Picking Between Dentures and Implants? Start Here

If you’re missing teeth, two of the most common replacement options are dentures and dental implants. Each solution offers unique benefits—and the right choice depends on your health, budget, and goals for comfort and appearance.

You can explore all your options including implants and other solutions in our restorative dental treatments in Burnaby.

Dentures are removable and typically more affordable upfront. They’re a familiar solution for many and don’t involve surgery. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent, natural-looking, and help protect jawbone health—but they come with a higher initial cost and a longer process.

At Burnaby Dentist & Orthodontist, we offer in-clinic dental implants and guide eligible patients in accessing denture services included under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Our team uses advanced tools and a patient-first approach to guide you toward the most suitable option.

Dental implants are anchored in the bone and feel much like real teeth. Dentures can shift and may require adhesive for stability.

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth. They sit on top of your gums and can help restore function and appearance when teeth are lost due to age, injury, or disease.

Modern dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth using impressions of your gums and surrounding tissues. They are typically made from acrylic, porcelain, or a combination of materials, depending on comfort, appearance, and durability needs.

Types of Dentures

There are a few different types of dentures to suit varying levels of tooth loss and support needs:

Complete Dentures

Used when all the teeth in either the upper or lower arch are missing. These sit directly on the gums and are held in place by suction or denture adhesive.

Partial Dentures

Ideal when some natural teeth remain. These fill the spaces left by missing teeth and help prevent remaining teeth from shifting. They are typically supported by a metal or acrylic framework.

Implant-Supported Dentures

These dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone for added stability. They offer better support and function than conventional removable options, especially for those struggling with poor denture retention.

What are dental implants?

dental implants in burnaby are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots.

Over time, these posts fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth.

Implants are known for their natural look and feel. Unlike dentures, they don’t shift or move, making them a preferred option for those seeking long-term comfort and function.

Components of a Dental Implant

A dental implant typically includes three key parts, each playing a role in restoring your smile:

Implant Post

The titanium screw inserted into the jawbone. It serves as the root for the replacement tooth.

Abutment

A small connector placed on top of the implant post. This piece holds the visible tooth (crown) in place.

Crown

The visible portion of the tooth, custom-designed to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth. It restores both appearance and function.

Dentures vs. Implants: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing between dentures and dental implants involves more than just cost. Here’s how these two tooth replacement options compare across key factors that impact your comfort, function, and long-term oral health.

1. Procedure and Placement

Dentures are non-surgical and generally quicker to receive. The process involves taking impressions of your mouth to custom-design your prosthesis. Once fabricated, they’re fitted to rest on your gums.

Dental implants require a surgical procedure to place a titanium post into the jawbone. After healing—which may take several months—a crown or denture is attached. This multi-stage approach takes longer but offers a permanent solution.

2. Comfort and Fit

Dentures rest on the gums and can shift slightly during eating or speaking. This may require occasional adjustments, especially if your jawbone changes shape over time.

Implants feel more like natural teeth. They’re anchored directly into the bone, providing a stable, secure fit that doesn’t move during daily activities.

3. Durability and Longevity

Dentures typically last between 5 to 10 years. Over time, wear and changes in your jaw may require relining or replacement. Most metal partials last at least 5 years, while full dentures may last just over a decade.1

Dental implants have high long-term success rates—around 94% at 15 years—and can often last decades with proper care. While the implant itself is permanent, the crown may eventually need replacement due to wear. 2

4. Maintenance

Dentures need to be removed daily for cleaning and should be soaked overnight. They require special brushes and cleaning solutions to stay in good shape.

Implants are cared for like natural teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups are essential to keep the surrounding bone and gums healthy.

5. Cost

Dentures are usually less expensive upfront, making them more accessible initially. However, adjustments, relines, and eventual replacements can add to the total cost over time.

Dental implants involve a higher initial investment due to surgery and materials. Still, their long lifespan and lower long-term maintenance can make them more cost-effective overall.

6. Bone Health

Dentures do not stimulate the jawbone. Over time, this can lead to bone loss, which may alter your facial shape and affect denture fit.

Implants actively stimulate the bone, helping to maintain bone density and prevent further deterioration. This makes them an ideal solution for preserving jaw structure.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between dentures and dental implants depends on your overall health, budget, and how you want your replacement teeth to look, feel, and function. Below are key factors to consider during your decision-making process.

In some cases, saving a damaged tooth with a root canal therapy burnaby may be an alternative to extraction and replacement.

Health Status

Implants require healthy bone in the jaw to support the titanium posts. If bone loss has occurred, a graft may be needed before proceeding with implant treatment.

Dentures, by contrast, don’t rely on bone volume and are suitable for those who may not be ideal surgical candidates.

Budget

Dentures offer a more affordable entry point. However, they may need adjustments or replacement every few years, which can add to the total cost.

Implants cost more upfront, but their longevity and lower maintenance needs often make them more economical over time.

Lifestyle

Implants provide a more natural feel and require less day-to-day maintenance. They’re ideal for people who want a long-term solution without dietary restrictions or adhesives.

Dentures may be better suited to those who prefer a removable option or are looking for a simpler, non-surgical path to tooth replacement.

➤ Takeaway: Every mouth is different. A dental consultation—including X-rays or 3D scans—is the best way to determine which treatment will meet your needs and goals. Your dentist will consider your oral health, anatomy, and preferences before making a recommendation.

Burnaby Dentist & Orthodontist: Personalized Restorative Care With CDCP Support

At Burnaby Dentist & Orthodontist, we provide advanced restorative care—most notably dental implants—with a strong focus on comfort, precision, and long-term oral health.

We also support eligible patients through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which helps cover the cost of prosthodontic services, including dentures and partial dentures.

Dental Implants With Advanced Planning

If you’re considering implants, our team offers in-clinic surgical placement using digital scans and advanced imaging for precise, safe outcomes.

We assess bone density, bite alignment, and jaw health to create customized treatment plans—ensuring stability and long-term success.

CDCP Coverage & Guidance

As a participating CDCP provider, we help patients understand their eligibility and make the most of available coverage.

While dentures aren’t listed as a standard in-house service, we assist with prosthodontic referrals and treatment planning when dentures or partials are the preferred solution under CDCP benefits.

👉 Learn more about CDCP coverage and how we support your eligibility here.

Flexible Access & Multilingual Care

Located at 3999 Kingsway in Burnaby, our clinic offers Saturday appointments and extended weekday hours to fit your schedule.

We also provide care in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi, and Punjabi, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive support at every visit.

In Summary

Both dentures and dental implants are effective options for replacing missing teeth—but they serve different needs.

Dentures are non-invasive, affordable, and well-suited for those who want a removable solution. Dental implants, while more complex and costly upfront, offer a long-term, natural-feeling, and bone-preserving result.

At Burnaby Dentist & Orthodontist, we offer dental implants directly in our clinic and assist patients who qualify for CDCP in accessing denture services included under their plan. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, our team is here to guide you based on your needs, coverage, and long-term goals.

To find out which path fits your oral health, lifestyle, and long-term goals best, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team.