Aflac: Dentures vs. Dental Implants: Which is the Best Choice?

Dentures and dental implants are two popular ways to replace severely damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Dentures are removable devices that mimic real teeth, while dental implants are permanent devices fused to the jawbone via a surgical procedure. Each can work well for different types of patients but vary in eligibility, complexity, cost, maintenance, and day-to-day experience. This article compares dentures to dental implants to help patients select the procedure that best meets their needs.

Eligibility

Dentures

Dentures can suit many individuals who have lost adult teeth and may work better if patients have weaker jawbones or other issues. They are not just for patients who have lost most of their teeth, either. Partial dentures may suit patients who have only lost a few teeth, whereas patients with most teeth missing may prefer full dentures.

Dental implants

Dental implants tend to be best for a narrower selection of patients. Good candidates must have good overall health and sufficient bone density in their jawbone to support the implant.

Patients with health conditions, smokers, and those with gum disease may not be good candidates for implants. Some may qualify if they are willing to undergo bone grafting to strengthen the target sites.

Procedure complexity

Dentures

The procedure for getting dentures is simpler and quicker than dental implants.¹ Here’s how it works:

• The dentist takes impressions of the patient’s mouth
• Dental technicians custom-make the dentures
• The technician polishes the dentures
• The dentist fits the dentures, making final adjustments if needed for a perfect fit²

Dental implants

Dental implants are usually more complex and can take longer than dentures because they involve a surgical procedure. The main reason for their length is osseointegration, a months-long process where the implant fuses to the jawbone.³

The more invasive nature also necessitates longer healing times. Other necessary procedures, such as tooth extractions, can lengthen the procedure. That said, dental implants tend to take much longer than dentures.

Cost

Dentures

Dentures tend to cost less than implants since they are less complex and less invasive. That said, many wonder, “how much do dentures cost without insurance?”, since they are a major procedure. Conventional dentures can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per arch.⁴ Dental insurance often covers 50% of major services, meaning an average dental plan could reduce that to $500 to $1,500.

Dental implants

The cost, complexity, and results dental implants often result in a much higher cost. The average dental implant can cost $3,000 to $7,000 for a single tooth.⁵ Such a high cost can make one ask, “are dental implants covered by insurance?”

Fortunately, some private plans offer coverage for dental implants if the patient can show that the implant is medically necessary. In most cases, it won’t cover the full cost, since major procedures may not be covered completely, and the patient may exceed their annual maximum. Some plans, such as Medicare, may not cover dental implants at all. Reviewing one’s insurance coverage is crucial.

Maintenance

Dentures

Patients should maintain their dentures regularly to keep them clean and protect them from excess wear and tear. This involves removing the dentures to brush them carefully with a gentle cleaner and soft-bristled toothbrush. Dentures typically need to be stored overnight in water or a solution of water and a mild denture cleanser, which usually comes in tablet form, to be dissolved in the water. Lastly, patients will need to bring their dentures to dentist appointments so the dentist can look them over and make sure they still work fine.

Dental implants

Dental implants tend to be quite strong and stable. Patients still must brush, floss, and rinse around their dental implants to prevent gum disease and other problems in surrounding teeth. However, unlike natural teeth, dental implants do not decay. They can wear down with teeth grinding or excessively hard foods but wearing a night guard and avoiding those foods can prevent those problems.

Experience

Dentures

Dentures can be a great way to replace missing teeth. However, they usually require the patient to apply adhesive to keep the dentures in place in the mouth. Otherwise, dentures may slip, complicating eating and speaking. Ill-fitting dentures can also be uncomfortable and may require additional dental visits to fix the issue.

Dental implants

The primary benefit of dental implants over dentures is that they look and feel like natural teeth. They are also quite strong since they are attached to the jawbone. They do not slip, unlike dentures. This can make them a more comfortable option than dentures and help improve one’s confidence since there is no risk of them slipping while going about one’s day-to-day routine.

The bottom line

Neither device is best for everyone. It depends on the individual patient. Dentures generally offer wider eligibility, a simpler procedure, and lower costs, but require a little more maintenance and can potentially cause issues and discomfort throughout day-to-day life. Patients looking to save money or who aren’t comfortable with surgery may choose dentures.

Dental implants are more expensive and complex. However, they don’t require as much maintenance, offer more durability, and feel like natural teeth. Patients who are good candidates and want to mimic natural teeth may opt for implants. Ultimately, patients should discuss their options at length with their dentist to see which treatment is best for their needs.

Sources:

¹ Healthline – How to Choose Dentures or Implants – and Why. Updated January 6, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/dentures-vs-implants. Accessed December 12, 2024.

² Cleveland Clinic – Dentures. Updated March 10, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10900-dentures. Accessed December 12, 2024.

³ Cleveland Clinic – Dental Implants. Updated August 6, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants. Accessed December 12, 2024.

⁴ GoodRx Health – How Much Do Dentures Cost? Updated August 25, 2022. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/oral/cost-of-dentures. Accessed December 12, 2024.

⁵ GoodRx Health – How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? Review Current Prices and Insurance Coverage. Updated August 7, 2024. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/procedures/dental-implant-cost. Accessed December 9, 2024.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK.  In Virginia, A82100RVA–A82400RVA.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).

Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC.  Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.

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Contact: Angie Blackmar, 706-392-2097 or [email protected]