When you are missing a full arch of teeth (upper, lower or both), a denture is the most sensible solution. However, the type of denture you choose can make a significant difference in how your smile feels and functions over time. While most modern dentures provide an excellent replica of natural teeth, they are not all anchored or secured the same way in your mouth.
In general, you have the option between a traditional (removable) denture that rests along the gums and is held in place by adhesive cream or an implant-supported denture that is anchored in place by a set of dental implants. While traditional dentures are undoubtedly less expensive, it is important to consider the long-term return on your investment when choosing implant dentures.
Implant-supported dentures offer significant advantages towards your dental health as well as your overall health and quality of life. To fully understand these benefits, it is important to realize the potential drawbacks of not securing your denture with implants and instead choosing a conventional or removable denture.
Common Denture Drawbacks
Since traditional dentures are not attached to implants, they can lack stability. This can result in dentures slipping out of place and patients avoiding certain foods, covering up their mouth with laughing and simply losing confidence in their replacement set of teeth. In addition, traditional dentures have no way of stimulating the underlying jawbone the way a real tooth root or a dental implant can. Therefore, the bone can atrophy over time, which leads to ill-fitting dentures as well as changes in facial shape. Lastly, a conventional denture needs special care. The nightly cleaning regime and messy adhesive cream can become quite a hassle, especially for aging adults.
Implant-Supported Dentures for the Win
By choosing to anchor your dentures to a set of dental implants that are surgically placed into your jaw, you can eliminate the above-mentioned setbacks of wearing traditional dentures. Patients with implant dentures gain unrivaled stability in their new smile with the ability to eat the foods they not only love, but those fiber-rich fruits and vegetables that promote better health and nutrition for long-term health. Since implant dentures are anchored in the jaw, you can also avoid bone loss and the premature facial aging that comes with it. Implant-retained dentures allow you to achieve the most natural smile in look, feel and function. Best of all, you can care for them just like would your real teeth!
Ready to learn more about implant-supported dentures? Call West Hill Family Dental. We offer a variety of ways to replace missing teeth, including comprehensive implants dentistry.
Posted on behalf of West Hill Family Dental