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Dental Implants vs. Dentures at 60+: Which Is Right for You?

Home Dental Implants vs. Dentures at 60+: Which Is Right for You?

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile, Your Health, and Your Life

Tooth loss is more common after 60 than most people realize, and it affects far more than your appearance. When you can’t chew comfortably, you avoid certain foods. When your smile changes, your confidence can too. And when teeth are missing, the jawbone beneath them quietly begins to shrink, altering the shape of your face over time.

The good news is that today’s tooth replacement options are better than ever. At Larson Dental in Prescott Valley, Dr. Seth and Zack Larson help patients across the Prescott area understand the real differences between dental implants and dentures — not just the costs and procedures, but what each option actually means for your daily life, your health, and your comfort in the years ahead.

This page is designed to give you an honest, clear comparison so you can walk into your consultation feeling informed and confident, not overwhelmed.

Meet Drs. Seth and Zack Larson

Dr. Seth Larson has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years and is a certified implantologist and member of the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. His dedication to staying current with the latest implant technologies and techniques means patients receive care that reflects the best of modern dentistry — delivered with patience and genuine compassion.

Dr. Zack Larson brings exceptional attention to detail and a deep personal investment in the Prescott community, having grown up in Chino Valley. Together, they lead a team that prioritizes your comfort, your questions, and your long-term well-being at every appointment.

Side-by-Side: How Dental Implants and Dentures Compare

	Dental Implants	Dentures
Look & Feel	Virtually identical to natural teeth	Can look natural, but may shift or feel bulky
Stability	Permanently fixed; never slips	Removable; may loosen over time
Bone Preservation	Yes, it stimulates the jawbone just like a natural root	No, bone loss continues under the gum
Eating Ability	Eat whatever you like	Harder foods and sticky foods may be difficult
Speech	No adjustment needed	May affect speech, especially early on
Daily Maintenance	Brush and floss as normal	Remove nightly; requires soaking and adhesives
Lifespan	20+ years with proper care	Typically, 5–10 years before replacement is needed
Upfront Cost	Higher	Lower
Long-Term Cost	Lower overall (durable, no ongoing adhesive or replacement costs)	Higher over time due to replacements and upkeep
Surgery Required	Yes — minor outpatient procedure	No
Bone Loss Concern	Reverses the problem	Does not address bone loss

What Every Patient Over 60 Should Know

Age alone does not disqualify you from dental implants. Many of our most successful implant patients are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. What matters is the health of your jawbone, your overall health, and your goals. Even patients who have experienced significant bone loss often have more options than they think.

Bone density is one of the most common concerns for older adults considering implants. Conditions like osteoporosis, long-term tooth loss, or years of wearing dentures can reduce the available bone. But this is frequently addressable. Bone grafting procedures can restore the volume needed to support an implant, and modern techniques make these supplemental treatments more predictable and comfortable than ever.

Other health factors, such as diabetes, dry mouth, or certain medications, can affect healing and candidacy. These aren’t automatic disqualifiers, but they’re important to discuss. Our team takes the time to understand your full health picture before recommending any treatment plan because the goal is always the right result for you specifically, not a one-size-fits-all answer.

One thing worth knowing: the longer teeth have been missing, the more bone loss tends to occur. If you’ve been considering implants but putting off the conversation, sooner is usually better, not because we want to rush you, but because acting earlier often means more options and a simpler process.

Understanding the Cost: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking

Indeed, dental implants cost more upfront than dentures. This is one of the most common reasons patients hesitate, and it’s a completely understandable concern. But it’s worth looking at the full financial picture before deciding.

Dentures typically need to be relined, adjusted, or fully replaced every five to ten years as the jaw changes shape beneath them. Add in the ongoing cost of adhesives, cleaning solutions, and occasional repairs, and the total expense over a decade or two can rival — or exceed — the cost of implants. Implants, by contrast, are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.

At Larson Dental, we make implant care accessible through:

Delta Dental, Cigna, and Aetna — we accept most major insurance plans and work to maximize your benefits
CareCredit financing — flexible payment plans with no-interest options during the promotional period
Personalized cost consultations — our team walks through your coverage before treatment begins, so there are no surprises

If cost is a concern, we encourage you to call us before ruling anything out. You can reach us at 928-237-9064.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

The best way to know for certain is to schedule a consultation, but here are some general indicators that you may be a candidate for dental implants:

You are in generally good health, and your mouth has healed normally from past dental procedures
You have adequate jawbone density, or are open to a bone grafting procedure if needed
You are a non-smoker, or are willing to quit smoking during the healing process
You want a permanent, low-maintenance solution
You want to be able to eat, speak, and smile without restriction or self-consciousness
You are looking for a long-term investment in your oral and overall health

Even if you’ve worn dentures for years, even decades, implants may still be an option. Many patients make the transition from dentures to implants and describe it as one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. We’ll take a thorough look at your jawbone with 3D imaging and give you an honest assessment of exactly what’s possible for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it too late to get dental implants at 65 or 70?

Can I get implants if I've worn dentures for years?

Will implants work if I have bone loss?

Is it too late to get dental implants at 65 or 70?

Not at all. There is no upper age limit for dental implants. What matters is your overall health and the condition of your jawbone — not your age. Many of our patients receive implants in their late 60s and 70s with excellent results.

Can I get implants if I've worn dentures for years?

Quite possibly, yes. Long-term denture wear does accelerate bone loss, which can complicate implant placement — but bone grafting can often restore enough volume to support implants. A consultation with 3D imaging will give you a clear and honest answer.

Will implants work if I have bone loss?

It depends on the degree of bone loss. Mild to moderate bone loss can often be addressed with bone grafting procedures. Severe bone loss may require more involved treatment, or in some cases, a different solution — but we won’t know until we’ve had a chance to look at your imaging. We’ll always be straightforward with you about what’s realistic.

Ready to Find Out Which Option Is Right for You?

There’s no pressure and no obligation — just a conversation. At Larson Dental, we believe every patient deserves clear information and the time to make the decision that’s right for their life. Whether you’re leaning toward implants, considering dentures, or simply not sure yet, we’re here to help you sort through it.

Call our Prescott Valley dental office at 928-237-9064 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, Paulden, and the surrounding communities.