Both replace missing teeth — but they work in fundamentally different ways. An implant is a permanent, fixed replacement anchored in the jawbone. A denture is a removable appliance that sits on the gums. The right choice depends on your bone, budget and how many teeth need replacing.
Implant From
£2,950
Denture From
£795
Consultation
FREE
If you are missing teeth and exploring your replacement options, dental implants and dentures represent two very different approaches. Implants are permanent, fixed restorations anchored in the jawbone. Dentures are removable appliances that sit on the gums and can be taken in and out.
Both are part of our comprehensive restorative dentistry services. Dentures offer a non-invasive, affordable solution — particularly for patients missing multiple teeth or entire arches. Implants offer unmatched longevity, bone preservation and the closest experience to natural teeth. We also offer implant-retained dentures — a hybrid that clips a denture onto 2–4 implants for superior stability.
We offer a free 15-minute implant consultation so you can discuss your options with no cost and no obligation — book online or call us on 020 7183 0527.
At a Glance
Dental implants vs dentures — side by side.
| Feature | Dental Implant · From £2,950 | Denture · From £795 |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Method | Titanium root placed in jawbone — fixed, permanent crown attached | Removable appliance resting on the gums — held by suction or clasps |
| Surgery Required | Yes — minor oral surgery under local anaesthetic | No — non-invasive impressions only |
| Treatment Time | 3–6 months (including healing) | 3–6 weeks (3–5 appointments) |
| Bone Preservation | Yes — stimulates jawbone like a natural root | No — jawbone gradually resorbs over time |
| Removable? | No — fixed permanently in place | Yes — removed daily for cleaning and overnight |
| Chewing Efficiency | Excellent — near-identical to natural teeth | Good (upper) / moderate (lower) — adjustment period required |
| Aesthetics | Excellent — individually shade-matched porcelain crown | Very good — modern teeth closely matched to natural shade |
| Cost at Our Clinic | From £2,950 (single implant inc. crown) | From £795 (acrylic partial denture) |
| Longevity | 25+ years (implant); 15–25 years (crown on top) | 5–10 years (acrylic/full); 8–12 years (cobalt-chrome) |
| Maintenance | Normal brushing and flossing — like a natural tooth | Daily removal, brushing with denture cleanser, overnight soaking |
Treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical assessment. All prices confirmed before treatment begins.
Permanent Tooth Replacement
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the bone in a natural process called osseointegration, creating an extremely strong foundation. A custom-made porcelain crown is then attached, completing the restoration.
At Dental Clinic London, a single dental implant including the crown costs from £2,950. The titanium implant itself is designed for long-term use; the porcelain crown on top may need replacing after 15–25 years. Published clinical studies report implant success rates of approximately 95–98% over 10 years.
Crucially, implants are the only widely used tooth replacement that actively stimulates and preserves jawbone. They stimulate the bone just like a natural root, preventing the bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. This is particularly important for patients considering dentures, since bone resorption is what causes dentures to become loose over time.
Removable Tooth Replacement
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They sit on the gums and are held in place by suction (upper dentures), clasps on remaining teeth (partial dentures) or denture adhesive. Modern dentures are carefully shade-matched and designed to look natural.
At Dental Clinic London, we offer four types: acrylic partial dentures from £795, full dentures from £1,095 per arch, Valplast flexi dentures from £895 and cobalt-chrome dentures at £1,395. Dentures are typically completed in 3–5 appointments over 3–6 weeks.
Dentures are the most affordable tooth replacement and the only option that does not require any surgery. They can replace one tooth, several teeth or an entire arch — making them particularly versatile for patients with extensive tooth loss who are not candidates for, or do not wish to have, implant surgery.
Understanding the Difference
This is the most fundamental difference. A dental implant is permanently fixed in the jawbone — once placed, it stays in your mouth like a natural tooth. You brush it, floss around it and forget about it. A denture is removable — you take it out every night for cleaning and to let your gums rest. Some patients find the daily routine of removing and cleaning dentures inconvenient, while others prefer the familiarity. For patients who want a completely fixed result, implants are the only option.
When teeth are lost, the jawbone beneath them gradually shrinks — a process called resorption. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that prevents this, because the titanium screw stimulates the bone just like a natural root. Dentures sit on top of the gums and provide no bone stimulation, so resorption continues. Over years, this changes the shape of the jaw and the face, and it is the primary reason dentures become loose and need relining (from £195) or replacing.
