Dental Implants vs. Dentures: What’s Best for You?

If you’ve been exploring options for replacing missing teeth, chances are you’ve come across two popular solutions: dentures and dental implants. At Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Charleston, SC, we can help you weigh your options, so you can make an informed choice. Every smile is different, and so is every person behind it. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, the right solution depends on your goals, health, and lifestyle.

Dr. James B. Wisner, DMD, a dentist with many years of experience and advanced training in dental implant surgery, says, “Depending on your ideal solution, dental implants and dentures  can help you reclaim the function and aesthetics of a complete smile.”

Let’s walk through the differences between implants and dentures, plus approaches that make use of both, so you can feel good about your decision. 

Understanding Your Tooth Replacement Options

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of three parts: a small titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone, a custom-made crown and an abutment that joins the two together. The implant post functions like a tooth root, stabilizing the crown and stimulating the jawbone to help maintain bone structure. Implants can support a single tooth, a bridge, or a full arch using implant-supported dentures.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth. They can be full (replacing all teeth in the upper or lower arch) or partial (fitting around remaining natural teeth). Modern dentures are made from lightweight, durable materials and are custom-shaped to fit your oral anatomy so they look natural and feel comfortable.

Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Look

The Dental Implant Procedure in Charleston, SC

At Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, your implant journey begins with a thorough exam and 3D imaging to assess bone quality and structure. Once candidacy is confirmed, a titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. After healing and osseointegration (when the bone fuses with the post), a custom crown or denture is securely attached.

For patients needing a full-arch solution, options like All-on-4 or implant-supported dentures provide stability and long-term success (more on that later).

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer more than just a replacement tooth; they transform your smile, oral health, and quality of life. Here’s why patients choose implants at Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry:

• Stimulate and preserve jawbone: Implants mimic natural tooth roots, helping prevent bone loss and maintaining the shape of your face. This keeps your jaw strong and your facial structure youthful, avoiding the sunken appearance that often comes with missing teeth.
• Stable and secure: Unlike dentures, implants are firmly anchored in the jaw, so you don’t have to worry about slipping, clicking, or messy adhesives. You can eat, speak, and laugh confidently without fear or embarrassment.
• Natural appearance and feel: Custom-made to match your surrounding teeth, implants look and feel like natural teeth. They restore your smile seamlessly, so no one will notice the difference, and you’ll feel more confident showing it off.
• Long-lasting with proper care: With routine brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, implants can last decades, often a lifetime, making them a durable investment in your oral health and peace of mind.
• Restore chewing efficiency and comfort: Implants allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods again, from crunchy vegetables to chewy meats, without discomfort or limitations. They also evenly distribute bite forces, preventing jaw strain and protecting your remaining natural teeth.
• Boost confidence and well-being: Beyond function, implants restore self-esteem, allowing you to smile, speak, and interact socially without self-consciousness. Many patients report feeling years younger and more confident after completing implant treatment.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

Candidates for dental implants typically need:

• Good overall health
• Healthy gums
• Adequate bone density or eligibility for bone grafting
• A commitment to good oral hygiene

Your Charleston implant dentist, Dr. Wisner, will perform a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate for you.

Potential Drawbacks of Dental Implants

• Higher initial cost compared to dentures
• Surgical procedure required
• Several weeks to months for completion and healing
• Not always covered by insurance

Cost of Dental Implants in Charleston, SC

The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of teeth being replaced, bone grafting needs, and the complexity of your case. We offer transparent pricing and flexible financing options to make care accessible.

Dentures: A Practical Overview

For many patients in Charleston, dentures remain a time-tested and accessible way to restore their smile, especially when multiple or all teeth are missing. At Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, the process begins with a comprehensive exam, digital imaging, and a conversation about your lifestyle and goals. 

Once we determine that dentures are the right fit for you, we take detailed impressions and collaborate with trusted dental labs to create a set of dentures that is both functional and natural-looking. The result is a personalized prosthetic that restores the look and function you once had.

Types of Dentures Available

• Full dentures: Replace all upper or lower teeth
• Partial dentures: Fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain
• Implant-supported dentures: Combine the benefits of implants with the convenience of a denture

Benefits of Dentures

• Lower upfront cost
• Non-surgical solution
• Custom-fit for comfort and appearance
• Can be fabricated relatively quickly

Potential Drawbacks of Dentures

• May shift during eating or speaking
• Can require adhesive
• Need to be removed and cleaned daily
• Lack of jawbone stimulation does not guard against bone loss

Denture Care and Maintenance

Caring for dentures requires daily cleaning, soaking in a denture solution, and regular dental visits to assess fit. Over time, they may need to be relined or replaced as the shape of your jaw changes.

