Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Tooth-Supported Dentures

Tooth-supported and Implant-supported dentures are alternatives to wearing traditional dentures. While the traditional kind helps for patients with missing teeth, there are downfalls associated with them. They must be removed regularly, do not fit securely, which makes them slip around, and they can rub on the gums causing mouth sores. Dentures can also negatively affect talking and chewing, and their use limits the types of food one can eat.
The alternative types of dentures help improve the look and smile of the mouth, and they are more advantageous than traditional ones. The following examines the pros and cons of each.
Tooth-supported dentures
This type uses one or more remaining teeth and/or tooth roots to help support full or partial dentures.
Pros
Tooth-supported dentures are a good choice when a patient has significant bone loss of the jaw and is ineligible for Implant-supported dentures. These are also less expensive, and the procedure takes less time and is less invasive than with dentures involving implants.
Because the dentures rest on the body’s real tissues, the proprioceptors send back sensory feedback. This allows the patient to enjoy eating and talking more.
Cons
The patient must keep the remaining teeth clean, which can be a challenge. Not doing so can increase the progression of gum disease and cavities. There are also more problems with maintenance, such as the dentures wear down quicker, the copings may become loose and there is a greater chance of breakage.
Tooth-supported dentures help maintain the bone around the remaining teeth, which is an advantage over traditional ones. However, other areas of the jaw may experience a faster deterioration than they would with dentures supported by implants.
Implant-supported dentures
For this type, implants are placed directly into the jaw bone and then the dentures are secured to the implants.
Pros
One of the big benefits of using Implant-supported dentures is that the structure of the jaw is maintained. This keeps the bone strong, which prevents the face from changing shape. Implants also give a very stable and secure foundation, so they are very comfortable to wear. This allows for natural biting and chewing ability as well. When good oral hygiene is practiced, which is easier than with tooth-supported ones, these dentures can last quite a while, even an entire lifetime.
Cons
The procedure for making and placing this type of dentures can take a while because patients go through two surgeries about six months apart. They are typically more expensive than those supported by natural teeth. This type of denture is also not meant for patients who have significant deterioration of the jaw bone, as there is not enough support to hold the implants.
Conclusion
Those who are looking for an alternative to traditional dentures may want to consider tooth-supported or implant-supported dentures. Both provide more stability and look natural. However, patients should consider the benefits and disadvantages of each kind before making a decision. Doing so can result in increased confidence when smiling as well as the ability to talk and eat normally.
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