If you have several missing or broken teeth, you’re probably looking for the best way to go about fixing the problem. Two of the most popular options are dental implants and dentures. Which one is the best option?

When you’re on a budget, you’re probably thinking that dentures are the best way to go, as they are typically much cheaper. In fact, dental implant cost can be double, triple, or more than the cost of dentures. However, in order to truly compare these options, you have to understand the full, long-term costs.

Dentures are an affordable option, of course, but they come with a few downsides. The first is that they do nothing to support your jaw bone. Without such support, the bone begins to disintegrate, leading to a sunken mouth – something many people experience through aging. In other words, you can look older than you are. Implants, on the other hand, give the jaw bones a job to do. Therefore, the bone doesn’t disintegrate.

Another downside is that dentures are more likely to experience cracks and other damage. They’re also known for losing shape over time. You’ll usually need to replace them about every five years or so. Dental implants, however, can last your entire life when you take care of them properly.

Though dentures may seem like the more affordable option, you can end up spending the same amount or more on dentures than with the initial investment of dental implants. When deciding how to get the smile you want, be sure to take these long-term costs into account.