Implant Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures: What is the Difference?

Having multiple missing teeth can seriously impact your quality of life and your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Fortunately, tooth replacement options, including implant dentures and traditional dentures, can offer you a full and functional smile once again. While these two options seem fairly similar, there are some notable differences, including comfort, durability, maintenance, and cost.

What are Implant Dentures?

They are a fixed dental prosthetic that is held in place using four strategically placed dental implants. Implant dentures can be used to replace a full upper arch, lower arch, or both, depending on the severity of your tooth loss.

Benefits of Implant Dentures

There are several advantages to having dentures that are securely attached to your jawbone and that do not need to be removed at night for cleaning.

• Comfort: Implant-supported dentures are held in place using dental implants that keep them from shifting and rubbing against your gums. You do not have to worry about developing sore spots or applying a sticky adhesive, and they do not cover the palate on the roof of your mouth. They also tend to be less bulky.
• Stability: Your dentures will not accidentally fall out when eating tough foods, talking, or laughing. They can withstand greater bite force, meaning you can eat any food you want with confidence, and you can speak more clearly because they will not shift as you form different words.
• Bone Stimulation: The dental implants act as substitute tooth roots and fuse with existing bone. This helps to stimulate the bone and prevent absorption or bone loss.
• Easy Care: Caring for your implant dentures is as easy as brushing and flossing like normal. They are non-removable and stay in while you sleep.
• Long-Lasting: Because the dentures are fitted to dental implants and not the shape of your gums and bone, they do not require regular refitting or modifications. They are also more durable and resistant to warping.

Drawbacks of Implant Dentures

While implant-supported dentures have numerous advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to be aware of:

• Surgery: You will need to have any remaining teeth extracted and the dental implants surgically inserted into your jawbone. However, this is a generally safe procedure and can be done in just a few hours.
• Wait Time: You will have to wait for around three months until the dental implants have fused with the bone and your permanent dentures can be attached. During this time, you will need to eat a soft food diet, but once you have your implant-supported dentures, you can return to your normal diet.
• Cost: Implant-supported dentures can cost more upfront due to surgery and the difference in how they are made, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run because they require less upkeep and replacement than traditional dentures.

What are Traditional Dentures?

Also known as conventional dentures, they are removable dental prostheses that can replace your full upper or lower arches of teeth. These are what many people picture when they think of dentures, and they have been around for decades. Traditional dentures fit over your gums and are held in place by suction or adhesives.

Benefits of Traditional Dentures

A tried-and-true tooth replacement option, there are some advantages to traditional dentures:

• Non-Surgical: No surgery is required for traditional dentures, aside from tooth extraction.
• Wait Time: Once you have been fitted for dentures, it only takes a few weeks for them to be made, and you can start using them right away. The recovery time is much shorter than with implant-supported dentures.
• Cost: They are less expensive than implant-supported dentures up front but can be more costly in the long run because they need to be replaced every few years due to wear and tear as well as gum shrinkage and bone loss.

Drawbacks of Traditional Dentures

Like implant dentures, traditional dentures have some disadvantages as well:

• Comfort: They can be bulky and take time to get used to. The adhesive may weaken throughout the day, causing them to shift in your mouth or rub against your gums.
• Stability: You may be more limited in what you can eat because your dentures are not held as firmly in place. Food such as steak, corn on the cob, or caramel may be difficult to eat and cause your dentures to come loose. Traditional dentures offer less bite force than implant-supported dentures.
• Bone Loss: Traditional dentures sit on top of your gums and do not create any bone stimulation. Over time, the bone will resorb or shrink, which can affect how well your dentures fit as well as the shape of your face.
• Care: You will have to remove your dentures for cleaning and while sleeping and allow them to soak. This leaves you temporarily toothless.
• Adjustments: As your gums and bones shrink, you will need to have your traditional dentures refitted, so they remain more securely in place. After a while, you may need to buy new dentures instead, which can be costly.

Choosing a Tooth Replacement Option

If you are tired of dealing with missing teeth or frustrated with ill-fitting dentures, implant dentures may be an effective solution for you. Schedule a consultation with Clagett Dental Solutions to discuss your options and what you can expect along each step of the way as you restore your smile.