When it comes to restoring a full, healthy smile, patients today have more options than ever before. Silicone dentures are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional acrylic dentures, offering more flexibility and comfort. But how do they compare to dental implants, which are widely regarded as the gold standard for tooth replacement?

At Lasting Smiles, with locations in Las Vegas, Irvine, and Pasadena, our specialists are often asked: Are silicone dentures a good option? Or should I consider dental implants instead?

This comprehensive guide will explore:

• What are silicone dentures?
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Usage and durability
• How they compare with dental implants
• Why many patients ultimately choose implants

Let’s break it down.

What Are Silicone Dentures?

Silicone dentures are soft, flexible, and biocompatible alternatives to conventional hard acrylic dentures. Made from medical-grade silicone rubber, they are designed to mold to your gums more comfortably than rigid bases.

Unlike traditional dentures, which can feel bulky and stiff, silicone dentures offer a more natural fit and flexibility. This makes them a preferred option for patients who experience discomfort or irritation with standard dentures.

However, it’s important to note: silicone is typically used only for the lining or base of the denture, not the teeth themselves. The teeth are still made from acrylic or composite resin.

Advantages of Silicone Dentures

Patients often report several benefits of choosing silicone over traditional acrylic:

• ✅ Comfortable Fit: Softer material reduces gum irritation and pressure sores.
• ✅ Flexible Design: Better adapts to the movement of the jaw and gums.
• ✅ Lightweight: Easier to wear for long hours without fatigue.
• ✅ Hypoallergenic: Ideal for patients with sensitivities to metal or acrylic.
• ✅ No Metal Hooks: Aesthetically more pleasing for partial dentures.

Silicone dentures can be a suitable option for those who want a non-invasive, removable solution. However, they aren’t perfect.

What Are Silicone Dentures Used For?

Silicone dentures are typically used in the following scenarios:

• As complete dentures for patients missing all their teeth
• As partial dentures to replace a few missing teeth
• As a temporary or transitional solution before getting dental implants
• For patients with sensitive gums who struggle with traditional hard acrylic dentures

They are not meant to permanently replace the function of real teeth or implants, especially when it comes to bite force and long-term oral health.

For long-term results and maximum function, we often recommend full mouth dental implants instead.

How Long Do Silicone Dentures Last?

With proper care, silicone dentures can last 2 to 5 years. However, they are more prone to wear and tear due to their softness.

Factors affecting their longevity:

• Daily wear and tear
• Changes in jawbone shape
• Oral hygiene habits
• Chewing habits (hard foods can reduce their life span)

Compare this with dental implants, which—when maintained properly—can last 20+ years or even a lifetime.

Can You Eat With Silicone Dentures?

Yes, you can eat with silicone dentures, but with caution.

Because of their flexibility and less secure fit compared to implants or fixed bridges, silicone dentures can:

• Shift while chewing harder foods
• Make biting into tough or sticky foods more difficult
• Require more frequent adjustments

Most users find soft and moderately textured foods easiest to manage. Patients needing full chewing power should consider All-on-4 or full arch implant options instead.

Are Silicone Dentures Good?

Silicone dentures are a significant improvement over older acrylic options—especially for patients with oral sensitivity, dry mouth, or allergies. But they’re still a removable solution, which means they can’t replicate the strength, stability, and long-term benefits of dental implants.

If your priority is comfort, flexibility, and affordability in the short-term, they’re a great choice.

If your priority is long-term function, bone preservation, and permanently fixed teeth, dental implants are the clear winner.

How Do Silicone Dentures Stay in Place?

Silicone dentures stay in place via suction and flexibility. The soft silicone base creates a seal over your gums and palate, conforming closely to your oral contours.

That said:

• They may still slip during speaking or chewing.
• You might need denture adhesives to improve retention.
• Over time, changes in your jawbone can affect how well they stay put.

Compare that with dental implants, which are surgically anchored into your jawbone and don’t move at all. Learn more about implant-supported dentures if you want a hybrid of both.

Side Effects or Downsides of Silicone Dentures

While silicone dentures are more comfortable than traditional ones, they aren’t without potential issues:

• ⚠️ Wear and Tear: Softer materials wear down faster than hard acrylic.
• ⚠️ Less Support for Chewing: Not ideal for hard or crunchy foods.
• ⚠️ Retention Issues: May loosen more easily over time.
• ⚠️ Higher Cost than Standard Dentures: But still lower than implants.
• ⚠️ Not Bone-Preserving: Unlike implants, they don’t stimulate your jawbone.

Over time, wearing any removable denture can accelerate jawbone resorption, leading to facial collapse and poorer fit. This is a key reason many patients upgrade to dental implants.

Silicone Dentures vs Dental Implants: What’s the Difference?

Why Dental Implants Are the Better Long-Term Solution

While silicone dentures are an excellent temporary or budget-conscious solution, they can’t match the function, durability, and oral health benefits of dental implants.

Here’s why thousands of patients choose implants at Lasting Smiles:

• Implants look, feel, and function like real teeth.
• They preserve jawbone and prevent facial collapse.
• No slipping, no adhesives—just confident chewing and speaking.
• They require no special care—just brush and floss.
• They last decades, making them more cost-effective over time.

Patients seeking a natural, worry-free smile often opt for full-mouth implant options like our 3-on-6 system or All-on-4 implants.

Why Choose Lasting Smiles for Tooth Replacement?

With in-house technology, sedation options, and dental specialists who have placed thousands of implants and dentures, Lasting Smiles provides unmatched care and experience.

• ✅ In-house lab for faster results
• ✅ 3D imaging and digital planning
• ✅ Sedation dentistry for comfort
• ✅ Options for every budget and lifestyle
• ✅ Locations in Las Vegas, Irvine, and Pasadena

Whether you’re considering silicone dentures or full dental implants, our team will walk you through your options with transparency and care.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you’re missing teeth and wondering if silicone dentures or dental implants are right for you, book a complimentary consultation with one of our implant experts today.

Contact us to schedule your visit at Lasting Smiles in Las Vegas, Irvine, or Pasadena.