Implant-Supported vs. Implant-Retained Dentures

If you’re thinking about getting implant dentures to replace your missing teeth, Hendersonville Perio can guide you through the different approaches to placing dentures on dental implants. The main distinction is between implant-supported dentures and implant-retained dentures.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures? Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to bear the force of your bite, transferring it fully into the jawbone for a natural and effective bite. Generally, these dentures are more expensive because they require more implants and higher-quality materials. They often can’t use mini implants, so a good amount of bone is needed to support them. These dentures are typically not removable.

What Are Implant-Retained Dentures? Implant-retained dentures use dental implants to stay in place, with the implants also absorbing some bite force on the gums. Unlike implant-supported dentures, they can use mini implants or fewer implants overall and offer a variety of material options. These dentures stay secure while talking or eating and provide improved bite force, but they don’t fully replicate a natural bite. They should be removed at night for cleaning.

Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Implant-Retained Dentures: Which Is Right for You? Both types of dentures offer excellent cosmetic and functional results. Choosing the right type at Hendersonville Perio depends on several factors that affect how they fit into your lifestyle.

Are You a Candidate? Consider whether your jawbone can support implant-supported dentures. If you lack sufficient bone, you might not be able to get them.

• Diet If you enjoy hard-to-chew foods like steak, implant-supported dentures might be better for you.
• Health Conditions like TMJ or sleep apnea that benefit from having dentures in at night may make implant-supported dentures a better choice since they don’t need to be removed.
• Lifestyle If you prefer not to have removable dentures and want your teeth to stay in place when you wake up, implant-supported dentures are ideal.
• Cost While cost shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision, it’s important to consider. Implant-supported dentures are generally more expensive, but the health and confidence benefits they provide can be invaluable. Many factors influence the cost of dental implants.