Implant Supported Dentures vs Conventional Dentures

Dentures are a great way to restore your mouth to a healthy, fully functioning state. Denture options include traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures. Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for implant-supported dentures. In this section, we will review the differences between these two types of dentures so you can be informed when determining which type is best for you.

What is the difference between traditional dentures and implants supported dentures?

A traditional denture is what most people think about when they think about a denture. It fits over your gums and is secured in place using retention and adhesion. Traditional dentures can be removed by the patient for cleaning and sleeping. Patients that are unable to receive dental implants are best suited to traditional dentures.

An implant-supported denture is a full denture, the same as a traditional denture, but is secured in place with dental implants. Implant-supported dentures do not use adhesion and do not rest on your gums, instead they are screwed into dental implants that are surgically placed in your jaw bone and cannot be removed except by a dentist.

Comparing Conventional Dentures and Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures stimulate the jawbone and help maintain the integrity of its structure. For this type of denture, the patient has to be healthy enough to endure implant placement surgery. While the patient heals from implant surgery, they are typically able to wear a temporary denture to protect the implants while they heal and allow the patient to eat and speak.

Implant-supported dentures are significantly more secure since they are screwed in and cannot slip around.

Traditional dentures are less expensive than their implant-supported counterparts and do not require any surgery. The downside to traditional dentures is that they can cause sores in the mouth if they do not fit properly and will likely have to be replaced every 10 years or so. They also do not allow for bone stimulation and can sometimes lead to bone deterioration.

What is your best treatment option in the long run?

While the cost of a traditional denture can be significantly less than that of an implant-supported denture, in the long run, it could become much more costly and can lead to other health concerns. Over time, traditional dentures allow for deterioration in the jawbone which can greatly change the shape of your facial structure. Traditional dentures are also much more likely to require replacement at least a few times whereas implant-supported dentures can easily last a lifetime.

A lot of patients find that implant-supported dentures are easier to become accustomed to and have an easier time eating and speaking.

The longevity of implant-supported dentures makes them a better choice in the long run for many patients. Your dentist will help you determine if you are a candidate for implant-supported dentures or if you would be best served with traditional dentures.

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