November 14, 2024

Medically Reviewed By: Jennette M. Bick, DDS, MS
Dentures are a wonderful option for creating a full and functional smile if you have lost all or most of your natural teeth. However, there are several different types of dentures that you can choose from depending on your individual situation and needs. Implant-supported dentures are a desirable choice based on the benefits they provide over traditional dentures.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Compare to Traditional Dentures?
Stability
Traditional dentures fit over your gums and are held in place by suction or adhesives. This can make them prone to slipping or flopping in your mouth as you eat or speak, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. In some instances, the dentures may even fall out completely. As a result, you may be more cautious about what you choose to eat or worry about talking or laughing too much.
Implant-supported dentures attach to locators, allowing them to snap in and out of place, but must be removed each evening. These dentures are secured by dental implants that are anchored directly into the jawbone. Through a process called osseointegration, the implants fuse with the bone, providing a stable foundation.
Implant-retained fixed prostheses, commonly referred to as hybrid dentures, should be professionally removed every 1–2 years for thorough cleaning and the replacement of gold screws, which can cost up to $200 each. Dentures are then either snapped or screwed into abutments that sit atop the implants, preventing movement and ensuring stability. This secure fit allows for natural function when eating, speaking, and while also providing enhanced bite power.
Fit
Traditional dentures are molded to the contour of your gums. Because there is no interaction with the bone, bone loss can occur over time. In addition, the gums can shrink. This changes how your dentures fit and can require them to be periodically relined to your current gum and bony ridge shape.
Implant-supported dentures are affixed to the jaw using two to six implants that act as replacement tooth roots. This helps provide stimulation to the bone, preventing resorption and helping the jaw maintain its natural contours. Implant-supported dentures are a more expensive choice than traditional dentures, considering the cost of implant-retained dentures for both arches averages around $60,000, while traditional dentures typically cost about $5,000. Overdentures fall somewhere in between, depending on the number of implants required.
Care
Traditional dentures and implant-supported overdentures are removable and must be removed each evening for cleaning. Generally, they must be soaked overnight, brushed, and then put back into your mouth using an adhesive. That can leave you without any teeth while sleeping or during the cleaning process.
Implant-supported dentures can be fixed in place, meaning that they are non-removable. You care for them with regular brushing and flossing just like you would your natural teeth, and there is no soaking or adhesives required. Every time you smile or open your mouth, you have a full set of beautiful, functional teeth.
Create a Lasting Smile with Implant-Supported Dentures
You should not settle for traditional dentures if you can experience the benefits of implant-supported dentures. Advanced Implants & Periodontal Specialists can help you understand your full-arch replacement options. Learn more about the benefits of implant-supported dentures and how you can create a more beautiful, functional, and lasting smile.