Dental Implants vs Dentures vs Bridges: Complete Comparison

Overview: Tooth Replacement Options

Missing teeth affect more than just your smile—they impact eating, speaking, and overall oral health. The three main replacement options are:

1. Dental Implants: Permanent titanium posts with crowns
2. Dentures: Removable prosthetic teeth
3. Bridges: Fixed prosthetics attached to adjacent teeth

Quick Comparison Chart

Factor	Implants	Dentures	Bridges
Lifespan	25+ years	5-10 years	10-15 years
Cost (Bay Area)	$3,500-$6,500/tooth	$1,000-$3,000	$2,000-$5,000
Bone Preservation	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Looks Natural	✅ Excellent	⚠️ Good	✅ Very Good
Maintenance	Easy	Daily removal	Moderate
Surgery Required	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Affects Other Teeth	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes

Dental Implants: The Gold Standard

Pros

• Permanent solution: Lasts 25+ years with proper care
• Preserves bone: Prevents jawbone deterioration
• Looks and feels natural: Indistinguishable from real teeth
• No dietary restrictions: Eat anything you want
• No daily removal: Brush and floss like natural teeth
• Protects adjacent teeth: No grinding required

Cons

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires surgery
• Longer treatment timeline (3-6 months)
• May need bone grafting

Best For

• Single or multiple missing teeth
• Patients with good bone density
• Those seeking a permanent solution
• Tech professionals wanting natural appearance

Dentures: Affordable & Non-Invasive

Pros

• Most affordable option
• No surgery required
• Quick solution
• Can replace many teeth at once

Cons

• Removable (can slip)
• May affect taste and speech
• Causes bone loss over time
• Requires adhesives
• Needs replacement every 5-10 years

Best For

• Multiple missing teeth on a budget
• Patients who cannot undergo surgery
• Temporary solution while saving for implants

Dental Bridges: Middle Ground

Pros

• Fixed (not removable)
• Faster than implants
• Less expensive than implants
• No surgery required

Cons

• Requires grinding healthy adjacent teeth
• Doesn't prevent bone loss
• Limited lifespan (10-15 years)
• Can cause stress on supporting teeth

Best For

• Replacing 1-3 adjacent missing teeth
• When adjacent teeth need crowns anyway
• Patients who can't have surgery

Long-Term Cost Comparison

Option	Initial Cost	20-Year Cost
Implant	$5,000	$5,000
Dentures	$2,000	$6,000+ (3 replacements)
Bridge	$3,500	$7,000 (1 replacement)

Implants often cost less over time despite higher upfront investment.

Dr. Na Zhao's Recommendation

As a Harvard-trained implant specialist, Dr. Na recommends dental implants for most patients because:

"Implants are the only option that preserves your jawbone and functions exactly like natural teeth. While the initial investment is higher, patients save money and avoid complications in the long run."

Who Should Choose What?

• Choose Implants if: You want a permanent solution and have adequate bone
• Choose Dentures if: Budget is primary concern or surgery isn't possible
• Choose Bridges if: Adjacent teeth need crowns and you want a faster solution

All-on-4: Full Arch Implants

For patients missing all teeth, All-on-4 implants offer a superior alternative to dentures:

• Only 4 implants support a full arch
• Fixed, non-removable teeth
• Completed in one day
• Cost: $20,000 - $35,000 per arch

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Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a free consultation at Dr. Na Dental in San Mateo. We serve patients from Foster City, Burlingame, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and throughout the Peninsula.