If you are missing one or more teeth, the two most common ways to replace them are dentures and dental implants. Both can restore your smile and your ability to eat comfortably. The right choice depends on your mouth, your health, your budget and what matters most to you.

At Elation Dental we offer both. Our dentists provide implant treatment, and our Elation Denture Clinic with dental prosthetist Mr Jeremy Kearns makes full and partial dentures in-house every Thursday. That means we can talk you through every option without steering you towards one.

Dentures: removable and lower upfront cost

A denture is a removable set of replacement teeth. A full denture replaces all the teeth in an arch, and a partial denture fills gaps between your remaining natural teeth.

Lower upfront cost. Dentures generally cost less than implants, especially when several teeth are missing.
No surgery. Dentures are made from impressions or scans and fitted over a few appointments.
Easy to adjust. Teeth can be added, and dentures can be relined or repaired as your mouth changes.
Things to know. Dentures can move when eating or talking, especially lower full dentures. They need to be taken out to clean, and usually need relining or replacing every few years as the gums and bone shrink.

Dental implants: fixed and closer to natural teeth

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to support a crown, a bridge or a full arch of teeth.

Fixed in place. Implant crowns and bridges do not come out, so they feel and function more like natural teeth.
Help preserve bone. Implants load the jawbone in a way dentures do not, which can help slow bone loss.
Long-lasting. With good home care and regular check-ups, implants can last many years.
Things to know. Implants involve minor surgery and a healing period of a few months. They cost more upfront, and not everyone is suitable. Significant bone loss, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and some medications can affect healing.

A middle option: implant-retained dentures

If a lower denture keeps moving, two or more implants can be placed so the denture clips on securely. This gives much better stability than a standard denture, at a lower cost than replacing every tooth with implants. For a fully fixed solution, All-on-X uses several implants to hold a complete arch of teeth that does not come out.

Which one should you choose?

There is no single right answer. Dentures may suit you if you want a lower-cost, non-surgical option or are not a good candidate for surgery. Implants may suit you if you want fixed teeth and long-term stability and have healthy bone and gums. Many people choose a combination over time.

At your consultation we examine your mouth, take x-rays or scans where needed, and give you a written quote for each option so you can compare cost, time and what to expect. Payment plans are available through National Dental Plan by humm and Afterpay. See fees and health funds for details.

Please note: any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Book a consultation online or call Elation Dental on 9725 2029 to talk through your options.