Implant dentures are a definite improvement over traditional dentures. They will definitely stay in place, and won’t be dislodged by normal activities with your dentures like biting, chewing, talking or laughing. But when it comes to the other benefits of implant dentures, there may be a world of difference between implant-retained dentures and implant-supported dentures.
Implant-Retained Dentures: A Partial Solution
Implant-retained dentures utilize a partial solution to the problem of securing your dentures. These dentures attach to dental implants, but they put minimal, if any, force on these implants. Instead, the force of biting and chewing is put on the gums.
The benefits of implant-retained dentures are that they stay in place well, require fewer implants, and are generally less expensive.
However, with implant-retained dentures, you won’t get your full bite force, and you might experience gum sores or other kinds of denture pain if your dentures aren’t properly fitted or you have bite problems. These are also always removable dentures, which means that they won’t support your jaw or airway at night.
The Full Solution: Implant-Supported Dentures
With implant-supported dentures, the denture is designed to pass the force of your bite into the jawbone. This allows you to have the full force of your bite, but it comes at a cost, literally. Implant-supported dentures have to be made of more quality material so that they can withstand your bite forces, which will be adequate to let you enjoy all your favorite foods. They require more dental implants to achieve their results. This means that they’re more expensive. And not everyone is a candidate.
But if you’re looking for implant dentures that really are like your own teeth, with full function, great appearance, and no need to remove them at night, then implant-supported dentures are the right choice for you.
Which Is Right for You?
During your consultation, we will examine your jawbone and determine whether you’re a candidate for implant-supported dentures, then talk to you about lifestyle factors such as diet that might influence the type of denture that you desire. Together, we will figure out which kind of denture is the best choice for you.
To schedule a consultation with a Columbia, SC denture dentist, please call (803) 781-9090 for an appointment at Smile Columbia Dentistry.
