When you are replacing multiple missing teeth, dentures are an easy next step. But now that dentures can be combined with dental implant technology, they are more comfortable, more natural-looking, and more cost-effective than a mouth full of single implants. The dentist can use the dental implants to retain or support the dentures. While these two options hold the dentures in place instead of traditional adhesive or suction, they do have important differences. The difference between a retained denture and a supported denture is in the way the denture is attached to the dental implants and the way the force and weight of your bite are distributed.
Implant Retained Dentures are retained by way of denture attachments that are "snapped" onto a small number of dental implants (usually two to six) that have been surgically inserted into bone, providing improved retention of the denture, which can be easily cleaned as the denture is removable. However, as the denture is firmly held in place and only partially supported by the gums, implant retained dentures can be made much more secure and stable than a conventional denture, though some movement may still be present.
Implant retained dentures are removable; they are the most cost-effective way to incorporate dental implants into securing the dentures in place. The result is more stable compared to traditional dentures, particularly in the case of lower jaw dentures, where it can be difficult to get a stable fit. Also, implant retained dentures are removable, so you can clean them properly to maintain good oral and gum health.
Implant supported dentures restore smiles in a more advanced way than implant retained dentures. The dentures are attached to the implants permanently with screws or bars to give stability. An implant supported denture gains its strength from the implants instead of just the gums which a removable denture uses. The more intricate structure of the bars and screws allows for bite forces to be transferred more evenly by the denture through implants into the jawbone.
Dental implant supported dentures are not sitting on the gums, so they are less likely to create sore spots or specific areas of pressure when chewing or talking. Most dental implant support dentures cannot able to be removed at home by you but need to be removed at an appointment with the dentist. When people have implant supported dentures, they do not need to use denture adhesive, nor do they have any risk of the dentures slipping while eating or speaking. Because this procedure includes more components, may need more procedures, and more implants, it can cost more than implant retained dentures.
The end result of both types of dentures allows you to eat, speak, and smile with comfort and a more natural appearance. The best choice is one that you and the dentist make together, depending on your needs, overall health, and desired outcome. Talk with the dentist about your budget and what kind of maintenance you are ready to do.
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.