When exploring options for full arch restorations, you may stumble across treatment plans like implant retained dentures and implant supported dentures. While some may use these terms interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two.
Dental implants that are used to hold a denture in place offer a second chance for those with extensive tooth loss. This life-changing treatment can help to improve confidence, maintain facial structure, support a healthy and varied diet and prevent social isolation later in life.
Before embarking on the dental implant journey, it is essential to understand the options available and how each one might help you to improve your confidence and restore your smile. Let’s explore these two treatments in further detail…
What is the implant retained denture treatment?
With implant retained dentures, between 4-6 implants are used to support a full arch restoration. With this treatment plan, the denture is intended to be worn at all times and not removed. Only a dentist will be able to remove the denture once it is fixed in place.
This treatment offers a number of benefits, the most obvious being that it is a very natural-looking restoration option. It essentially offers a second chance with your natural teeth, as you will brush them and care for them in the same way.
It can be a very welcome upgrade for those who have been wearing dentures, as it is a much more secure option. The denture is fixed in place and cannot slip around or fall out. It also means that the force of the bite is absorbed by the jaw – just like a natural tooth root – which means there is no pain or discomfort in the gums when eating tough or chewy foods.
Another benefit of this treatment is that it can help to maintain the facial structure, even after tooth loss. This is because it prevents the jaw bone from shrinking, as it would with denture wearing.
What is the implant supported denture treatment?
With implant supported dentures, fewer implants are needed. It could be as little as 2 implants placed on opposite sides of the mouth. These will support a removable denture that snaps into place using strong magnets.
The intention of implant supported dentures is to be able to remove the denture and clean it, just as you would with a traditional denture. It is removed at night time, and can snap into place again in the morning with ease.
The implants provide a more sturdy anchor point than you would enjoy with traditional dentures, but this isn’t quite as sturdy as the support you would get from implant retained dentures.
It means that you can still enjoy all of your favourite foods with confidence. You can smile and speak without worrying that your denture might come loose. It can also help to maintain some of your jaw bone density at the implant site.
Which treatment is right for me?
The main reason for choosing implant supported denture treatment is often down to bone density. If you have been wearing a denture for a long time, you may have suffered a loss of bone in the jaw, and this might mean you would require bone grafting for a more extensive implant treatment. Implant supported dentures offer a simplified treatment plan that may be possible without bone grafting.
It can also be a big adjustment to go from wearing a removable denture to having a full-arch restoration, so some patients prefer the option to continue removing their denture at night.
And finally, cost is also a factor to consider. Implant supported dentures require fewer implants, so this will cost less than the full implant retained denture treatment with 4-6 implants.
The main reason for choosing implant supported dentures would be the desire to have a natural-looking restoration that looks, feels and functions like natural teeth would. It can offer a second chance for those who might have suffered tooth loss earlier than expected in life.
Why is this better than traditional dentures?
Traditional dentures are often very popular, simply because they are cost-effective, reliable and easy to access. You could have a full denture created for you in a matter of weeks. With practice, you can learn how to eat and speak quite naturally while wearing your denture. It’s also very easy to care for your denture by removing it and soaking it with a denture cleaning solution overnight.
However, some people want to enjoy a more permanent restoration. Dental implants replicate the role of a tooth root, which means that some natural function of the mouth can be restored, even after tooth loss. (See All on 4)
With a more secure denture, the wearer can enjoy a wide range of foods that might be off limits to traditional denture wearers. Implant supported and retained dentures can also help to prevent social isolation, as you will have the confidence to not let your dentures hold you back.
Curious about how you could upgrade your dentures with implant options? Get in touch with our team today to discuss the options available to you.