Dentures are significantly quicker to complete — typically 3–5 appointments over 3–6 weeks, with no surgery at all. An implant requires a minor surgical procedure followed by 3–6 months of healing while the implant fuses with the jawbone. If bone grafting is needed (from £750), this adds further time. For patients who need replacement teeth quickly — or who wish to avoid surgery entirely — dentures deliver a functional result in weeks rather than months.
Dentures are the most affordable option. Acrylic partial dentures start from £795, full dentures from £1,095 per arch, Valplast flexi dentures from £895 and cobalt-chrome dentures from £1,395. A single dental implant including the crown costs from £2,950. An implant-retained denture — a hybrid that clips onto 2–4 implants — starts from £5,500. However, dentures need replacing every 5–10 years, while implants can last many years to decades. Over decades, the total cost of repeated denture replacements may approach the one-off investment in implants.
Dental implants function almost identically to natural teeth — you can eat virtually anything without restriction. Dentures require an adjustment period of 2–4 weeks while your mouth adapts. Most patients eat a wide range of foods comfortably, but very hard or sticky foods should be approached with care. Upper dentures generally have excellent retention via suction; lower dentures can feel less secure. Cobalt-chrome dentures (£1,395) offer better comfort and chewing than standard acrylic, and implant-retained dentures provide near-natural chewing efficiency.
Weighing Up
Advantages
Limitations
Advantages
Limitations
Transparent Pricing
Prices at Dental Clinic London. View our complete fee guide for all treatment pricing.
| Treatment | Price | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Free Implant Consultation (15 min)Discuss options with a dentist — no obligation | FREE | — |
| New Patient ExaminationFull assessment, X-rays & treatment plan | £30 | — |
| Acrylic Partial DentureReplace one or more missing teeth | From £795 | 5–8 years |
| Valplast Flexi DentureMetal-free, flexible & virtually invisible | £895 | 5–8 years |
| Full (Complete) DentureFull upper or lower arch replacement | From £1,095 | 5–10 years |
| Cobalt-Chrome DenturePremium metal-framed — thinner, stronger, longer-lasting | £1,395 | 8–12 years |
| Single Dental Implant (inc. crown)Titanium implant, abutment & porcelain crown | From £2,950 | 25+ years |
| Implant-Retained DentureDenture clips onto 2–4 implants — superior stability | From £5,500 | 15+ years |
| Bone Graft (if required)Rebuild jawbone volume before implant placement | From £750 | — |
All costs confirmed before treatment begins. 0% finance available on selected treatments, subject to status.
Making Your Decision
The right choice depends on your jawbone, how many teeth need replacing, your budget and your personal priorities. Here is a general guide — your dentist will confirm the best approach following examination.
Dental implants are the longest-lasting widely used tooth replacement. The titanium implant is designed for long-term use and also preserves jawbone — preventing the bone loss that gradually changes your facial structure after tooth loss. Dentures typically last 5–10 years (acrylic) or 8–12 years (cobalt-chrome) and need periodic relining and eventually replacing. Over a patient's lifetime, implants often prove more cost-effective by avoiding repeated replacements.
If budget is your primary concern, dentures are the most affordable tooth replacement available. Acrylic partial dentures start from just £795 — significantly less than a single implant at £2,950. Full dentures (from £1,095 per arch) can replace an entire arch of teeth for a fraction of the cost of multiple implants. Cobalt-chrome dentures (£1,395) offer a premium upgrade that lasts longer. 0% finance is also available on selected treatments.
For patients who have lost all teeth in one or both arches, a full denture (from £1,095 per arch) is the fastest and most affordable solution. For superior stability — no movement during eating or speaking and no adhesive — an implant-retained denture (from £5,500) clips onto 2–4 implants and is a popular upgrade. Both are available as part of our general dentistry services.
If preventing bone loss is important to you, dental implants are the only option. They stimulate the jawbone just like a natural tooth root, halting the resorption process that begins when teeth are lost. Dentures sit on the gums and do not stimulate bone, so the jaw continues to shrink. This gradual bone loss is why dentures become loose over time. Implants maintain the volume and density of the jawbone for the long term.
All tooth replacement options are discussed as part of our general dentistry and restorative dentistry services. Contact us to find out which option is right for you.
Common Questions
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Book a free 15-minute implant consultation at Dental Clinic London. Your dentist will assess your teeth, jawbone and overall suitability and recommend the most appropriate option — whether that is implants, dentures, an implant-retained denture or something else entirely. No cost, no obligation.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. All treatment outcomes vary by patient. Prices shown are starting prices and may vary depending on complexity. Dental Clinic London is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).