipping out of place – it’s anchored firmly, providing stability akin to a natural tooth.
Patients often say they forget which tooth is the implant because it feels so normal. Implants also don’t require any special adhesives or daily insertion/removal; they stay in your mouth 24/7, which many find convenient. After the initial healing, you generally won’t experience sore spots or pressure points with an implant. It’s a fixed solution – you brush it along with your other teeth and carry on with life as usual.
By contrast, dentures are removable, and this can affect comfort. Dentures rely on a snug fit, suction, and sometimes sticky adhesives to stay in place. Even with a perfect custom fit, they can occasionally slip or rub, especially the lower denture (which has less suction area). It’s not uncommon for new denture wearers to experience some gum soreness as they get used to the appliance. Eating with dentures requires practice – very hard or chewy foods might be challenging, and you might need to cut things into smaller pieces.
There’s also the aspect of having an acrylic plate across your palate for an upper denture, which can subtly affect taste and sensation. Denture wearers need to be mindful of their prosthetic when speaking or laughing vigorously, to avoid any movement or embarrassing moments. The good news is, modern dentures do fit much better than the clacky false teeth of the past, and dentists like ours at Calm Dental take great care to minimise sore spots.
Still, most patients would agree that an implant (or implant-secured tooth) simply feels more natural and secure day-to-day. If you value a “set it and forget it” solution with maximum comfort and stability, implants have the advantage.
Tip
If you have been struggling with loose-feeling dentures, one advanced option is implant-secured dentures – a hybrid approach where a denture is anchored by a few implants. This can dramatically improve comfort and bite strength by combining the full-arch coverage of a denture with the stability of implants Calm Dental’s implant experts (using OSSTEM implant technology) have lots of experience with these solutions, too, in case you need a mix of both approaches.
Durability & Longevity
One of the biggest differences between implants and dentures is how long they last. Dental implants are known for their outstanding longevity. The titanium implant post is extremely durable and biocompatible – once it integrates with your bone, it can last many decades or even a lifetime with proper care.
The visible part (crown or bridge) on an implant may wear down after 10-15+ years and eventually need a new crown, but the implant screw itself remains. Many patients enjoy their implants for the rest of their lives without ever needing a replacement of the implant fixture. Studies show very high long-term success rates for implants, often 95%+ survival over 10 years. In practical terms, implants are considered a “once and done” investment for long-term tooth replacement.
Dentures, by comparison, will need periodic replacement and maintenance. Denture materials (acrylic teeth and base) wear down from daily use. More importantly, the shape of your jaw ridge changes over time, especially if teeth are missing, because bone tends to shrink when it’s not stimulated. As a result, a denture that fits well initially can become looser over the years as your gums and bone recede. Most dentists will tell you that a denture set typically lasts around 5 to 10 years before it ought to be remade for optimal fit.
Some patients get even less time if their bone loss is rapid, while others may stretch it close to a decade with relines (refitting the inside) and good care. Still, dentures are not a one-time, permanent solution – you should expect that they will need adjustments and eventual replacement. Also, accidents happen: if you drop a denture on a hard surface, it can crack or a tooth can chip off, leading to repairs or a new denture. Implants, being fixed in the bone, don’t have those issues (you can’t drop your implant!). Overall, in terms of durability, implants have the clear edge, often lasting far longer than dentures and maintaining their function and fit over time.
Maintenance & Hygiene
Maintaining dental implants is straightforward – you care for them almost exactly like natural teeth. That means brushing twice a day, flossing daily around the implant crown, and regular check-ups and hygienist cleanings. You don’t need any special cleaning solutions or steps for an implant; there are no bulky parts to take out each night. This everyday convenience is a big plus for implants.
We do encourage implant patients to use floss or tiny interdental brushes to keep the gums around the implant extra healthy (and Calm Dental will show you exactly how). As long as you keep up good oral hygiene and avoid smoking (which can affect implant health), your implant should stay healthy and free of problems. In short, implants are very low-maintenance – you just “brush, floss, repeat” like the rest of your teeth, and see your dentist regularly.
For dentures, the maintenance routine is a bit more involved. Dentures must be removed and cleaned daily. Typically, you’ll take your dentures out at night while you sleep (giving your gums a rest) and soak them in a cleaning solution or water. You’ll use a special denture brush to gently clean the denture each day, because regular toothbrushes or toothpaste can be too abrasive on the acrylic.
It’s also important to clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth with a soft brush or cloth. Many denture wearers use cleansing tablets to keep the appliance fresh. Additionally, if you use denture adhesive, you have to clean off the leftover adhesive from the denture and your gums each day, which some people find to be a bit messy or tedious. There’s also the need for periodic adjustments: if a denture starts to feel loose or causes sore spots, you’ll need to visit the dentist to have it relined (refitted) or repaired. All these steps mean dentures require a commitment to daily care and upkeep that’s different from normal tooth brushing.
