Losing your teeth can be a life-changing experience, and not in a good way. Missing teeth can affect the aesthetics of your face, not to mention your smile. It can also make it difficult for you to chew, and even to speak properly. 

But perhaps worst of all, losing your teeth can have dire consequences on your self-esteem. After all, smiling is vital to your health. But if you have lost your teeth, there are ways for you to get back the confidence you had before you lost those teeth. Implant-supported dentures might be the right solution for you.

What are implant-supported dentures?

Implant-supported dentures replace several missing teeth all at once and are an option in between traditional dentures and full-arch dental implants. They are an excellent solution for adults who want a cost-effective and less expensive alternative to improve their smile as well as their ability to chew and speak. 

How do implant-supported dentures compare to traditional dentures?

The critical difference between traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures is that dentures retained by implants are anchored directly to the jawbone via dental implants and abutments (the metal part that serves as a base for the crown). 

To get dentures supported by implants, you must first get dental implants. Then, once the posts are fully fused to your jawbone, the abutments are attached to the implants. The prosthetic is then attached to the abutment to create a permanent solution.

Traditional dentures are entirely removable and temporary. Patients can either get complete dentures when all their teeth are missing or partial dentures when only a few teeth are missing and some natural teeth remain. You can remove traditional dentures before you go to bed, whereas dentures supported by implants stay permanently in your mouth unless removed by your dentist.

How do implant-supported dentures compare to dental implants?

Implant-supported dentures and dental implants are not the same thing, even though both will help you regain the confidence you had before you lost your teeth. Both dental implants with crowns and implant-supported dentures can help restore your smile, but patients may choose one over the other for various reasons.

 The main difference between the two is that dental implants use one implant post per tooth, while dentures supported by implants may only use two to four implant posts to support the prosthetic. 

Many patients appreciate the lower cost of dentures supported by implants; however, dental implants with a crown may prove to be more cost-effective over time. Of course, you may wonder how much dental implants or implant-supported dentures cost. The reality is that the cost will vary from patient to patient based on their specific needs. The best way to find out how much implant-supported dentures cost is to meet with your dentist. 

And, of course, ultimately, the decision to get implant-supported dentures vs. another option is a personal one, often best made in partnership with your family dentist. 

Implant-supported dentures offer more stability than traditional dentures

With traditional dentures, patients often experience instability when chewing or speaking. Though dentures can be convenient and can be removed as needed, they also can cause embarrassing situations, when they shift from their position. Implant-supported dentures, however, are a more permanent solution that makes it easier for patients to eat and speak. Further, since implant-supported dentures are fixed, there is less risk of accidentally losing them or breaking them. 

Implant-supported dentures are stronger than traditional dentures and do not rub over the gums. The implants also stimulate the jawbone to prevent atrophy, keeping the jawbone from deteriorating. 

Those who select the traditional denture option will need to have their dentures refitted periodically to account for bone shrinkage. And, unfortunately, this bone shrinkage can also alter the face, causing wrinkles and premature aging. With implant-supported dentures, patients don’t have to worry about their facial structure changing or their smile altering, or aging, over time.

Seek a consultation with The Tooth Doc to see if implant-supported dentures are right for you.

The best way to determine if implant-supported dentures are right for you is via a consultation with an experienced dentist. If you live in or work near Omaha, Nebraska, the team at The Tooth Doc may be the right partners for you. 

Request an appointment online, text us, or give us a call. Whichever way you reach us, we’re ready to work with you to schedule a convenient consultation time. We look forward to meeting you.