Implant supported dentures vs. regular dentures
There are many options for replacing missing teeth, whether your teeth were extracted, fell out, or were knocked out. Two of the better known dental restorations are traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures. These dental restorations may seem similar, but there are clear differences between them, and you’ll want to familiarize yourself with these similarities and differences as you plan your dental restoration treatment and weigh your pros and cons.
Traditional dentures are crafted to fit the shape of the mouth and are supported by an acrylic base that curves into the oral cavity’s contours, resting on the gum tissue and the underlying bone. They are held in place with denture adhesive and are removed at night for cleaning and soaking. While the denture is out of the mouth, the inside of the mouth is cleaned, making sure to clear away residual denture adhesive. Removable dentures can rub against the gums and leave ulcers and sores that can be relieved with warm salt water rinses and careful cleaning.
Implant-supported dentures are dental prosthetics that are held in place by dental implants, which are tiny posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone, where they heal with the bone and fuse together permanently. This healing process, called osseointegration, creates a beneficial bond that stimulates the continued health of the bone and helps maintain the integrity and appearance of the lower face. These dental implants support a denture, or row of teeth, with four or more implants supporting each denture and holding the denture permanently in place. Your dentist will remove your denture periodically for cleaning and adjustments, but it will otherwise stay in your mouth, where you’ll clean it and clean around it, making sure to remove any food debris or residue around your gums and elsewhere in your mouth by brushing just like you would brush your natural teeth.
In the absence of natural tooth roots, the bone in the jaw is absorbed back into the body for use elsewhere. When this deterioration is accompanied by the pressure placed on the jaw by a removable denture, the bone deteriorates more rapidly. This causes the removable dentures to fit improperly, causing painful sores and requiring frequent adjustment. On the other hand, dental implants encourage the continued health of the bone, which supports the implants in a mutually beneficial relationship. This keeps implant-supported dentures stable, holding them securely in place and keeping them from slipping or rubbing. These effects on the bone are among the more significant differences between implant-supported dentures and regular dentures.
Traditional dentures are appealing to a lot of people because they’re widely known and affordable, but their appeal is often short-lived. Even when they don’t cause sores, it’s not uncommon for removable dentures to slip, make noise, and make eating an unpleasant challenge. Implant-supported dentures might seem daunting, since they require surgery and extended healing times and they’re more expensive than their removable counterparts. However, when you take into consideration the long-term benefits of dental implants and compare them to the hassles of regular dentures, you might find it’s a worthwhile investment, so ask your dentist which option might be best for you.