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May 8, 2024|What to Expect

Implant-Supported Dentures vs Traditional Dentures

Implant Dentures vs Traditional Dentures in Parker, CO

To restore your smile and amplify your confidence, you may explore dental implants or removable or snap-on dentures. To empower you to make the right choice for your smile, look to Twin Aspen Dental Center. As Parker, CO’s restorative dental experts, we’re here to compare implant supported dentures vs. conventional dentures.

Your Denture Options

Implant retained dentures and traditional dentures are two common removable options. However, the right choice for your smile comes from personal preferences, oral health condition, and several other key factors. To prepare you for an implant retained vs conventional denture consultation, Twin Aspen Dental Center is here to share the details of each option available.

Understanding Dentures

When considering dentures, you likely visualize a set of removable, artificial teeth. While this is true, it is not the only form of dentures available. There are three main types of dentures: removable dentures, snap-on dentures, which can also be removed when necessary, and permanent, fixed dentures, also known as All-On-X dentures.

A woman smiling showing off her dentures after her visit to Twin Aspen Dental Center in Parker, CO.Conventional Removable Dentures

Conventional removable dentures are the traditional restoration route. However, with innovative advancements, they are no longer the preferred option. These dentures are crafted based on an impression of the patient’s mouth and consist of an artificial arch of teeth connected to an acrylic base. They hug the gums and can be removed as needed. Patients often rely on adhesive and have the ongoing worry of their teeth falling out.

How Removable Dentures Work

As the name implies, these dentures can be removed. This may be beneficial for cleaning purposes, but without proper anchoring, this can lead to shifting and discomfort. Furthermore, they do not contribute to bone preservation like other alternatives do. Conventional dentures can lead to loss of bone density. Without dentures being anchored to implants, denture are more likely to fall out of the patient’s mouth.

The Advantages of Removable Dentures

Removable dentures are advantageous in terms of cost and time. They are more affordable than implant retained dentures, which can be a selling point for those who do not have the financial means to pursue dental implants. Furthermore, they do not involve a prolonged treatment timeline, allowing faster restoration results.

The Drawbacks of Removable Dentures

Removable dentures have long been outshined by their implant-support counterparts. Due to being removable, they are notorious for shifting and creating challenges when speaking, chewing, or using your mouth and jaw. They also contribute to mouth sores and discomfort, calling for frequent visits to your dentist for fitting adjustments.

Conventional Dentures and Loss Of Jawbone Density

A major concern with removable dentures is the effects on the jawbone. Traditional dentures hug the gums, which means they do not stimulate the jawbone. This lack of stimulation triggers loss of jawbone density, causing a hollow, sunken appearance, facial structure changes, and premature age signs.

Snap-On Dentures

Snap-on dentures are a hybrid of traditional, removable dentures and dental implants. These restorations feature two or four implants that retain the removable acrylic base and artificial tooth attachment. Snap-on dentures are a step above removable dentures. However, several factors remain to consider.

Two-Implant Snap-On Dentures

Two or four implants can support snap-on dentures. Two implants comes with a greater risk of the back of the denture flipping upwards, allowing food to become caught under the restoration. Patients can anticipate a restored chewing capacity of approximately 30% with two implants.

Four-Implant Snap-On Dentures

Two implants may suffice, but four is better. Four-implant snap-on dentures allow for increased stability and retention in both the front and back of the mouth, with a restored chewing capacity of up to 70%. Four implants also permit the removal of more acrylic covering that rests on the roof of the mouth.

The Advantages Of Snap-On Dentures

Snap-on dentures are more affordable than permanent implant supported dentures while providing greater stability than standard, removable dentures. As the acrylic base can be removed on the roof of the mouth, they allow patients to uphold the integrity of their oral health. In addition, the implant support contributes to jawbone stimulation, helping to mitigate loss of jawbone density.

The Drawbacks of Snap-On Dentures

Snap-on dentures feature several drawbacks. These restorations may allow food to slip underneath, leading to oral health concerns if left unaddressed. While they restore appearance, they only restore chewing capabilities by 30-70%, requiring patients to refrain from certain foods. Also, as the shape of the jaw changes, snap-on dentures must be adjusted.

