Implant Retained Dentures vs Implant Supported Dentures
People who rely on dentures as replacements for their natural teeth complain that traditional dentures leave plenty of room for improvement. Dental implants can either help retain or support dentures to improve people’s day to day experience with these prosthetic teeth.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures rely on dental implants to take the full force of your bite. The dental implants are fused in the jaw bone so the result is a more natural and powerful bite. As compared to other options, implant supported dentures are more expensive because they require more implants. Often mini dental implants are not an option to ensure a successful result. Ideal candidates need healthy and strong jaw bones otherwise they need to have bone graft or gum tissue graft procedures. For people who do not want as many implants, more invasive surgeries, or are not healthy enough for implant supported dentures, implant retained dentures could be a better option.
Implant Retained Dentures
With fewer dental implants, the gums will absorb more force of your bite instead of the jaw bone. Some people may even be able to use mini dental implants instead of traditional implants so the cost will be lower as compared to implant supported dentures. For people with compromised jaw bones, the dentist can strategically place the implants to optimize the jaw bone that is available to support the implants. These types of dentures are an improvement over traditional dentures but do require the same nightly removal for cleaning.
While reviewing your treatment plan options with the dentist, there are a few additional factors to consider to ensure that your implants are successful.
Health
If you suffer from sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint disorder, you may find that wearing your teeth at night is helpful to your conditions. Implant supported dentures are a better fit in these cases.
Lifestyle
If you prefer to avoid the feeling of have a mouth void of teeth, then dentures permanently placed can improve that discomfort.
Diet
If you are not troubled by adjusting your eating choices, then you may find implant retained dentures are more than ideal. For the people who have not had years of adjusting to a softer diet from traditional dentures and they still enjoy a roast beef dinner, then implant supported dentures are a better option.
Cost
Depending on your personal finances and dental insurance coverage, the costs for your treatment plan options may affect your decision. Implant supported dentures are more expensive as they require a greater number of implants, possible bone or tissue grafts, but they offer a more natural feel and functionality. Once you have been able to review all the pros and cons for each option, then you and the dentist can finalize your treatment plan. The end result should leave you will a bright, full smile you can confidently share with the world. When you know that you do not have to struggle with the sores and shifting from traditional dentures, you will be happy with the improvements from implants.