You already know that you are looking to replace multiple missing teeth, and you have determined that dentures are the best choice for you compared to bridges or individual dental implants for each missing tooth. Implant retained dentures and traditional dentures accomplish that same goal: you will end up with a mouth full of teeth, allowing you to smile, speak, and eat more easily than without them. To understand the difference between traditional dentures and implant retained dentures, you need to review how they stay in place and what type of maintenance they require.
Traditional dentures have been used for centuries, with the materials used to make them improving over time. Modern dentures can have very natural-looking and functioning results. Dentures are removable prostheses sitting on top of the gums, retained by suction, denture adhesive, or mechanical means. The upper denture stays in place with the help of the roof of your mouth, and the lower denture relies on balance and fit. Dentures may shift when chewing or speaking, especially on the lower jaw.
Implant retained dentures use a number of surgically placed dental implants; each person may require a different number of implants. The dentist usually uses two to six. The implants heal into the jawbone and act as artificial roots supporting teeth. Once the implants are healed in place, the dentist will need to add attachments to the implants called abutments that will connect with the dentures. These abutments lock the denture into position. Implant retained denture wearers gain denture retention and stability that they do not experience when they wear a conventional denture, so they can chew, talk, and smile.
Improved jawbone health is the top benefit of implant retained dentures. The implants help preserve the jawbone because when there are no longer tooth roots to stimulate the jaw, the bone shrinks and loses density. Conventional dentures rest on the gums, but implant retained dentures help prevent resorption. Aesthetically, when the jawbone maintains its size, the result is a more youthful appearance, preventing a sunken, aged look to the lower half of the face.
Improved comfort is another reason to consider implant retained dentures. Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums, leaving you with sore spots. And as the jawbone inevitably shrinks, the denture will become more uncomfortable and require adjustments. Implant retained dentures are less irritating to the soft and hard tissues. The implants keep the dentures in place so they leave wearers with more confidence to speak and smile. Implant retained denture wearers are able to enjoy a greater variety of foods with the improved stability.
You may need to review your overall health with the dentist to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Be sure to talk about your dental goals and your budget when reviewing your treatment plan options.
If you have more questions about implant retained dentures or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if implant retained dentures are the best option for you.