For decades, dentures were the default solution for missing teeth. But today, more California patients are choosing dental implants for their natural appearance, long-term durability, and life-changing stability. Still, dentures remain a common treatment — especially for those who need an affordable, fast replacement option.
If you’re comparing dental implants vs. dentures, this guide breaks down the differences in cost, comfort, long-term value, bone health, and quality of life — so you can make the most informed decision for your smile.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace several or all missing teeth. Modern dentures are lighter and more cosmetic than traditional versions, but they still come with limitations such as movement, adhesives, and decreased bite force.
Advantages of Dentures
- Lowest upfront cost
- Quick to make
- No surgery required
- Good cosmetic improvement
Disadvantages of Dentures
- Can slip or shift while eating or speaking
- Require adhesive
- Must be removed nightly
- Accelerate jawbone shrinkage
- Need frequent adjustments
- Typically replaced every 5–7 years
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. Once healed, a custom-made crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis attaches securely.
If you want a deeper explanation of the process, see the site’s implant process page located at https://www.699dentalimplants.com/implant-process/.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Look and feel like natural teeth
- Stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss
- No adhesives or removal
- 3–5× stronger chewing force compared to dentures
- Last decades with proper care
- Improve confidence and speech
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- Higher initial investment
- Requires minor surgery
- Patients with severe bone loss may need grafting (see the “dental implants with bone loss” blog for alternatives)
Cost Breakdown: Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Dentures Cost (California Average)
- Full upper or lower denture: $1,000–$3,000
- Premium cosmetic denture: $3,000–$6,000
- Annual maintenance: $200–$500
Dental Implants Cost
- Single implant: Often advertised as low as $699 for the implant post (your practice’s offer)
- Total single-tooth restoration: Typically includes implant + abutment + crown
- Full mouth implants (All-On-4 or All-On-X): $18,000–$30,000 per arch depending on materials and technology
Your practice offers detailed pages on full-arch implants —
A helpful resource is the All-On-X page at https://www.699dentalimplants.com/all-on-x-full-mouth-dental-implants/
Long-Term Cost Comparison
| Treatment | 5-Year Cost | 10-Year Cost | 20-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentures | Low upfront, but replaced frequently | Moderate | Very high due to replacements + bone loss treatment |
| Implants | Higher upfront | Low maintenance | Lowest overall long-term cost |
✔ Dental implants are almost always more cost-effective over a lifetime.
Comfort & Function: A Major Difference
Eating
- Dentures: Lower bite strength; many patients avoid steak, apples, nuts, or crusty bread.
- Implants: Chew nearly anything. No slipping.
Speaking
- Dentures: Clicking or shifting can affect speech clarity.
- Implants: Function like natural teeth; speech remains stable.
Daily Life
- Dentures: Must be removed nightly; require soaking and careful cleaning.
- Implants: Brush and floss like real teeth. No adhesives.
Jawbone Health: The Hidden Problem With Dentures
Dentures rest on the gums and do not stimulate the jawbone, which leads to bone loss (resorption) over time. This can cause:
- A sunken facial appearance
- Difficulty keeping dentures stable
- Premature aging around the mouth
- Reduced bite strength
Dental implants prevent this by acting as artificial roots and keeping the jawbone strong.
For a deeper explanation, see the missing-tooth bone loss educational content at https://www.699dentalimplants.com/how-dental-implants-can-prevent-bone-loss-in-the-jaw/
Confidence & Aesthetics
Dentures
- Good appearance at first
- May loosen over time
- Can shift during laughter or eating
Dental Implants
- Look fully natural
- Allow unrestricted smiling, laughing, and speaking
- Feel like your own teeth
Many patients who switch from dentures to implants say they feel 20 years younger.
All-On-4 / All-On-X: The Modern Upgrade from Dentures
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, All-On-4 or All-On-X Full Mouth Dental Implants offer a fixed, permanent alternative.
They replace an entire arch of teeth using four to six implants — no rocking, no removal, no discomfort.
Your practice has detailed information on this on the Full-Mouth Implants page:
Which Option Is Better for You?
Choose Dentures If:
- You need the lowest upfront cost
- You want a non-surgical option
- You need a fast temporary replacement
Choose Dental Implants If:
- You want a long-term, permanent solution
- You want to prevent bone loss
- You value comfort, chewing strength, and confidence
- You want teeth that look and feel natural
What If You’re Not a Good Candidate for Implants?
Bone loss, age, or medical conditions don’t automatically disqualify you. Many patients think they’re not candidates — but modern techniques, sinus lifts, bone grafts, and zygomatic implants make implants possible for most people.
Schedule a Free Dental Implant Consultation in California
California Dental Implants Specialists has multiple locations across Southern California, all equipped with in-office 3D CT scanning, advanced surgical technology, and experienced implant specialists.
Huntington Beach
📍 18800 Main St #110A, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
📞 714-418-4480
Pacifica / Huntington Beach
📍 18800 Main St #110C, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
📞 714-418-4480
Marina del Rey
📍 4292 Lincoln Blvd, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
📞 310-905-8747
Downey
📍 8512 Paramount Blvd, Downey, CA 90240
📞 562-662-3773
To view all locations, visit the main locations page:
https://www.699dentalimplants.com/locations/
Final Takeaway: Dental Implants vs Dentures
| Category | Dentures | Dental Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Moderate | Excellent |
| Chewing Strength | Low | High |
| Bone Preservation | None | Excellent |
| Longevity | 5–7 years | 20+ years |
| Maintenance | Daily removal | Brush & floss |
| Confidence | Can shift | Feels permanent |
✔ Dental implants provide better long-term value, better comfort, and better quality of life.
✔ Dentures remain an affordable short-term option, but implants offer the closest thing to natural teeth.
