Nowadays, dentistry has advanced to offer various treatment options for patients with severe tooth loss. If you visit a restorative dentist, chances are high that they’ll offer both dentures and implant-supported dentures as reliable options for restoring your smile.
Both Nashville restorative dentistry treatments are very effective, but each has unique benefits and downsides. We created this guide to help you understand which one is right for you.
Comparing Traditional and Implant-Supported Dentures
How Traditional Dentures Work
Full and partial dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth. Dentures usually have a row of teeth that look natural and are affixed to a sturdy pink or reddish foundation. The base uses denture adhesive and suction to adhere to the surface of your gums.
Traditional dentures are less costly than dentures supported by implants. Moreover, they’re quick to get: implants can take three to six months to recover, whereas traditional dentures only need a few weeks to be manufactured.
Additionally, some patients lack sufficient jawbone mass for dental implants. For those people, bone grafting or sinus lift surgery might be necessary to support dental implants in the jawbone. Instead, many patients prefer getting detachable dentures, which can last several years if properly cared for.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Work
Implant-retained dentures are anchored directly to the jawbone by implants and abutments.
First, patients will have dental implants placed. After the posts have completely fused with the tissue of the jawbone, the implants are fitted with tiny metal components known as abutments. The prosthetic is then fastened to the abutments.
The primary benefit of dentures supported by implants is that your prosthetic won’t move around. Many patients have dental implants placed to avoid slipping dentures. After having dental implants placed, patients say they feel and work just like their natural teeth.
The titanium posts of dental implants also promote the growth of the jawbone, which is another advantage. This special quality can stop the sunken look frequently linked to tooth loss.
Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Restorations: Which One Is Right for You?
Implant-supported dentures are hybrid restorations that combine dentures and dental implants to address missing teeth. They are more comfortable and seamless for patients because they are affixed to implants, making them as stable as natural teeth. They also offer a few other advantages, such as protecting the patient’s jawbone.
Traditional dentures, on the other hand, are a less expensive option for replacing lost teeth, but they are prone to moving around in the mouth. As a result, the dentures may fall out when speaking or eating, and sores may develop inside the cheeks.
Whichever suits you best will depend on several variables, including your spending limit, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences!
Get the Best Nashville Restorative Dentistry Services
Tooth loss can be severely disheartening. Besides making it harder to eat all your favorite foods or speak properly, missing teeth can affect your confidence in your smile, impacting your relationships with others and your self-esteem. To put a stop to all of that, Mt. View Family Dentistry is here to help.
Be it dentures or implant-supported overdentures, we will explore all the options available to you. Talk with our virtual assistant chat to answer any of your doubts—or reach out, and let’s schedule a personalized consultation!