Implant Retained Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures have always been a popular, quick, and affordable tooth replacement option for adults with several missing teeth. However, despite their many benefits, traditional dentures involve issues with fit and comfort. Implant retained dentures are a tooth replacement option that was created to address some of these issues. Implant retained dentures snap or clip onto dental implants securely placed in the jawbone. This means they offer increased security in the mouth, improving stability and comfort. Some of the biggest differences between implant retained dentures and traditional dentures are detailed below.
What are Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures are an artificial set of teeth designed to replace several missing teeth at once. Dentures are popular because they offer a “one size fits all” approach to replacing teeth at a relatively low price. Dentures can be made to be worn on the upper gum or the lower gum, or both. Traditional dentures are designed to sit snuggly on top of the gums. Part of the denture design includes a flesh colored portion that covers the natural gums.
What Are Implant Retained Dentures?
One of the biggest issues with losing teeth is that the shape of the mouth and jaw bones will change over time without teeth present to take up space. This continuously changing mouth structure poses a challenge to maintaining the fit of traditional dentures. Traditional dentures will need to be refitted every few years to avoid discomfort and slipping. Implant retained dentures were designed to avoid the problems dentures face with fit. Dental implants are metal posts surgically placed in the jawbone. Implants can act like the root of the teeth, providing a stable and secure place for dentures to attach. For implant retained dentures, multiple implants are commonly used in the bottom and top jawbone for the dentures to be attached to.
Benefits of Implant Retained Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Implant retained dentures offer many benefits over traditional dentures, including:
- Help maintain jaw shape and structure: One of the important functions that teeth provide is giving structure and shape to face. Without teeth, the mouth will shrink and change shape over time in a process called resorption. Dental implants help stop the resorption process because the body identifies implants as teeth. The implants also stimulate healthy bone growth. Therefore, implant retained dentures help maintain the shape and structure of the mouth.
- Secure fit: For traditional dentures, the resorption process creates challenges with maintaining a secure and comfortable fit. Because of this challenge, individuals with traditional dentures need to have their dentures refitted or will need to invest in a new pair every few years. Dentures that do not fit properly will create issues with speaking, eating, and comfort. Designed to attach to the dental implants, implant retained dentures fit securely, eliminating these issues and improving everyday life.
- Improved appearance: Attached to the implants, retained dentures require less artificial material to help ensure the dentures fit. This difference in design also results a difference in appearance, with retained dentures appearing smaller and more natural looking in the mouth.