Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is committed to helping people make informed decisions about their oral health.
Tooth loss can occur to anyone, whether due to ageing, decay, gum disease, or injury. The good news is that modern dentistry offers reliable ways to restore your smile and confidence. Two of the most common options are overdentures and dental implants.
Both replace missing teeth, but they differ in how they’re made, how they feel, how much they cost, and how you care for them. Knowing the differences can help you and your dentist choose the option that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once they fuse with the bone, a process called osseointegration, they provide a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or even full sets of replacement teeth.
Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They’re ideal for people who have lost one or more teeth and still have enough healthy bone density to support the implant. With proper care, implants can last 20 years or more, making them a long-term investment in your smile.
Key Benefits of Dental Implants:
- They look and feel just like real teeth.
- With proper care, they can last for many years, even decades.
- They help keep your jawbone strong and prevent bone loss after tooth loss.
- Unlike removable dentures, implants stay firmly in place.
- You can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.
However, implants do require surgery, healing time, and a higher upfront cost than dentures. Not everyone is a candidate, as people with low bone density, certain chronic illnesses, or heavy smoking habits may need additional treatments (such as bone grafting) or an alternative option.
What Are Overdentures?
Overdentures are removable dentures that attach securely to dental implants or existing teeth for extra stability. Think of them as a hybrid between traditional dentures and implants. Implants for better grip support them but can still be removed for cleaning.
An overdenture usually “snaps” into place over two to four implants, depending on how many teeth need replacing. Because they’re anchored, they fit more comfortably and securely than standard dentures, which rely only on suction or adhesive.
Key Benefits of Overdentures:
- They don’t slip or move while eating or talking.
- Overdentures cost less than full-mouth implants while offering many of the same benefits.
- You can remove them for cleaning and routine care.
- The implant anchors help preserve bone density.
- Overdentures reduce gum irritation compared to traditional dentures.
While overdentures offer a more budget-friendly alternative to implants, they still require implant placement surgery and regular maintenance. Over time, the attachments that connect the denture to the implant may wear out and need replacement.
Main Differences Between Implants and Overdentures
Cost:
Dental implants tend to be more expensive because each tooth replacement requires its own implant post and crown. Overdentures, supported by a few implants, generally cost less while still offering stability and comfort.
Functionality:
Implants act like permanent teeth so that you can eat, speak, and smile without worry. Overdentures offer excellent functionality but may feel less natural because they are removable.
Maintenance:
Implants are brushed and flossed like natural teeth, whereas overdentures need to be removed and cleaned daily.
Comfort:
Both options are comfortable once you adjust, but implants tend to feel more natural because they are fixed directly into the jawbone.
Bone Health:
Implants are the gold standard for preserving bone health. Overdentures still help prevent bone loss but may not stimulate the jaw as effectively as individual implants.
Longevity:
With proper care, implants can last decades, even a lifetime. Overdentures usually last 7–10 years before needing adjustments or replacement.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Each?
Choosing between overdentures and implants depends on your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.
You might be a good candidate for dental implants if you:
- Have healthy gums and an adequate jawbone.
- Want a permanent, low-maintenance solution.
- Don’t smoke or have medical conditions that slow healing.
- Are willing to invest more upfront for long-term benefits.
You might be a better candidate for overdentures if you:
- Have lost most or all your teeth.
- Have some bone loss, but enough bone to support a few implants.
- Prefer a removable option for easier cleaning.
- Want a stable and affordable solution compared to full implants.
Your dentist will evaluate your mouth using X-rays and scans to determine which option best suits your oral structure and overall health.
The Recovery and Care Process
Both options require healing and follow-up visits. After implant surgery, you’ll need a few months for the bone to fuse with the implant posts. During this time, your dentist may fit temporary teeth. Once healed, the permanent crown or overdenture is placed.
The Bottom Line
Both overdentures and implants can restore your smile, confidence, and quality of life. The right choice depends on your specific needs, oral health, and budget. While implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution, overdentures provide excellent stability and comfort at a more affordable price.
Discuss your options with your dentist to find the best fit for you. Affinity Health offers basic dentistry and optometry benefits, including a full-mouth assessment, a scale and polish every six months, infection control, two intraoral X-rays, and up to three extractions and three fillings per member, per year at a network dentist.