Dental Implants vs
Dentures
Both implants and dentures replace missing teeth — but they differ significantly in comfort, longevity, cost and maintenance. This guide helps you understand which option suits your situation.
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In short: dental implants are usually the stronger long-term choice — fixed in the jaw, they preserve bone and can last 25+ years, from £2,500 per tooth. Dentures are removable, non-surgical and more affordable, from £486, which makes them a practical option if you want a quicker or lower-cost solution or are not suitable for surgery.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are permanent, feel like natural teeth, prevent bone loss, and last 25+ years. They cost from £2,500 per tooth. Surgery is performed by our experienced implant dentist Dr Samarth Shetty.
Dentures
Dentures are removable, more affordable, require no surgery, and can be fitted quickly. Modern dentures are far more comfortable than older versions but can still slip. Implant-retained dentures offer a middle ground.
Which Should You Choose?
If you can afford implants and your jawbone is healthy, implants are the superior long-term solution. If budget is a concern or you need to replace many teeth, dentures may be more practical. Your New Patient Exam covers all options with honest clinical advice.
Consultation from £75
Final cost depends on your specific case. Exact pricing confirmed at your New Patient Exam. 0% finance available.
Related Treatments
Before & After Dentures
A complete smile transformation at Station House Dental Care. This patient received new dentures to replace damaged and missing teeth — restoring confidence and quality of life.
Patient consent obtained. Results may vary. Image used with permission.
What Happens at Your New Patient Exam
For cosmetic treatments only: Invisalign / clear aligners, composite bonding, veneers, dental implants and teeth whitening. New Patient Exam pricing applies when booked online via this website. For emergency or general dental appointments, please call 01282 965286.
Dental Implants vs Dentures: A Complete Comparison
If you are missing several or all of your teeth, the two main replacement options are dental implants (or implant-supported restorations) and removable dentures. Both can restore your ability to eat, speak and smile with confidence, but they differ significantly in comfort, stability, maintenance and long-term outcomes. At Station House Dental Care, we offer both options and will always recommend the solution that best suits your clinical needs and budget.
Removable Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth mounted on a gum-coloured base. Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth and clip onto your remaining natural teeth for retention. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth and rest on the gum ridge, held in place by suction and (optionally) denture adhesive. Modern dentures are significantly more natural-looking and comfortable than older designs, and we offer chrome cobalt, acrylic and flexible denture options at Station House. Partial dentures cost from £486, full dentures from £604, and chrome dentures from £701.
Dental Implants and Implant-Retained Dentures
Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone that permanently replace tooth roots. A single implant supports a single crown (from £2,500), but implants can also support bridges or full-arch dentures. An implant-retained denture clicks onto 2 to 4 implants placed in the jaw, providing dramatically improved stability, comfort and chewing power compared to a conventional removable denture. The denture is still removable for cleaning, but it does not slip, click or require adhesive.
Key Differences
Stability: Implants are fixed in the jaw — they cannot move. Dentures rest on the gum and can shift during eating and speaking, particularly lower dentures. Bone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that accelerates after tooth extraction. Dentures sit on top of the bone and do not prevent resorption — this is why denture fit deteriorates over time and relines are needed. Eating: Implant patients can eat anything — steak, apples, corn on the cob. Denture wearers often need to avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods. Maintenance: Implants are brushed and flossed like natural teeth. Dentures must be removed nightly, cleaned separately, and soaked. Comfort: Most implant patients report that their implants feel identical to natural teeth. Dentures can cause sore spots, require adjustment, and may feel bulky — particularly upper dentures which cover the palate.
Which Is Right for You?
If you are a suitable candidate for implant surgery (good general health, adequate bone density or willingness to undergo bone grafting), implants are almost always the superior long-term solution. They preserve bone, restore full function, and can last a lifetime. However, dentures remain an excellent and affordable option — particularly for patients who are not candidates for surgery, who prefer a non-surgical approach, or who need a cost-effective solution quickly. Our implant-trained dentists, including Dr Saleem Qureshi (BAIRD Implant Course certified), will assess your case thoroughly and give you an honest recommendation. Book a consultation to discuss your options.
Implants vs dentures at a glance
| Feature | Dental implants | Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed or removable? | Fixed in the jaw | Removable |
| Typical lifespan | 25+ years | 5–10 years (relines needed) |
| Preserves jawbone? | Yes | No |
| From | £2,500 per tooth | £486 partial · £604 full |
| Best for | Healthy jaw; permanent, natural function | Non-surgical, budget or replacing many teeth quickly |
Figures use the treatment costs already listed on this page. Your exact costs are confirmed in writing at your New Patient Exam. Last updated: August 2026.