Missing teeth can affect so much more than your smile. From how you eat and speak to how confident you feel, tooth loss can impact your day-to-day life in unexpected ways. The good news is that you have excellent options to restore your smile and the two most common solutions are dental implants and dentures.
If you’re weighing up dentures or implants, you’re not alone. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your needs, lifestyle, and budget. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key differences between dental implants vs. dentures, including cost, comfort and long-term outcomes, so you can make the best decision for your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. They involve a titanium post being surgically placed into your jawbone, which then supports a natural-looking crown. Think of it like a new tooth root that fuses with your bone over time, offering strength and stability.
At Mitcham Dental, we refer patients to experienced oral surgeons for implant placement, and we custom-design the crown here in our clinic to ensure the best fit and appearance.
Benefits of dental implants:
- Permanent and long-lasting
- Look and function like real teeth
- Prevent jawbone loss and facial sagging
- No removal or soaking needed
- Easy to maintain with regular brushing and flossing
If you’re after the best dental implants in Melbourne, it’s important to work with a trusted dental team that offers personalised care and high-quality materials, just like we do here at Mitcham Dental.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. They come in two main types: full dentures (for patients with no remaining natural teeth) and partial dentures (for patients missing several teeth but still retaining some).
Modern dentures are much more comfortable and natural-looking than they used to be, but they do require daily care and may need to be replaced or relined over time.
Benefits of dentures:
- More affordable upfront
- Suitable for patients with weak jawbones or multiple missing teeth
- Non-invasive (no surgery required)
- Can restore the look and function of your smile
Denture vs. Implants: Key Differences
When it comes to denture vs implant decisions, here are some of the main factors to consider:
- Comfort & Fit
Dental implants are fixed in place and feel almost identical to natural teeth. Dentures, especially lower ones, can sometimes move or feel less secure, though a proper fit and high-quality design can minimise this.
- Function
Implants provide superior chewing strength and stability. You can eat most foods without worry. Dentures may limit certain foods and can take some time to get used to.
- Longevity
Dental implants can last decades (even a lifetime) with proper care. Dentures typically need to be replaced or adjusted every 5–10 years.
- Oral Health Benefits
Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to maintain bone density. Dentures, on the other hand, don’t prevent bone loss, which can lead to changes in facial structure over time.
- Cost
One of the biggest factors in the dentures vs implants cost comparison is the upfront investment. Implants are more expensive initially, but they’re also more durable. Dentures have a lower starting cost but may require ongoing maintenance or replacement.
Want a clearer idea of what’s best for your budget and lifestyle? We’re happy to talk you through both options at your consultation.
What to Consider Before Making Your Decision
Choosing between dentures and dental implants is about finding a long-term solution that fits your lifestyle, budget, and oral health needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Bone Density: Dental implants require a healthy jawbone to anchor into. If you’ve experienced bone loss, you may need a bone graft, or dentures might be the better option.
Maintenance & Daily Care: Implants are cared for just like natural teeth, while dentures require a little more upkeep, including removal and special cleaning.
Comfort & Confidence: While modern dentures have come a long way, some people still struggle with movement or discomfort. Implants, on the other hand, feel more natural and secure once healed.
Treatment Time: Implants can take several months from placement to final restoration. If you’re looking for a faster fix, dentures might be quicker to produce and fit.
Budget & Longevity: Dentures are more affordable upfront but may need replacing or adjusting over time. Dental implants are more of an investment, but with proper care, they can last decades.
So… Dentures or Implants?
The choice between dentures or implants really comes down to your individual needs:
Choose dental implants if:
- You want a permanent, natural-feeling solution
- You’re in good oral and general health
- You’re okay with a higher upfront cost for long-term benefits
Choose dentures if:
- You’re looking for a more affordable or non-surgical option
- You’ve lost multiple teeth or have low jawbone density
- You want a solution that can be adjusted or updated over time
Considering Dental Implants in Melbourne?
If you’re searching for dental implants in Melbourne, our team at Mitcham Dental offers compassionate, expert care every step of the way. If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, book a consultation with Mitcham Dental. We’ll talk through your goals, examine your oral health, and recommend the best path forward, whether that’s dentures, implants, or something in between.
Your smile deserves to feel strong, confident, and completely yours. Let’s make that happen.
We are a dental clinic offering general, preventative and emergency dental services, including dental hygiene, dental implants and more, located 20km east of the Melbourne CBD. We are a short drive away from both Melbourne's Eastern freeway and Eastlink and close-by the suburbs of Donvale, Park Orchards, Nunawading, Vermont, Blackburn & Ringwood.
