Implant Retained Dentures vs. Implant Supported Dentures, A no-fluff explaination

Are you looking for an alternative to traditional dentures? If so, implant-retained dentures may be right for you. Many people find dentures to be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but implant retained dentures can resolve some of the issues found in normal dentures.

If you are fustrated with missing teeth and wearing a traditional denture, there’s good reason for it. Traditional dentures are prone to sore spots, frustration when chewing, and even causing gastrointestinal upset if the denture limits the ability to chew. But, don’t sweat too much. There’s definitely hope with a couple minor tweaks. A 2017 study found, that by adding implants to retain or support a denture can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Keep reading to learn more about this increasingly popular style of dentures, and learn how they differ from implant-supported dentures. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to decide which option is best for you.

Implant Retained Dentures

Implant retained dentures are a great alternative to conventional dentures for patients who require replacement of many teeth. Implant retained dentures do not require many dental implants; depending on the situation, the addition of two to six implants can restore an entire arch of teeth to function closely to natural teeth. Requiring less implants, makes implant retained dentures more affordable and less invasive than implant supported dentures. This type of denture makes it easier to talk and eat without discomfort, but the dentures do still need to be removed at night to be cleaned.

Implant-retained dentures may be a good option for those who do not mind removing and cleaning their teeth at night, or for those who are okay with avoiding very sticky and chewy foods. They’re also a good choice for balancing the cost versus the functional benefits.

Implant-Supported Dentures

This type of denture offers the most natural solution to dentures. The denture teeth are still one unit similar to implant-retained dentures; however, they are permanently fixed to the implants below. Implant-supported dentures are not removed for cleaning, cannot dislodge, and can take the full force of a bite. However, achieving this effective option often requires higher expenses. Implant-supported dentures typically require more dental implants to support the denture teeth which is generally a more invasive procedure. These dentures may also require bone and soft tissue regeneration to complete the procedure with a natural and beautiful appearing smile.

Implant-supported dentures are worn at all times even at night, which makes people with TMJ or sleep apnea candidates for this type of implant. The dentures are typically designed with these conditions in mind not to worsen them. These dentures are also a good option for those who want to avoid having removable dentures and don’t mind the higher price point.

Learn More Today

If you’re ready to learn more about implant dentures, contact us at Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction. We make your visit as seamless as possible by providing new patient forms and other introductory information on our website. Dr. Sutera is one of the top implant dentists in the Boston area.