Implant Supported Dentures vs Traditional Dentures

Many patients give serious consideration to dental implants but are unsure if this is the best solution to address their tooth loss. Dr. Jerry Hancock offers helpful, detailed information for prospective patients who are weighing the advantages of implant-supported dentures vs. traditional dentures. At our restorative dentistry practice in Nashville, TN, we offer personally tailored solutions and detailed explanations of both options to help you choose the restoration that is best for you.

dentures

What Is the Difference between
Implant-Supported and
Traditional Dentures?

Both types of dentures can fill gaps in your smile, improving your appearance, overall health, and your ability to chew and speak. Dentures provide structure to prevent a sunken appearance and allow you to enjoy varied types of foods. You can regain quality of life and also prevent ongoing dental problems with quality dentures.


While implant dentures are clearly preferable in many ways, they may not be ideal for every patient.


A traditional set of full dentures fits snugly over your gums to provide a complete upper or lower arch of replacement teeth. A partial denture is typically secured in place by metal connectors to replace one or more consecutive teeth. These restorations are usually removable, though some dental bridges are cemented into place.

Implant-supported dentures are anchored by titanium posts surgically implanted in your jawbone. These dental implants fuse with the underlying bone tissue to replace teeth roots, providing a stable base for restorations. Implant dentures are often affixed securely in place, but many types remain removable by the patient.

Implant Dentures

Traditional Dentures

STABILITY

Implant dentures cannot slip out of place. You can eat, talk, laugh, and sing without concern about your denture slipping out of place.

Traditional full dentures are attached with suction and adhesives. It is likely that occasional slippage will occur.

DIETARY OPTIONS

There are no dietary restrictions needed with these dentures. You can enjoy tough, chewy, and even sticky foods with implants

Traditional dentures require eating only soft foods, or foods cut into very small pieces. Sticky foods will likely cause slippage. 

ORAL HEALTH

By providing stimulation to the alveolar bone, implants prevent bone resorption and many associated concerns.

A traditional denture provides some oral health benefits but does not prevent bone atrophy.

LONGEVITY

Implant dentures do not need to be refitted or replaced under normal circumstances. This solution is permanent.

Traditional dentures need to be altered occasionally because of natural shrinking of the alveolar bone.

AESTHETICS

There are no visible wires or plastic with implant-supported appliances, so these dentures look natural.

These dentures can be very natural looking, but the aesthetics cannot rival implant dentures.

While implant dentures are clearly preferable in many ways, they may not be ideal for every patient. In some cases, general health issues such as diabetes may make implants a less viable choice. Some patients do not have sufficient jawbone tissue to support dental implants. In these cases, Dr. Hancock can often add volume and strength with a bone graft.

Contact Us

The best way to determine the right restoration method for you is to schedule an exam at our office. Dr. Hancock’s high-tech exam will reveal whether your jawbone tissue can support an implant, and he will provide a personalized treatment recommendation. Our practice provides top-quality solutions for a wide variety of patients, and we offer flexible payment options. Please call us today at (615) 383-0132 to or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

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"The staff is super friendly and efficient, and I always walk out of their office with a smile…a much brighter one!”

-KATE

3829 Cleghorn Avenue

(615) 383-0132

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