Implant Supported Dentures vs Conventional Dentures
There are several restoration options available for people who are missing multiple teeth, and you and your dentist can review these options to determine which might work best for you. With so many choices, however, it’s helpful to understand some of the basic similarities and differences among all these options. Some of the more common choices for people missing all their teeth in one or both rows are removable complete dentures and implant retained dentures. Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of each of these types of restorations.
Removable complete dentures replace an entire row of missing teeth with a dental prosthetic that rests on the gums and is held in place with an acrylic base.
Pros:
- Affordability – while some removable dentures cost more than others, it’s often possible to get a basic set of prosthetic teeth for less than $1,000, which is less than the cost of basic dental implants. Removable dentures are also often partly covered by dental insurance.
- Ease of treatment – because no surgery is required to prepare for removable dentures, this restoration option is non-invasive and takes less time to complete than implant supported options.
Cons:
- Comfort – it takes time to adjust to dentures, which can feel clunky or bulky, and it’s not uncommon for removable dentures to slip and rub against the oral tissues, which can be painful.
- Longevity – removable dentures need to be replaced periodically, while dental implants are designed to be permanent.
- Convenience – removable dentures must be removed for cleaning and sleeping, and they can interfere with comfortable eating and confident speaking.
- Medical benefit – removable dentures provide no support for the jawbone, which means this bone will gradually recede due to lack of stimulation, which, in turn, means the dentures will need to be refitted more frequently as the jaw continues to change.
Implant supported dentures are full rows of prosthetic teeth that attach to dental implant posts surgically placed into the jawbone.
Pros:
- Longevity – dental implants are designed to be permanent. While the prosthetic itself will need to be replaced periodically, the implants themselves should last a lifetime.
- Medical benefit – dental implants help preserve the health and robustness of the jawbone.
- Comfort – dental implants function, feel, and look the most like natural teeth, providing secure attachment to dental prosthetics and avoiding the uncomfortable slipping and friction that often occurs with conventional dentures.
- Convenience – implant supported dentures can often be cleaned the same way natural teeth are, with a toothbrush while they’re in your mouth. These restorations also allow their wearers to fully enjoy a balanced diet while speaking and laughing with confidence; there’s no risk that the dentures will slip and get in the way of these day-to-day activities.
Cons:
- Ease of treatment – the process of placing dental implants takes a long time, between surgeries, recovery, and fittings. When additional procedures, like periodontal treatments or bone grafts, are needed, this adds to the overall time for the procedure, which can end up taking more than a year from start to finish. Also, surgery is, by nature, involved.
- Cost – dental implants cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per implant. While implant supported dentures can be supported with fewer implants, most procedures rely on at least 4 to 8 implants to support one or both rows of teeth, so costs can add up. Implants are also less likely to be covered by dental insurance than traditional dentures.
With so many factors to consider, the choice between removable dentures and implant supported dentures shouldn’t be rushed into. While implants cost more than removable dentures, many people find their durability and comfort worth the investment. On the other hand, for people who resist undergoing surgical procedures, removable dentures might be preferred. Talk to your dentist to learn the specifics of your potential treatments and learn what might work best for you. They can provide details and specifics that will help you decide and ensure you’re happy with your outcomes.
Related Article: Cleaning Implant Supported Dentures