April 21, 2021

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Last Updated:
November 3, 2025
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Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Dentures often become loose or uncomfortable after about five years, while dental implants are designed to last for a lifetime with proper care.

  • Zirconia teeth with dental implants feel and function like real teeth — no slipping, rubbing, or nightly removal required.

  • Dental implants help preserve the jawbone and facial structure, preventing the “sunken” look that can come with long-term denture wear.

  • Many people find the change life-changing: fewer limitations, greater comfort, and a permanent, natural-looking smile.

Are you tired of dealing with the inconvenience of dentures? Perhaps they no longer fit as comfortably as they once did, or they are starting to show signs of damage.Maybe you’re just tired of the daily routine — taking them out, cleaning them, worrying they might slip at the wrong moment.

Whatever your reason for considering a switch to dental implants, you’re not alone. Thousands of people each year decide they’ve had enough of the frustration and limitations that can come with dentures. They’re ready for something that feels real — something that lets them eat, laugh, and live without holding back.

So, when is the right time to trade dentures for dental implants? There are a few signs it might be sooner than you think. The age of your dentures, how they feel, whether they’ve been damaged, how they affect your appearance, and how much hassle they add to your life all play a role.

There are a few signs it might be sooner than you think. The age of your dentures, how they feel, whether they’ve been damaged, how they affect your appearance, and how much hassle they add to your life all play a role.

#5 Age of Your Dentures

The age of your dentures is one of the clearest signs it might be time for something new. Over time, dentures wear down, lose their shape, and stop fitting like they used to. Even the best ones don’t last forever — most begin to feel loose or awkward after about five years.

If your dentures are older, you’ve probably already noticed small changes: more slipping when you talk or eat, more sore spots, or the feeling that you just can’t get them to sit quite right anymore.

That’s when many people start thinking about dental implants. Instead of replacing dentures every few years, implants offer a permanent foundation — teeth that look, feel, and function like real ones. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

Think of it this way: if you’re already tired of the constant adjustments and replacements, why keep patching something temporary when you could have a lasting solution?

If your dentures are five years old (or older), this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.

#4 Comfort

How comfortable are your dentures, really?

If you find yourself adjusting them throughout the day or avoiding certain foods because they slip or rub, that’s your mouth trying to tell you something.

Dentures only rest on top of your gums — which means they can shift, pinch, or even create sore spots. Over time, this discomfort can make simple things like laughing, eating, or speaking feel like a chore.

Dental implants are different. Because they’re anchored directly to your jawbone, they act more like natural teeth — secure, stable, and worry-free. No slipping. No rubbing. No awkward moments mid-meal.

Many people say the difference is night and day — going from something that always needed adjusting to something that simply feels like you.

If you’ve been living with daily denture discomfort, imagine how freeing it would feel to never have to think about it again.

#3 Damage to the Dentures

Take a close look at your dentures. Do you see any small cracks, chips, or worn edges? Maybe they don’t look quite as natural as they once did — or you’ve already had to repair them more than once.

It’s completely normal for dentures to wear down over time. They’re exposed to daily chewing, cleaning, and small impacts that slowly take their toll. But every fix, adjustment, or replacement adds up — in both cost and frustration.

If your dentures are starting to show their age, dental implants could be the durable, long-term solution. Zirconia teeth attached to dental implants don’t chip or crack like acrylic dentures can, and they don’t need to be replaced every few years. They’re designed to be a permanent foundation for your smile — strong, secure, and natural-looking.

For many people, making the switch feels like the moment everything changes — finally having teeth that don’t just look right, but feel right too.

Broken Dentures
Broken Denture

If any of this sounds familiar, you don’t have to keep putting up with it.

Take the quick 60-second quiz to find out if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours — and see what a difference it could make.

#2 Concerns about an Aged Face And Jaw Bone Shrinking

Did you know your jawbone actually needs your teeth to stay strong? When teeth are missing, that bone no longer gets the stimulation it needs — and over time, it can start to shrink. That’s why many long-time denture wearers begin to notice a sunken or aged look around their mouth and cheeks.

This change happens slowly, but it’s one of the main reasons dentures stop fitting well after a few years. As the bone shrinks, the shape of your face changes — and dentures can’t keep up.

Dental implants, on the other hand, do something dentures never can: they mimic the root of a natural tooth, keeping your jawbone healthy and supported. That means your face can keep its natural shape and fullness.

Denture Patient Smiling
Nuvia Patient before he traded dentures for dental implants

#1 Convenience

Let’s be honest — dentures can be a lot to deal with. The cleaning routine, the adhesives, the worry that they might slip or click while you’re talking or eating… it can all add up.

Dental implants remove all that daily hassle. You don’t have to take them out, soak them, or worry about what you can or can’t eat once you’re healed. Instead, you can brush, floss, and smile just like you would with natural teeth.

That kind of simplicity may not just save time — it can give you back a sense of freedom. No more planning meals around what your dentures can handle. No more nervous moments wondering if they’ll shift at the wrong time.

Dentures vs Dental Implants
Feature Dentures Dental Implants
Fit & Comfort Can slip, move, or rub against gums Securely anchored to the jawbone for a natural, stable feel
Maintenance Must be removed daily for cleaning and adhesives Brush like natural teeth — no removal needed. Waterpiks are recommended for flossing
Durability Typically replaced every 5–7 years but can be more frequently Designed to last for a lifetime with proper care
Jawbone Health Commonly leads to bone loss over time Helps preserve jawbone and facial structure
Speech & Eating May affect speech or limit certain foods Speak and eat comfortably without worry
Appearance Can look artificial or bulky Custom-designed to look and feel natural
Convenience Requires daily maintenance and periodic adjustments Low maintenance — permanent, fixed solution
Cost Over Time Lower upfront cost, but high long-term upkeep costs One-time investment with long-lasting results

If you’re tired of the daily denture routine and ready for something that actually feels natural, now’s the time to see what’s possible.

Take the free 60-second quiz to find out if you may be eligible for permanent teeth in 24 hours — or grab the Dental Implant Cost Guide to explore your options.

FAQs

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Lucy Steckler

SML MKR

Lucy Steckler manages the website at Nuvia Dental Implant Center. Having spent over a year being involved in dental content creation, she finds purpose in helping individuals find answers to their dental implant questions and learn more about the benefits of permanent teeth in 24 hours.

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Cost Guide

Dental Implant Cost Guide

2025 Cost Guide

This guide is designed to walk you step by step through the dental implant process and each dental implant type with their associated costs.

  • Different implant types and their average costs
  • 4 little known factors that affect pricing
  • How much will dental & health insurance typically cover for dental implants?
  • What 1000’s of average Americans are doing to make this treatment affordable.
  • And more...
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