Dental Implants vs Dentures in Canada How to Choose
Missing teeth can change how you eat, speak, and smile. In Canada, the two most common ways to replace teeth are dental implants and dentures. Both can restore your smile, but they feel and work differently, have different costs and timelines, and suit different people. This guide explains your options in clear, everyday language so you can choose with confidence.
Which is better dental implants or dentures in Canada?
It depends on your goals, health, and budget. Implants are fixed, feel natural, protect jawbone, and last decades, but cost more and need surgery. Dentures are faster and cheaper yet removable and less stable. Your dentist will tailor options carefully.
Why replacing missing teeth matters
Leaving a gap can cause nearby teeth to drift, change your bite, and make chewing harder. Over time, the jawbone under a missing tooth can shrink because it no longer gets stimulation from a tooth root. That can change face shape and make dentures looser. If you are weighing your timing, learn more in why replacing missing teeth matters.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots. A dentist or specialist places the post in the jawbone. Over a few months, the bone and implant fuse together. This process is called osseointegration (the bone grows around the implant). A custom crown, bridge, or denture then attaches to the implant.
How they feel day to day
Implants are fixed in place, so they feel close to natural teeth. They do not come out, and they help keep your bite strong and stable.
Bone health benefits
Because implants sit in bone like a tooth root, they stimulate the jawbone and help slow or prevent bone loss after tooth loss.
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable replacement teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch (top or bottom). Partial dentures replace some teeth and clip around the remaining ones. Modern dentures can look natural, but they rest on gums, not bone, so they may shift, especially lower dentures.
Fit changes over time
As your gums and bone change, dentures can loosen. Most people need adjustments and occasional relines to refresh the fit. Adhesives may help, but many prefer extra stability from dental implants under a denture.
Implants vs dentures at a glance
Stability and comfort
Implants are fixed and steady, so they are reliable for eating and speaking. Traditional dentures can move, especially early on or after weight changes. Some people choose implant supported dentures that snap onto 2–4 implants for extra hold.
Appearance and confidence
Both can look natural. Because implants support individual teeth or a stable bridge, many people find they look and feel more like their own teeth.
Daily care and maintenance
Care for implants is like natural teeth: brush, floss, and see your dental team regularly. Dentures should be removed nightly for cleaning and to rest your gums. Always keep dentures moist when not worn.
Speech and chewing power
Implants usually restore chewing power better, which can help you enjoy a wider range of foods. Dentures may take practice, and some foods remain tricky.
Cost and financing in Canada
Costs vary by province, clinic, and case complexity. As a general guide in Canada:
• Single dental implant with crown: often about $3,000–$6,000 per tooth, depending on bone grafts, materials, and lab fees.
• Traditional complete dentures: typically lower cost than implants, often priced per arch. Prices vary based on materials, customization, and follow-up care.
Insurance plans may cover part of dentures under “major” services. Many plans do not cover implants or cover only a portion. Ask your clinic about payment plans, third‑party financing, or staged treatment to spread costs. If you are comparing fixed options, review how dental implants and bridges compare on cost, timing, and impact on neighbouring teeth.
“Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth.” — American Dental Association (ADA), MouthHealthy
Surgery, healing time, and candidacy
Implants require minor oral surgery. After placement, most people heal over 3–6 months before getting the final crown or bridge. Some cases allow a temporary tooth sooner, depending on bone quality and bite. Dentures do not need surgery and can be made in weeks, making them a faster, lower-cost start if you want a quick solution.
Who is a good candidate for implants
You will need healthy gums, enough jawbone, and good daily oral care. If bone volume is low, a bone graft can often build support. Your dentist will also review medical history. Healing can be affected by smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medicines (like some osteoporosis drugs), and past radiation to the jaw. A careful plan helps reduce risks.
Denture comfort tips
Expect a learning period. Small adjustments improve comfort in the first weeks. Remove dentures at night, clean them daily, and see your dentist if sore spots develop.
Durability and day-to-day care
With good care, implants can last decades. Ten‑year success rates often reach 90–95%. You will still need cleanings, X‑rays when needed, and daily brushing and flossing. Dentures generally last several years, but they may need periodic relines or replacement because gums and bone change. Proper cleaning and safe handling help dentures last longer.
Who should choose implants vs dentures
Choose implants if you want
• A fixed, natural-feeling solution
• Strong chewing power for a varied diet
• Help preventing jawbone loss
• A long-term option you can maintain over time
Choose dentures if you want
• A more affordable and quicker option
• A non-surgical approach
• A removable solution you can take out to clean
• A short-term fix while you plan for implants later
Alternatives and mix-and-match solutions
Some people combine options. For example, two to four implants can anchor a denture so it snaps into place. This improves stability while keeping cost lower than replacing every tooth with an implant. If you are weighing fixed choices, explore the detailed pros and cons of implants versus bridges to understand trade‑offs around nearby teeth, healing time, and upkeep.
Real-world comfort and confidence
It is normal to feel unsure at first. Dentures often need a few adjustments. Implants need patience during healing. A good rule of thumb is to choose the option you are most likely to care for daily. Consistent cleaning and regular checkups protect your investment and your health. If you also want to understand the bigger picture, see why replacing missing teeth matters for long-term comfort, function, and confidence.
Conclusion
If you want a fixed, natural feel and can invest in surgery and time, implants are a strong long‑term choice. If you prefer a faster, lower‑cost solution without surgery, dentures can restore function and appearance. Your dentist can help you weigh jawbone health, budget, medical history, and lifestyle to choose what fits you best today—and plan for the future if your needs change.
FAQ
How long do dental implants last?
With daily brushing and flossing and routine cleanings, implants can last decades. Ten‑year success rates are often around 90–95%. Your habits, gum health, bite forces, and general health all play a role.
Are dentures uncomfortable?
Well‑made dentures can be comfortable, but they may feel bulky at first. Expect follow‑up visits for fit tweaks. Adhesives can help at times, and implant supported dentures give extra stability if you need it.
What if I do not have enough bone for implants?
Your dentist may recommend bone grafting to build support. This adds time and cost but can improve implant stability. If grafting is not right for you, traditional dentures or a bridge may be better for now.
How long does the implant process take?
From the first visit to the final crown, many cases take 3–6 months, sometimes longer if grafting is needed. Some people receive a temporary tooth during healing. Your timeline depends on bone quality, bite, and the number of teeth replaced.
Will insurance in Canada cover implants or dentures?
Many plans help with dentures. Coverage for implants varies and can be limited. Ask about annual maximums, pre‑approvals, and whether a different treatment, like a bridge, would be covered as an alternate benefit.
Are bridges a good middle option?
They can be. A bridge fills a gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side. It is fixed and usually faster than an implant. Your dentist will review your tooth health, bite, and budget to help decide.