It’s not difficult, but it’s certainly more effort than implants. For someone who is very diligent about oral hygiene, this may not be an issue at all, but if simplification and ease are your priorities, implants win on the maintenance front.
Long-Term Oral Health Impacts
Beyond day-to-day comfort and convenience, it’s important to consider how each option affects your oral health in the long run. Dental implants offer significant benefits here. When an implant post is placed in your jaw, it acts like a natural tooth root – providing stimulation to the jawbone every time you chew. This stimulation signals the body to maintain bone mass. By preserving jawbone density, implants help prevent the bone shrinkage that normally occurs after losing teethcalmdental.co.uk. In contrast, if you wear conventional dentures that just sit on the gums, the underlying bone can gradually resorb (melt away) over the years because it’s not being used. This is why long-term denture wearers often find their denture becoming looser: their jaw ridge is shrinking. Implants halt that process by fusing to the bone and keeping it active and strongfwdentalassociates.com. Maintaining bone not only ensures a better foundation for your teeth, but also preserves your facial structure (no exaggerated “shrunken mouth” appearance).
Another oral health plus with implants is that they do not require altering any adjacent teeth. For example, a traditional fixed bridge (another tooth replacement) needs the neighboring teeth to be ground down for crowns – implants avoid that entirely. Dentures, particularly partial dentures, can sometimes affect adjacent teeth by putting pressure or using clasps on them. Implants stand independently, so your other natural teeth (if any) are unharmed and easier to keep cleanitaliansmiles.com. Also, because implants are not removable, there are fewer areas for food to get trapped compared to a denture. A well-maintained implant is unlikely to cause gum irritation or infections – in fact, you can brush and floss normally around it, which helps keep your gums healthyitaliansmiles.com. Dentures, if not cleaned meticulously, can harbor bacteria or fungus (like denture stomatitis) on the appliance, and any food debris under a denture can contribute to gum inflammation or bad breath.
Lastly, think about the long-term care needs: dental implants, by preserving bone and stability, can reduce the need for future oral treatments. You won’t need frequent refittings, and you’re less likely to encounter issues like gum sores or difficulty chewing that might send you back for adjustmentsitaliansmiles.com. With dentures, the ongoing bone loss might eventually require procedures like re-lining the denture or even minor surgeries to smooth the bone if it becomes too uneven. In summary, from a long-term oral health perspective, implants help maintain the health of your mouth by keeping your jawbone intact and supporting a normal bite, whereas dentures, while still perfectly safe, do not prevent gradual bone changes and may entail more oral healthcare over timeitaliansmiles.com.
Cost Considerations
We’d be remiss not to discuss cost, as it’s often a deciding factor. Dental implants generally involve a higher upfront cost than dentures. This is due to the advanced surgical procedure, the implant materials (titanium and high-quality porcelain/ceramic for the crown), and the multiple appointments involved in placing the implant and restoring the tooth.
In a private London clinic like ours, an implant for a single tooth can be an investment of a few thousand pounds (we won’t quote exact prices here), whereas a basic denture might cost less initially. However, it’s crucial to look at the whole picture: implants are a long-term or even lifetime solution, whereas dentures will incur ongoing costs down the road. Many patients and dental professionals consider implants worth the investment because you pay once for something that can last decades. There’s also the quality-of-life value – the confidence and function you get from implants can be hard to put a price on.
Dentures, by comparison, are more affordable upfront. If budget is a primary concern or if you need a quick solution, dentures can be made relatively quickly and at a fraction of the cost of multiple implants. This makes them an attractive option for many, and at Calm Dental, we do our best to provide affordable dentures in London that still look great. Just remember that dentures carry ongoing expenses: you may need to have them adjusted or relined regularly, and as we noted, a new set is often needed every 5–10 years. There are also small continuous costs like denture cleaners, adhesives, etc. Over, say, 20 years, someone might go through several sets of dentures. If you add those costs up, the total may approach (or sometimes even exceed) the one-time cost of getting implants, especially if multiple teeth are missing. Of course, every patient’s situation is unique – sometimes a mix of solutions is needed (for example, a few implants plus a denture).
It’s also worth noting that dental implants can be done in stages or with payment plans. Calm Dental, for instance, offers 0% finance options to help spread the implant cost, because we believe everyone deserves the best long-term solution for their health. We understand cost is a big factor, and we’ll be transparent about all options. In summary: dentures cost less initially and can be the only feasible choice for some budgets, while implants cost more initially but offer long-term value by lasting longer and usually requiring less future maintenance.
The right choice will balance what you can invest now with how you weigh longevity and quality of life. We’re happy to discuss cost estimates and financing during a consultation.
Patient Story: From Dentures to Implants – Jane’s Journey
Let’s put a human face on these options with a quick case study. Meet Jane (a hypothetical patient whose story is common). Jane is a 60-year-old from London who lost most of her upper teeth due to gum disease. Initially, she chose to get a full upper denture because it was the fastest, most affordable way to replace her teeth.
