Millions of people in the United States don’t have all their natural teeth, and that number is growing every day. When you’re missing teeth, it’s not just a cosmetic issue. It can also impact your physical and emotional health in a big way.
We are here to help!
At Atlanta Periodontics, we understand that replacing missing teeth can be a challenge and an emotional process. We know it can be hard to take the first step and start the process of replacing your teeth. We’ve been treating patients like you for years, and we know what it takes to give you a smile you can feel proud to show off.
Dental implants vs implant-supported dentures
Many people who have lost some or all of their teeth choose to replace them with implants or traditional dentures. Tooth replacement has been revolutionized by dental implants, which are a way to get your natural-looking and functioning teeth back. The standard procedure for implants is not always physically viable or convenient though; the implantation process can sometimes be painful and lengthy. In these situations, dental implant-supported dentures are often a better option.
But before you can decide if an implant-supported denture is right for you, there are some things you should know about traditional dentures vs. implant-retained dentures.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures are made from acrylic resin and plastic, which means they may not fit snugly into your mouth as natural teeth would. They float on top of the gums and can be easily removed for cleaning. And because they aren’t attached to your jawbone, they can be more likely to shift around in your mouth when you eat or talk – and that can lead to embarrassing moments where food gets caught between your gums and dentures. Traditional dentures can cause eating problems, mouth sores, discomfort, and difficulty talking.
Traditional dentures do not stimulate the underlying jawbone, which can lead to bone loss, premature aging, and a sunken, hollow appearance.
Because traditional dentures don’t have any stability during chewing, they are also at risk of breaking – and if that happens, then it’s time to get new ones! If you take care of your acrylic dentures, they can last for five to ten years.
What Are Implant-Retained Dentures / Implant-Supported Dentures?
Dentures supported by dental implants are a different story entirely, as they don’t only prevent embarrassing situations but also make your life more comfortable without your denture rubbing against your gums and creating irritation. They’re surgically attached to the jawbone and secured by metal (titanium) posts that replace the tooth root. These posts act as anchors to prevent shifting during eating, as well as any other activity, which means no more discomfort or fear of breaking! Dental implants are the only form of tooth replacement that stimulates bone growth rather than allowing the jawbone to deteriorate.
The denture itself is still made from acrylic, but it no longer floats on the gum and instead attaches to implants with a latching system and it functions like normal teeth without moving and shifting during eating and talking.
Implant-supported dentures can be either removable or permanent:
- Removable dentures: These dentures can be attached to conventional dental implants, mini-implants, or a bar that is connected to the implant. They can be taken out for cleaning or maintenance at night, after meals, etc.
- Non-Removable Dentures: These dentures are secured to an implant. You can clean them with regular brushing and flossing, much like natural teeth. However, when necessary, your dentist can remove these without damaging the implant itself.
The Benefits of Implant Retained Dentures
Drawbacks of Implant-Supported Dentures
- One of the biggest drawbacks to implant-supported dentures is that they need to be surgically installed. This might not be an option for people with chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes.
- Implant-supported dentures are more expensive than conventional dentures. Some dental insurance policies will cover part of this expense. Installation of the implants increases both the cost and time necessary for completing a treatment.
- The dentures that are attached to the implants still need to be replaced as often as conventional dentures – it’s usually around every five or ten years.
- Implants are not for everyone: to have dental implants installed in your jawbone, you need a minimum level of bone density. A healthy jaw acts as the foundation upon which these implants will sit and hold dentures securely in place – there’s no guarantee that people with weak or damaged bones can benefit from this type of treatment
- The risk of infection or rejection. Placing dental implants is a surgical process and you stand the risk of infection at the implantation site. The implant can also be rejected by your body. If this happens, we remove the implant and wait for your body to heal. Most of the time, another implant can be placed at a later date.
The Procedure of Getting Implant Supported Dentures
The process of getting implant-supported dentures begins with the examination of your gums to ensure that you don’t have any gum disease that needs attention, followed by X-rays to determine the bone density of your jaw and if it is sufficient for supporting implants, molds, and impressions and finally, the creation of new dentures by the lab to our exact specifications.
How much do implant-retained dentures cost?
Implant-retained dentures are more affordable than you may think. We offer a variety of payment options to make it easy for you. We know that everyone has different budgets and preferences, so we want to make sure we meet yours. We can help make sure your smile is the best it can be without breaking the bank!
