Implant-retained dentures vs. traditional dentures
Traditional, removable dentures are a well-known way to replace entire rows of teeth. Thankfully, implant-retained dentures are becoming more well-known, and, for many patients, they are a welcome alternative option, providing greater comfort, better function, and a more natural appearance. To best determine which type of dentures may suit your needs and preferences, it’s important to understand the differences between these two popular types of dental restorations.
While traditional dentures are less expensive than implant-retained dentures, as the bones in the jaw resorb and the shape of the jaws change, these dentures can become loose and ill-fitting; to maintain comfort and efficacy, they may require relatively frequent replacement. Traditional dentures may be preferable when seeking an immediate and affordable replacement for multiple missing teeth. For many wearers, they can be difficult to get used to, affecting the wearer’s ability to comfortably speak and eat. Traditional dentures may also pose challenges while eating, leading their wearers to choose soft foods or an otherwise narrow, limited diet.
Implant-retained dentures optimize the available amount of healthy bone, though they may not be an appropriate option for people with significant bone loss in their jaws. In some cases, the amount of available bone can be augmented with bone grafts, and in other cases, mini implants may be used; these mini implants require a smaller amount of healthy available bone. A dentist can help you determine which of these options might work best for you. Implant-retained dentures can be permanent, or they can be removable. Removable varieties of implant-retained dentures can be clipped or snapped on to the tops of implants that are placed in the jaw, providing security while also allowing for flexibility and ease of cleaning. Implant-retained dentures are more efficiently designed than traditional dentures and are reported to be far more comfortable than their conventional, removable counterparts; they don’t rub or slip, and they leave the palate exposed, allowing for fuller taste sensation while eating and greater articulation and ease while talking.
As an added benefit, the placement of implants improves the health of the bone where the implants are placed, stimulating bone growth and enhancing the strength of the bone. New, healthy bone forms around the implants as they fuse to the bone, in a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration enhances the strength of the denture while also preserving the shape and integrity of the jaw bone itself. Because dental implants are very resilient, especially after they have fused with the surrounding bone through osseointegration, they can support a significant amount of force. This means that it may be possible to place a denture on as few as two or four implants, especially in the lower jaw, which can help reduce cost while still providing a strong and natural restoration. Wearers report that implant-retained dentures feel more like natural teeth than traditional dentures, allowing them to eat, talk, and smile with newfound confidence. If you’re missing several of your natural teeth, your dentist can help you determine what type of denture is best for your clinical needs and for your budget.