Maintaining Snap-On Dentures

Maintenance is imperative to the longevity of snap-on dentures and the condition of your oral health. It is crucial to keep them clean as the same bacteria that causes tooth loss can also cause implant loss. To preserve the integrity of your restored smile, waterpicking and brushing the implant is non-negotiable.

The Longevity Of Snap-On and Conventional Dentures

Although snap-on and conventional dentures are initially more affordable than implant retained fixed dentures, they may not be the most cost-effective options in the long run. Even with diligent maintenance, these dentures have more upkeep long-term. Additionally, they are more prone to damage that calls for premature replacements.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant supported fixed dentures, also known as All-On-X dentures, are the gold standard of smile restoration. Implant retained fixed dentures have gained traction in recent years due to their permanent wear. However, compared to popular commercial advertising claiming these restorations result in teeth in one day, fixed dentures call for a much deeper commitment.

What Are Implant Retained Fixed Dentures?

Implant retained fixed dentures are permanent dentures. Patients never have to remove them once they are fixed in place. These applications can replace a single arch or both arches. They consist of titanium implants, surgically implemented into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots that support the dentures that are attached to them.

The Versatility Of Dental Implant Procedures

Fixed dentures are versatile. A titanium implant post connected to a dental crown can achieve individual implants. A fixed dental implant bridge can replace several missing teeth in a common area. For complete restorations, a patient may opt for complete, implant-supported dentures.

Dental Implant Assessment

Dental implants do not offer a quick fix. However, the long-lasting, seamless results are worth it. The process begins with a consultation to assess the patient’s oral health and jawbone density using digital x-rays, impressions, and a physical evaluation. Patients with insufficient bone volume may be required to pursue a bone graft before beginning the implant process.

Dental Implant Surgery

Once the patient is cleared to start their implant-supported denture journey, treatment begins with extraction and dental implant placement. This procedure involves creating small incisions in the gums to reach the jawbone. If extraction is necessary, we remove the teeth and create a hole to surgically implement the titanium implant post into position and suture the gums.

Osseointegration Phase

The titanium implant is designed to resemble a natural tooth root. Once it is surgically placed, patients are given temporary dentures to wear during recovery. Recovery allows for osseointegration to begin, a process in which the implant naturally fuses with the jawbone, ensuring maximum support and stability.

Fixed Dentures Placement

By the three-to-six month mark, the dental implants will be fully fused with the jaw and equipped to support the dentures. The dentures are custom-tailored to fit the patient’s mouth and placed on an abutment that connects to the implant. Once complete, patients can leave their appointment with a radiant, permanent smile and restored oral function.

Living With Fixed Dentures

Living with fixed dentures requires the same oral hygiene regiment and routine dental care as natural teeth. These restorations restore the patient’s chewing abilities by up to 90% while providing enhanced confidence. As dental implants hold fixed dentures in place, slipping, mouth sores, and discomfort are obsolete, fostering a lifetime of comfortable, seamless wear.

Unrivaled Jawbone Preservation

One of the leading benefits of dental implants is that they contribute to the jawbone’s integrity. Unlike conventional dentures, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preserving its form and function. Fixed dentures effectively mitigate facial caving and problems derived from loss of bone density.

Proper Oral Hygiene for Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures cannot be removed by the patient. However, a dentist may occasionally remove them for diagnostic or check-up purposes. Despite being permanent, artificial restorations, proper oral hygiene remains paramount. It’s important to clean beneath the dentures using a waterpik to avoid built-up bacteria that may otherwise deteriorate the dental implants.

Reasons to Opt for Dental Implants

When comparing fixed dentures with implants vs conventional dentures, dentures attached to dental implants are the preferred choice. Top reasons to opt for dental implants include:

  • Uphold jawbone integrity and oral health
  • Mitigate loss of bone density, gum recession, and facial caving
  • Permanent wear that lasts a lifetime
  • Restore chewing, biting, and speaking abilities
  • Enhanced confidence and aesthetics

Let’s Discuss Your Fixed Dentures Today

If you’re ready to invest in a confident, radiant smile and your best oral health, look no further than Twin Aspen Dental Center. Our dental implant experts in Parker, CO are here to provide you with the gold standard of fixed dentures. Contact our friendly team today to schedule a consultation to get started.

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