The Best of Both Worlds: Implant-Supported Dentures and Hybrid Options

Some people are looking for something more stable than traditional dentures, but aren’t sure if they want to commit to full individual implants. For these patients, combining dentures and implants can provide the perfect balance.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures use two to six dental implants placed in the jaw to anchor a denture securely in place. Instead of relying on adhesives or suction, the denture snaps onto the implants for a more confident, stable fit.

These dentures can be:

• Bar-retained: A thin metal bar attaches to implants and supports the denture.
• Ball-retained (locator): Implants are fitted with ball-shaped attachments that fit into sockets on the denture.
• Fixed hybrid dentures (All-on-4 or All-on-6): A full-arch prosthesis is permanently attached to four to six implants and can only be removed by your dentist.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

• Stability while eating and speaking: No slipping or shifting
• Preservation of bone: Implants stimulate bone, preventing further loss
• Improved comfort: Less irritation and fewer pressure points
• More natural feel and function: Especially with fixed hybrids
• Smaller, more comfortable prosthetics: No need for a bulky upper plate that covers the roof of your mouth

This solution works well for patients who want the improved performance and health benefits of implants without the cost or time commitment of replacing each tooth with an individual implant.

Is This Option Right for You?

Patients considering implant-supported dentures often:

• Are missing most or all teeth in one arch
• Want a stable, long-term solution
• Prefer fewer implants and a simplified procedure
• May have some degree of bone loss, but still qualify with proper planning

Dr. Wisner and the team at Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry use 3D imaging and digital planning to determine whether implant-supported dentures are a good fit. 

Implants vs. Dentures: A Head-to-Head Comparison

• Stability and Functionality

Dental implants are anchored to your jaw, making them more stable than traditional dentures, especially during chewing and speaking. Dentures, while effective, may shift or require adhesive to stay in place.

• Aesthetics and Appearance

Both options can be designed to look natural, but implants more closely mimic the feel and function of natural teeth. They also help maintain your facial structure, which can prevent the sunken look that sometimes develops with long-term denture wear.

• Long-Term Oral Health

Implants stimulate bone growth and may help prevent bone loss. Dentures, while effective in restoring function, do not offer the same bone-preserving benefits.

• Maintenance and Care

Implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, whereas dentures require special cleaning routines. Implant-supported options offer the convenience of a fixed solution with the removable benefits of a denture base.

• Cost Comparison

While dentures often cost less upfront, implants may be more cost-effective over time due to their durability and reduced need for adjustments or replacement.

Which Option is Right for You? Factors to Consider

• Bone Density and Jaw Health: Implants require sufficient bone for placement. If your bone has deteriorated, grafting may be necessary. Dentures do not require bone grafting and may be a better fit for some patients.
• Overall Health and Medical History: Conditions like diabetes or smoking habits may affect healing after implant surgery. Dr. Wisner will discuss your full medical background to ensure you’re a good candidate for either implants or dentures.
• Lifestyle and Preferences: Some patients prioritize stability and longevity. Others prefer the simplicity of a removable appliance. We help you weigh these factors with honesty and empathy.
• Budget Considerations: We provide clear information about costs and insurance coverage for both dental implants and dentures, and we’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your goals and finances.

Peninsula Cosmetic and Family Dentistry: Your Charleston, SC, Dental Implant Experts

Our Dental Implant Process

We use advanced imaging, digital planning, and customized restorations to deliver precise, comfortable results. Every step is done with your comfort, lifestyle, and long-term health in mind.

Why Choose Us for Dental Implants in Charleston?

We’re known for our compassionate care and personalized treatment approach. Our patients return not just because of the results we deliver, but because they feel heard, respected, and cared for.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Whether you’re just beginning to explore tooth replacement or ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide you. Call our office or schedule an appointment online to learn more about your options. We’ll walk you through everything, answer your questions honestly, and help you move forward at your own pace.

Financing Options Available

We offer flexible payment plans and financing to make dental implants and dentures more affordable. Our team can help verify your insurance and review all available options during your visit.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.