A Smarter Smile Solution: How to Choose Between Implant-Retained and Implant-Supported Dentures

Are you missing all or most of your teeth? For years traditional removable dentures have been a quick and affordable solution but unfortunately, they also come with numerous drawbacks such as soreness, food restrictions, and instability, all of which can rob you of your self-confidence. That’s the bad news!

The good news is that today’s dental implants make it possible for people just like you to benefit from advanced tooth replacement treatments that are more comfortable and secure with two of the most popular being implant-retained dentures (removable) and implant-supported dentures (fixed).

Both options offer significant advantages over traditional dentures and understanding the differences between the two will help you choose what’s best for you.

Understanding the difference: Removable vs fixed dentures

IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES

The main concern for any denture wearer is stability in the mouth (or rather, the lack of it). Implant-retained dentures or overdentures offer a “step up” from conventional dentures that provide more stability and comfort.

They function in a similar way to traditional dentures in as much as they replace missing teeth, enable you to eat your food, and can be removed for cleaning, but the main difference is that they rest on dental implants that are fitted with a special snap-in mechanism that provides increased comfort, function and confidence.

Implant-retained dentures can be used for either arch or both arches simultaneously. Typically, an upper denture needs between 4-6 implants to secure it whereas the lower arch will only need 2 to 4 implants.

What’s involved in the procedure?

Here’s what to expect - a step-by-step guide

Step 1 – Initial consultation

An exam will be performed to assess your oral health and determine your suitability for dental implants. Your dental and medical history will also be discussed. It’s also an opportunity for you to get any questions answered.

Step 2 – Treatment planning

Having determined your eligibility for the procedure, X-rays, scans, and oral impressions will be taken to ensure your jawbone has sufficient volume and strength to support the dental implants and to aid with treatment planning. If you have suffered bone loss due to missing teeth, a bone graft may be required before going ahead with overdentures.

Step 3 – Placement of implants

The titanium dental implants are placed into the jaw bone with minor oral surgery and then left to fuse with the bone in a natural process known as osseointegration. This can take up to six months depending on the individual.

Step 4 – Connector attachment

Sometimes a second surgery is required where the implant dentist attaches connectors to the implants which stick out from the gums and act as supports for the overdenture. Other times, the connectors may be attached at the same time as the implant posts.

Step 5 – Overdenture placement

Lastly, a customized implant-retained denture will be created, replicating the color, shape and size of natural teeth. Once the implants have fully healed, the overdenture will be attached creating a natural-looking beautiful new smile you can be proud of.

Benefits of implant retained dentures:

• Removed for cleaning and easily snapped back in place
• Help prevent bone and gum tissue loss
• No more messy adhesives
• Improved smile aesthetic
• No food restrictions
• Improved chewing and speech functions
• Helps preserve facial structures
• More affordable than implant-supported dentures

Drawbacks of implant retained dentures

• Costs more than conventional implants
• Surgery is required which may not be possible for some patients
• The dentures attached to the implants still need to be replaced every 5-10 years

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURES

Implant-supported dentures could be a good solution if you want immediate results and aren’t prepared to wait six months for your new smile.

The All-on-4 technique also known as “Teeth in a Day” is a hybrid denture that is permanently attached to 4 dental implants placed in the jaw. Unlike an implant-retained denture, it doesn’t rest on the gums for support and instead is firmly anchored into the jawbone, giving a more natural appearance and feel.

Much of the preparation for All-on-4 is carried out beforehand so that on the day of surgery, any tooth extractions can be performed, the implants placed, and temporary teeth attached, so you can leave the clinic smiling.

Patients will still have to wait for their implants to fuse with the bone but once that has occurred, it’s back to the clinic where your temporary teeth will be removed and replaced with a permanent set of teeth.

Benefits of all-on-4

• No bone grafting necessary
• Fast recovery with most patients back to normal activities within a few days
• Minimal discomfort – most patients report little to no discomfort both during and after the procedure
• Helps prevent bone loss and jaw deterioration
• Natural looking – Customised to look, feel and function just like natural teeth
• Cost-effective – less expensive than replacing all missing teeth with just dental implants
• Durable and reliable – A 2018 survey of 200 participants revealed successful results of 98% with a survival rate of between 5-13 years after treatment.
• Food tastes better because, unlike a traditional removable denture, there is no plate.
• No need to worry whether your teeth are secure.

Drawbacks of All-on-4

• Not suitable for everyone – You may not be eligible for treatment if you have suffered severe bone loss or have health issues that prevent you from having surgery.
• The initial cost of All-on-4 is considerably higher than that of traditional removable dentures but the benefits far outweigh this.
• Learning to speak – Some patients have difficulty with their speech following the procedure but it gets easier with practice.
• Can be tricky to floss since they aren’t individual teeth and each implant is paired with multiple crowns.

Implant-retained dentures vs implant-supported dentures: Which is right for you?

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific dental needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced friendly team at Chesterfield Dentistry? We can discuss your options in more depth, answer any questions, and help you reach an informed decision. Call us today at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking service.