Dentures vs Dental Implants: What Alaskans Should Get

Losing teeth is a bigger life change than most people realize. It’s not just about looks. It’s about how you eat, how you talk, and even how confident you feel sitting across from someone in a coffee shop on Northern Lights Boulevard. Many Alaskans who come into our office tell me they never thought about their teeth until they were gone. Then suddenly every meal, every laugh, every photo with friends feels different.

If you’re weighing dentures against dental implants, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions patients in Anchorage, Eagle River, and even folks driving in from Wasilla ask. Both options restore your smile, but they do so in very different ways. Choosing between them depends on your health, your budget, and your lifestyle.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and real-life experiences I’ve seen with both dentures and implants here in Alaska.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. Most people think of the traditional full denture that sits on the gums, but dentures can also be partial (filling in gaps between remaining teeth).

A lot of Alaskans are familiar with dentures because parents or grandparents wore them. I’ve heard plenty of stories from patients about their dad leaving his dentures on the counter during fishing trips or a grandmother clicking her dentures into place before Sunday dinner.

Modern dentures aren’t the bulky, awkward appliances of decades past. Today’s versions are slimmer, lighter, and can be shaped to look natural. That said, they’re still removable, and that comes with trade-offs.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or zirconia that are placed into the jawbone. Once the implant fuses with the bone, a crown, bridge, or full set of teeth can be attached.

Think of implants like the foundation of a house. They don’t just sit on top of the ground like a tent (the way dentures rest on your gums). Instead, they anchor deep into the bone so the new teeth are solid, stable, and permanent.

One of my favorite stories is from a patient in his late 50s who loved hiking Flattop but hated how his old dentures slipped when he tried to eat trail mix or jerky. After he invested in implants, he told me it felt like getting his “real teeth” back. That kind of confidence is hard to put a price on.

Dentures vs Implants: Cost in Alaska

Money is often the first factor people bring up. Let’s break it down:

• Dentures: A complete set of dentures in Alaska usually costs between $1,800 and $3,500 depending on materials and customization. Partial dentures cost less. Insurance often covers part of the expense.

• Implants: A single dental implant in Anchorage ranges from $3,500 to $6,000. Full-arch options like All-on-4 implants (a permanent set of teeth supported by four implants) can run $20,000 or more per arch. Insurance usually helps with dentures more than implants, though some newer plans provide partial implant coverage.

When I talk to patients, I like to frame it this way: dentures are the “short-term budget option,” while implants are the “long-term investment.”

Durability and Longevity

Dentures don’t last forever. Most sets need to be relined or replaced every 5–7 years as the jawbone changes shape. That’s because once teeth are gone, the bone starts to shrink. Over time, dentures can feel loose and uncomfortable.

Implants, on the other hand, are built to last decades. With good oral care, most implants can last a lifetime. They also help preserve bone, which prevents the sunken facial look that long-term denture wearers sometimes notice.

A retired teacher from Eagle River once told me she felt like her dentures aged her overnight. After switching to implants, she said her face looked fuller and her smile felt more natural. That bone preservation is a major advantage.

Comfort and Lifestyle

Dentures cover a larger area of the mouth, which can sometimes affect taste and speech. They can slip when you’re eating sticky or chewy foods. Even with adhesives, many people feel a little insecure about them in social situations.

Implants, on the other hand, feel almost identical to natural teeth. You can eat apples, steak, or even hard bread without worry. They don’t come out, they don’t need adhesives, and you care for them the same way you would your original teeth.

That said, surgery isn’t for everyone. Some patients have health conditions or bone loss that make implants more challenging. In those cases, dentures are often the more realistic choice.

Maintenance

Dentures require daily cleaning outside the mouth. You’ll need to soak them overnight and brush them gently to remove food particles and bacteria.

Implants are easier to care for. You brush, floss, and schedule regular dental cleanings just like you always have. The simplicity appeals to many people who don’t want the hassle of taking something in and out every day.

Confidence and Appearance

This is where implants often win by a landslide. Most patients report that implants look and feel more like their real teeth. Dentures can also look very natural, but wearers often say they don’t feel the same when talking, laughing, or eating in public.

One of my Anchorage patients described it perfectly: “With dentures, I smile for other people. With implants, I smile for myself.”

The Surgical Factor

Implants require surgery and healing time. For some, that’s a barrier. Recovery usually takes a few months, especially if bone grafting is needed.

Dentures don’t require surgery, which makes them more accessible for people with certain medical conditions or those who want results quickly.

Weather, Lifestyle, and Alaskan Realities

Living in Alaska adds a unique layer to the decision. Many of us spend time outdoors—fishing, hunting, hiking, or just managing icy driveways in the winter. The last thing you want is a denture slipping when you’re trying to bite into a salmon burger at a family cookout.

Anchorage winters can also be rough on denture adhesives, especially if you’re out in the cold for long stretches. Implants hold up better in those conditions.

On the flip side, travel logistics matter. For implants, you may need multiple appointments over several months. Patients from smaller communities outside Anchorage sometimes prefer dentures because they can be made and fitted in fewer visits.

Who Should Consider Dentures?

• Patients who need an affordable solution quickly

• People with significant bone loss who aren’t candidates for implants

• Those who want a non-surgical option

• Anyone prioritizing budget over long-term convenience

Who Should Consider Implants?

• Patients seeking the most natural, permanent option

• People who want to eat without restrictions

• Those who care about preserving jawbone and facial shape

• Patients who can invest in a long-term solution

A Middle Ground: Implant-Supported Dentures

There’s also a hybrid solution that many Alaskans find appealing: implant-supported dentures. Instead of sitting on the gums, dentures clip onto a few strategically placed implants. This offers more stability than traditional dentures but at a lower cost than a full set of implants.

One of my patients from Wasilla chose this route. She wanted something more secure than dentures but didn’t want the expense of full implants. She told me it was the best compromise—she could laugh with her grandkids without worry, and she still stayed within her budget.

What Alaskans Ask Most Often

“Do dentures hurt?”

They can feel sore at first, especially as the gums adjust, but most people adapt within a few weeks.

“Are implants painful?”

The surgery itself is done under anesthesia, and most patients describe the recovery as less painful than they expected—more like mild soreness than severe pain.

“How do I know if I have enough bone for implants?”

Your dentist will use digital imaging like CBCT scans to evaluate bone density. Even if bone loss has occurred, grafting can sometimes rebuild enough support.

“Will insurance cover this?”

In Alaska, most insurance plans cover dentures at least partially. Implant coverage is improving but still limited. It’s worth calling your provider to check.

Making the Choice

Here’s the truth: there’s no universal “best” option. It comes down to your priorities.

• If you want affordability and quick results, dentures make sense.

• If you want permanence, stability, and the closest thing to your natural teeth, implants are worth the investment.

• If you’re somewhere in between, implant-supported dentures may be the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between dentures and implants in Alaska is more than a dental decision—it’s a quality-of-life decision. I’ve seen patients who light up after finally biting into an apple again, and others who feel relieved just to have a comfortable smile back after years of avoiding photos.

If you’re thinking about making this choice, start with a consultation. Ask about your bone health, your insurance, and your long-term goals. Whether you’re in Anchorage, Eagle River, or driving in from the Valley, the right treatment is the one that fits your life. At the end of the day, both dentures and implants are tools to help you live fully again. And that’s the part that matters most. 

Ready to get a smile that's better than yesterday? Schedule an appointment with any of our AK branches today!