Implant Supported Dentures vs. Conventional Dentures

Many Americans struggle with tooth loss, but thanks to modern dentistry you would never know it. Today, there are so many good tooth replacement options available for individuals who have lost all or most of their natural teeth. Dentures, or false teeth, have always been a quick and affordable tooth replacement option. But, individuals with dentures often struggle with discomfort due to their dentures not fitting quit right. Implant supported dentures were created to address this problem. Implant supported dentures are a type of denture designed to attach to dental implants securely placed in the jawbone. Attachment means improved security and improved comfort. And those are just two of the benefits of implant support dentures. Check out the information provided below on the differences between implant supported dentures and conventional dentures.

First, What are Conventional Dentures?

Dentures are an artificial prosthetic that serves as a replacement for missing teeth. Dentures can be used to replace multiple or all teeth at once. Due to their “one size fits all” approach to tooth replacement and their relatively low price, dentures are a go to option for many. Dentures can be worn on the upper gum, the lower gum, or both. The conventional style of dentures sits on top of the gums and includes a natural flesh colored portion that covers the real gumline.

So, What are Implant Supported Dentures?

Without teeth filling the mouth, the shape of the mouth and jaw will change overtime. This constant change in the mouth structure means that the fit of dentures will change. Every few years conventional dentures will need to be refitted in order to avoid shifting and loose dentures. Dentures that do not fit well cause discomfort and issues with eating, chewing, and talking. Implant supported dentures were designed as a solution to this problem. Denture implants are titanium screws that are placed into the jawbone during a surgical procedure. Once implants are secure, they act like the root of teeth, providing a secure place for dentures to be attached.

What are the Benefits of Supported Dentures vs. Conventional Dentures?

For individuals willing to invest, there are many benefits of supported dentures over traditional dentures. Here are a few:

• Maintain face shape and jaw structure: Teeth provide structure and shape to the jaw and face. As teeth are lost, the body no longer recognizes a reason to hold the shape of the mouth. Overtime the jaw shape will change and shrink. This process is called resorption. However, when implants are placed in the jawbone, this resorption process stops as the body recognizes implants as teeth. In fact, the implants reinvigorate healthy bone growth. The supported dentures will help maintain the shape of the face and prevent jaw restructuring.
• Secure fit that improves everyday life: Resorption means that the jawbone is constantly changing its shape, making it challenging for conventional dentures to fit securely. Individuals with dentures may need to have them refit every few years or even get a new pair to find the right fit. Ill-fitting dentures can result in issues with speaking, eating, and comfort, and therefore result in damage to self-esteem. With implants, supported dentures will fit securely and improve everyday life.
• Improved appearance: Because the dentures are securely attached to the implants, less artificial material is needed on the dentures to maintain fit. This functional design difference results in an aesthetic difference with dentures that appear smaller and more natural looking in the mouth.

More on Implant Supported Dentures : How Much Do Implant Supported Dentures Cost?