Kingsport, TN
The most common complaint about conventional denture treatments is that they are uncomfortable. Whether based on fit or performance, traditional dentures often fail to provide a quality experience consistently. Therefore, dental implants are an effective method to support or retain ill-fitting dentures. Our dental lab experts at Premier Dental Arts share on the blog today four factors to consider when deciding the best implant treatment so that your patient can receive the best results.
What are the benefits of implant dentures?
Whether you choose implant-supported dentures or implant-retained dentures for your patient’s procedure, both treatments can provide benefits. For example, the implanted titanium posts can prevent jaw bone deterioration. Additionally, patients with implant dentures experience improved comfort, a self-esteem boost, and an easier time eating solid foods or speaking. Therefore, our dental lab technicians encourage dentists to speak with patients about the benefits of implant dentures versus traditional dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can absorb full bite pressures through the implants to the jaw bone, creating an effective and natural bite. Unfortunately, implant-supported dentures are typically more expensive because they require more implants to support the dentures fully. Patients who have a high upper smile can benefit from implant-supported dentures because it hides the area where the denture and natural gum line meet.
Our professional lab techs explain that implant-supported dentures require good jaw bone quality to ensure successful treatment and an excellent aesthetic result. Patients with poor jaw bone density may be reluctant to undergo another procedure like a bone graft or soft tissue regeneration. Therefore, implant-retained dentures may be a better option.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant retained dentures also absorb natural bite forces, but the gums will receive most of the impact. In most patient cases, fewer dental implants are necessary compared to implant-supported dentures, making the treatment more cost-effective. Since there are fewer dental implants, they can be placed to maximize dense jawbone areas and reduce or eliminate the patient needing a bone graft or tissue regeneration procedure.
Even though implant-retained dentures can restore the patient’s ability to speak and eat comfortably, they fail to replicate the patient’s natural bite pattern. Furthermore, removing the dentures at night while sleeping and for cleaning is a necessity. Our experienced dental lab technicians explain that implant-retained dentures offer more support than conventional dentures, but fail to perform like implant-supported dentures. Some patients may report sore spots with implant-retained dentures, so it’s crucial to communicate with patients that their dentures may need slight adjustments over time due to their jawbone and tissue changes.
4 Factors to Consider
Multiple factors can influence a patient’s treatment choice and the dentist’s recommendation, from the patient’s oral health condition to their dietary choices. Our dental lab experts share below four crucial factors that can dramatically impact your recommendation for treatment.
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Health
A patient’s oral and overall health can impede implant denture treatments. For example, patients who suffer from sleep apnea or TMJ may find it beneficial to wear their teeth while sleeping because it provides additional support. Therefore, in these cases, implant-supported dentures may be the best solution.
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Lifestyle
Some patients cringe about having removable teeth because it’s a continuous reminder of their tooth loss. Many patients prefer to wake up with a mouth full of teeth that are permanently attached instead of inserting their false teeth every morning. Therefore, your patient could considerably benefit psychologically from implant-supported dentures.
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Diet
A patient’s diet can impact which implant dentures are best for them. For example, patients who avoid hard-to-chew foods may be suited best with implant-retained dentures, especially when they prefer soft foods. On the other hand, patients who are carnivores and require more chewing while eating would benefit most from implant-supported dentures.
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Cost
The treatment cost is often considered by most patients before agreeing to dental work. In fact, budget-conscious patients may benefit from a payment plan that offers little to no interest. Essentially, the cost of treatment directly correlates with how many implants are necessary to stabilize the ventures.
Premier Dental Arts
Patients who are aware of the pros and cons of each implant denture treatment can make a knowledgeable decision and increases their happiness, no matter which treatment they choose. However, it’s best to speak with your patient and consider their lifestyle and habits before recommending any particular treatment. If you have questions about implant dentures, please contact our expert dental lab, Premier Dental Arts, by calling (888) 732-5221 or contact us online.