Differences between Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
William Goddard
/ October 7, 2024
Kingsport, TN
When it comes to the field of dental restoration, conventional dentures have enjoyed a long tradition of being a primary option for patients who have lost a full set of teeth. These types of prosthetics have apparent advantages for situations in which they can be temporarily removed for cleaning and maintenance. Implant-supported dentures are a fabulous innovation that’s hitting the restorative dentistry world and changing it. These sophisticated prosthetic appliances are fixed to implants placed directly in the jawbone, making dentures more stable and efficient as compared to traditional ones. Premier Dental Arts, our dental lab in Kingsport, outlines the primary distinctions between regular and implant dentures on the blog today, including what advantages and disadvantages they have, and what a positive change they bring to patients’ oral health and confidence.
Traditional Dentures
Conventional dentures include artificial teeth fixed on an acrylic base and used to replace all teeth in the same dental arch. The dentures sit on the gum line and don’t have any roots or anchors to hold them in place. Upper dentures tend to suction to the roof of the mouth, while many patients struggle wearing lower dentures due to diminished jawbone. Conventional dentures are often the least expensive type, they have downfalls.
They are free moving, resulting in potential shifts while chewing or speaking. Sometimes people experience instability and are advised to make changes to their diet, like soft foods that won’t worsen the situation. Traditional dentures do not stimulate the jawbone, which results in more jawbone loss over time. Because of these downfalls, dentures become uncomfortable and tend to look fake, which could cause embarrassment.
Implant-supported Dentures
Implant-stabilized dentures are a welcome improvement in restorative dentistry as they provide improved retention as well as functionality compared to conventional dentures. These restorations replace dentures with implants set in the jawbone. Therefore, patients can avoid using paste or other bonds to secure their dentures. The implant screws perform the anchor role for dentures, helping patients to chew and speak fluently. Our Kingsport area dental lab techs explain that initial implant placement entails oral surgery that uses local anesthetic and can take several months to heal. Dentures supported by implants can be either removable or fixed and the denture type chosen depends on the patient’s specific needs and wants. Removable dentures attach to mini-implants or an implant bar. These dentures can be taken out for cleaning, while permanently anchored dentures are cared for just like regular teeth.
Dental Lab in Kingsport, TN
Patients with total tooth loss often resort to conventional dentures, which have remained a popular option for many years. As we’ve seen, the benefits they offer include convenience as well as easy-to-clean surfaces, but they have their setbacks as well. On the contrary, implant-supported dentures are known as one of the more significant improvements in total tooth replacement options that are available in dentistry today. If you’d like to learn more about this treatment option, please call Premiere Dental Arts at (888) 732-5221.