Do you need to replace all of your teeth at one time? For years, traditional dentures have been the fast and affordable go-to. But with a removable “plate” prosthesis come added frustrations of not being able to eat normally, irritating rubbing, and a lack of self-confidence. Today, dental implants make it possible to enjoy more advanced tooth replacement treatments that are more secure and comfortable. The two most popular options are implant retained dentures (permanent), and implant supported dentures (removable).
Understanding the Difference: Fixed vs. Removable Dentures
Implant retained dentures are a fixed—aka permanent—tooth replacement treatment. They are securely retained by anywhere from 4-6 dental implants per arch. Hence the reason they’re often referred to as “All-on-4” or “All-on-6” implants. Since retained designs don’t need a “plate” across the roof of your mouth, they’re more streamlined in shape. The hybrid design simply follows the natural arch of your smile, freeing up extra space.
The middle ground between a fixed implant denture and a traditional removable denture is the “implant stabilized” option. Stabilized overdentures look almost identical to a traditional removable denture. The only difference is that they have special locators underneath the plate, which snap or clip onto a corresponding implant (usually anywhere from 2-4 implants per denture.)
Are Hybrid Implant Retained Dentures Best?
Permanent implant retained dentures like All-on-4 are almost always the best option for restoring your smile. You can chew all the foods you want, avoid messy adhesives, and speak more clearly since it takes up less room in your mouth. Plus, the included dental implants help to delay additional bone loss, providing added volume that combats the premature aging we often see with tooth loss.
Even though implant retained All-on-4 dentures are the next best thing to natural teeth, our dental office will always make you aware of your options. When you’re educated about your choices, you can feel more confident about your smile’s future.
Implant Dentures Most Like Natural Teeth
When you need to replace all of your teeth at one time, conventional dentures can feel quite bulky. To achieve an effective bite that you can chew and speak with normally, it’s best to have a hybrid design that’s permanently fixed into place. That’s exactly what All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatments provide.
With fixed implant supported dentures that are non-removable, you can go about your daily activities without having to worry about taking your “teeth” out. The streamlined All-on-4 design follows the natural curve of your bite. You can eat anything you want to, and home care is simple: just brush and floss each day!
Transitioning to a permanent implant denture is easier because you won’t have to alter your day-to-day activities. Whereas traditional dentures require weeks of practice to get used to wearing or eating with.
All-on-4 provides you with a comfortable and reliable way to replace your teeth for life.
When Are Implant Supported Dentures Recommended?
Removable dental implant supported dentures are a step up from a traditional denture. They essentially blend the affordability of a “plate” with the convenience of just two or more dental implants to keep them in place. A simple implant surgery provides a pair or set of implants for the denture to clip onto. That way you can replace missing teeth by blending the convenience of a conventional denture with the reliability of a tighter fit.
How to Avoid Removable Dentures (“Plates”)
Traditional “plate” style dentures aren’t your only option for replacement teeth. Even if you’ve experienced extensive tooth loss and bone loss, an implant retained option is usually possible.
Working with a trained implant dentist who offers advanced soft tissue regeneration, augmentation/grafting, and in-house implant surgery is one of the best ways to make your permanent new smile a reality.
If you already have dentures but are looking for an upgrade, our Kansas City implant office can help!
Can I Eat Hard to Chew Foods with an Implant Denture?
Absolutely. Your health benefits are an important consideration when you need replacement teeth. Since All-on-4 implants fully replicate the full force of biting and chewing with natural teeth, no food is off-limits. Your restoration is anchored into the bone/jawbone, providing maximum biting force. The streamlined shape makes it easier to taste and savor every bite.
On the other hand, traditional denture wearers usually need to select other foods that are softer or take smaller bites.
Advantages of Permanently Fixed Upper Denture
With the support of a permanent full mouth implant system, you never have to worry if your “teeth” are secure. Chewing is simple. You can smile with confidence. And cleaning your teeth is a breeze. Even your TMJ (jaw joint) can function more naturally!
Most importantly, you never have to worry about taking your teeth out at night!
Implant Supported Denture vs. Traditional Dentures
Sometimes our natural bite is too shallow from bone loss to support a traditional denture. Although dentures restore an entire arch of teeth, they often rock and rub your skin, causing discomfort. Most patients also find that they can’t eat as well as they used to. Even though traditional dentures are the most affordable option to quickly replace missing teeth, they leave a lot to be desired.
Dental implant patients looking for a more affordable option/alternative to traditional All-on-4 treatment may want to consider a stabilized, supported overdenture. Although still removable, this affordable option provides most patients with better stability and comfort than a traditional “plate”. Only 2-4 implants are needed per arch. In select scenarios, it might be possible to retrofit your current denture to snap onto the implants.
Do You Need an Implant Specialist in Kansas or Missouri?
If you are looking for an experienced implant denture provider in the area, Dr. Gordon has extensive training in implant therapy and is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Academy of Osseointegration, and International Congress of Oral Implantologists. From single tooth dental implant treatments to full-arch All-on-4 implant therapy, we can provide exactly what your smile needs.
Contact Gordon Dental today to book a FREE no-fuss consultation to see if you qualify.