After getting her denture, Jane was pleased to have her smile back, but she faced some challenges. She found that the denture would shift when she tried to eat crusty bread or steak. She also felt self-conscious at social dinners, worrying that her teeth might slip when speaking or laughing. Over a few years, Jane needed several adjustments to re-fit the denture as her gums changed. While she maintained it well, she mentioned that the nightly routine of taking the denture out and using cleaning tablets wasn’t her favourite part of the day.
After a particularly tricky Thanksgiving dinner (where she skipped the turkey skin and crunchy veggies), Jane decided to explore dental implants. She came to Calm Dental for advice. After an exam, we found she was a good candidate: her lower jaw had enough bone, and we could place several implants to support a full fixed bridge (often called an implant-supported denture or “All-on-4” procedure).
Jane went ahead with treatment. We gently placed four OSSTEM implants in her upper jaw and, after a healing period, fitted a beautiful fixed bridge of teeth onto them. The difference was life-changing – Jane says it feels just like her old teeth.
She can eat an apple, nuts, even corn on the cob with no worries, and she sleeps without having to remove any teeth. Her confidence in social situations skyrocketed; no more hiding her laugh or covering her mouth. In her words, “I wish I’d done the implants from the start, but I’m so glad I have them now. It’s like I got part of my life back!” For patients like Jane, implants provided stability and freedom that dentures couldn’t.
Of course, every story is unique. We’ve also had patients who are perfectly happy with their well-fitting dentures and prefer to avoid surgery, and that’s a valid choice. The key is that you have options, and at Calm Dental, we have the experience in advanced tooth replacement to help you find the solution that suits your needs best.
Which Option is Right for You?
Dental implants or dentures – the “right” choice truly depends on your individual situation. Here are some factors to weigh and discuss with your dentist:
Oral Health & Bone: Do you have sufficient healthy jawbone for implants? Implants require a certain bone volume to anchor securely. If you’ve been missing teeth for a long time, you might have bone loss. Procedures like bone grafts can sometimes build this back up. Dentures don’t require surgery or bone strength – they can work even when implants aren’t immediately possible. If your oral health is such that surgery is contraindicated (for example, certain medical conditions), dentures might be the safer route.
Desired Stability & Function: If you want the very best chewing power, stability, and a “set-it-and-forget-it” feel, dental implants win hands down. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and live with confidence as if you had natural teeth. If you can accept a bit of movement in your teeth, are okay with avoiding certain hard foods, and don’t mind the daily denture routine, dentures can serve you well. Some people are fine with dentures (especially if they’ve seen family members manage with them), while others really dislike anything removable in their mouth.
Comfort with Procedures: Getting implants is a surgical process. It’s done under local anesthesia (with sedation if needed), and while it’s a very routine and safe procedure, not everyone feels comfortable with the idea of oral surgery. Dentures, by contrast, are non-invasive – no surgery aside from possible extractions of hopeless teeth. If you have dental anxiety or health issues that make surgery risky, dentures offer a way to avoid an operation. At Calm Dental, we take extra steps to provide pain-free, gentle care (we even have soothing neck wraps and a calming environment), so if fear is the only thing holding you back from implants, talk to us – you might be surprised how comfortable implant placement can be.
Timing: Are you looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution? Dentures can often be made in a matter of weeks, especially immediate dentures that are ready as soon as teeth are removed. Implants, however, require a longer timeline (several months, including healing). If you need something right now (say, you have an upcoming event and want a complete smile fast), a denture can achieve that. If you have the patience for a multi-step process to get a more permanent result, implants are ideal.
Budget: As discussed above, your budget is a practical factor. Dentures are generally more budget-friendly initially, and nowadays, they are a perfectly respectable option that many people choose. Implants are an investment, and while we’ll work with you on payment plans, they do cost more. Think about not just today’s cost but the long-term value and how each option fits your financial situation. Sometimes a combo approach (e.g., one implant to stabilise a lower denture) can be a middle-ground that improves quality of life without the cost of full-mouth implants.
Age and Future Plans: There’s no strict age cutoff – we have youthful denture wearers and seniors with brand-new implants. But in general, younger patients tend to lean toward implants because they’re thinking of the decades of use ahead. Older adults might opt for dentures if they want to avoid a longer treatment process or higher cost, especially if they’ve managed with dentures before. That said, plenty of seniors get implants too for the health benefits and improved comfort. It really comes down to health status and personal priorities, not just age.
A Friendly Invitation
Still unsure whether implants or dentures are right for you? We’re here to help. At Calm Dental, our friendly, knowledgeable dentists have guided many patients through this choice. We pride ourselves on gentle, personalised care – whether you opt for a single-tooth implant, an implant-supported full smile makeover, or a classic set of dentures. Contact us for a consultation, and we’ll happily answer all your questions. Remember, the right tooth replacement option is the one that makes you feel comfortable, healthy, and happy about your smile. We’d love to help you find that perfect solution. Give our Bermondsey clinic a call or click the “Book Now” on our website to schedule your visit. Let’s work together to restore your smile and confidence! 🙂