Implant Supported Dentures VS Traditional Dentures

For tooth loss, especially after multiple or complete tooth loss, removable dentures have become a vital method for restoring chewing function, facial appearance, and speech. As time progresses, patients face an expanding array of choices.

Should they opt for the technically mature, cost-effective traditional dentures, or choose the stable, comfortable, yet higher-priced implant-supported removable dentures? This article provides a concise overview of the differences between the two options, guidance on selecting the appropriate denture, and daily maintenance tips for both types.

The Difference Between Implant-Supported Dentures and Traditional Dentures

The primary differences between implant-supported removable dentures and traditional dentures lie in three aspects: the supporting principle, force transmission, and retention methods.

Support Principle

Implant-Supported Removable Dentures

The primary support force originates from the integration between the implant itself and the alveolar bone (osseointegration). The implant serves as an artificial tooth root for the denture, directly transmitting occlusal forces into the jawbone.

The oral mucosa provides only supplementary support and sealing, not primary load-bearing. This means that even with significant alveolar bone resorption, robust support remains achievable with sufficient quantity and quality of implant placement.

Conventional Dentures

Support Mechanism: Primarily relies on the alveolar bone and gingival mucosa to bear chewing pressure. Upper dentures can utilize the entire palate for suction area, but lower dentures suffer from reduced stability due to the presence of the tongue and a smaller suction surface.

Force Transmission

Protezy wsparte na implantach

Chewing forces are transmitted through the crown → abutment → implant, ultimately reaching the jawbone directly. This transmission method mimics natural teeth, providing physiological stimulation to the bone and effectively preventing alveolar bone resorption due to disuse.

Traditional Dentures

Chewing forces are transmitted directly through the denture base to the gums and underlying alveolar bone. This represents an unnatural force transmission, as it bypasses the periodontal ligament—the body’s natural pressure-absorbing structure.

Retention Methods

Protezy wsparte na implantach

Osseointegration between the implant and bone provides absolute mechanical retention, with stability independent of adjacent teeth or mucosal suction.

Conventional Dentures

Full dentures (when no natural teeth remain in the mouth) primarily rely on atmospheric pressure between the oral mucosa, surface tension generated by saliva, and suction for retention. Partial dentures (when some natural teeth remain) utilize clasps to hook onto natural teeth, enhancing retention.

These represent the primary differences between implant-supported dentures and conventional dentures.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Denture Solution Based on Your Individual Needs

Comprehensive Assessment of Personal Conditions

Considerations primarily revolve around three aspects: your health status, oral condition, and expectations for quality of life alongside financial budget.

Health Status

The notion that seniors are unsuitable for dental implants is incorrect. Age is not the primary factor influencing the choice of denture type. Instead, focus on whether you have conditions or habits such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, or a history of smoking.
A thorough assessment is essential before making a decision.

Oral Condition

Key factors include the number and location of missing teeth, the health of remaining teeth, and the height, width, and density of the alveolar bone. A dentist will use CBCT imaging to evaluate these aspects.

Quality of Life Expectations and Budget

Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency to over 90% of natural teeth, whereas traditional dentures achieve only 20-30% of natural chewing efficiency. Stability: Implant-supported dentures are exceptionally secure, whereas traditional dentures have poor stability and may shift during speech, chewing, or coughing. Cost: Implant-supported dentures are significantly more expensive, while traditional dentures are comparatively affordable.

Consult with experienced prosthodontists and implantologists.

Don’t just compare prices—thoroughly evaluate the doctor’s credentials, case history, and experience.

Request a detailed treatment plan from the doctor, including:

• Schematic diagrams of the proposed plan
• A timeline
• A breakdown of costs
• Potential risks and corresponding countermeasures

Consider consulting multiple clinics for comparison to select the most suitable treatment plan.

Podsumowanie

The primary differences between implant-supported dentures and traditional dentures lie in their supporting principles, force transmission, and retention methods. Selecting the most suitable denture requires professional advice from a dentist following a thorough examination.