Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures: Which Feels More Natural?

Discover the Best Option to Restore Your Smile

Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but there are multiple reasons you might lose teeth as an adult. You could suffer mouth trauma related to a sporting or car accident. Genetics, illness, medications, and certain lifestyle choices could all play a role in your oral health and occurrences like tooth loss.

Some people will lose many or all of their teeth in adulthood. When this happens, it can significantly impact both the function and appearance of your mouth, affecting eating, speaking, and confidence in social situations. An experienced implant dentist in Boise can help by explaining your options and restoring your smile.

Common Concerns With Tooth Loss

There are several immediate and long-term concerns for patients with missing teeth. In the short term, missing teeth are an eyesore and a functional issue. Extensive tooth loss can make it difficult to chew, potentially limiting food choices, and also create speech impediments.

Without treatment, remaining teeth may shift, altering bite patterns and possibly leading to jaw pain, headaches, and other discomfort. Food might get stuck in gaps, causing decay that leads to further tooth loss.

Most concerning is resorption, or bone shrinkage in the jaw, which occurs when teeth are missing. This can occur rapidly, which is why it’s so important to discuss treatment options immediately following tooth loss.

Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures

For partial or full tooth loss, there are two main categories of restoration: traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures. 

Traditional dentures are dental devices that include rows of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base that fits over your existing gums. These devices are removable and held in place by a dental adhesive (such as a paste, powder, or strip) that secures the dentures in place.

Implant-supported dentures are a little different. They feature a similar structure to traditional dentures (partial or full), but they attach to titanium posts anchored in your jaw. Some dentures are removable, while others are permanent.

Implant-supported dentures are the gold standard when it comes to restorative dental solutions. Before choosing between traditional and implant-supported dentures, you’ll want to consider several factors.

Comfort and Stability

When considering tooth replacement options, you likely have several concerns, but function is right at the top of the list. How are your new teeth going to work in everyday life?

Comfort and stability have a major impact on daily function. If dentures are loose in your mouth, they can impact your ability to speak and chew. They may also rub on soft tissue (gums, cheeks, etc.), causing chafing and discomfort. 

The most comfortable dentures are likely implant-supported devices that stay put once attached.

Appearance and Fit

When dentures are properly designed and adjusted to fit your mouth, both traditional and implant-supported options should look natural and feel comfortable. This begins with creating molds of your unique physiology, so dentures can be custom-fabricated to mimic your natural mouth shape and bite pattern.

With the help of experienced professionals, you should adapt relatively quickly. There will be a transition period of weeks or months while you adjust to speaking and eating with a new set of teeth, but after the initial discomfort passes, permanent dentures should start to feel normal, if they’re properly fitted.

Maintenance and Care

Caring for traditional and implant-supported dentures is like any oral care routine. While these dental devices are solid, negating the need for flossing, you will still have to brush them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.

The main difference with removable devices is that you can take them out of your mouth for cleaning. Keep in mind that you’ll still have to care for your gums and other soft tissues, as well as cleaning around posts, if you have them. 

For fixed (nonremovable) dentures, talk to your dentist about the best ways to clean between the dentures and the gums. A Waterpik, interdental brushes, or floss designed for implants could work.

Who is a good candidate?

Anyone suffering from extensive tooth loss can be a good candidate for traditional dentures, but if you prefer implant-supported devices, you must have sufficient jawbone density and volume to support titanium posts. This could require additional procedures, like bone grafting before implants can be integrated. 

Your dentist will want to address existing oral health concerns before proceeding with dentures.

Tooth Loss Doesn’t Have to Hold You Back

Dental restoration with traditional or implant-supported dentures can help you regain your smile and oral function. It’s best to speak with trusted dental professionals about the devices most likely to provide the comfort and function you prefer.

Contact the qualified and caring team at Staley Dental today to request an appointment. We’re always happy to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.