Implant-Supported Dentures: The Pros and Cons

By David Hudnall, DMD

Dentures held in place by dental implants enable you to enjoy improved confidence while eating and speaking. In addition, implant-supported dentures provide unrivaled stability, superior aesthetics, unmatched comfort, and preserved jawbone health. This guide is designed to answer many of the questions you may have about implant denture pros and cons. Let’s get started.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are dental appliances used for replacing a missing tooth or missing teeth. Unlike traditional removal dentures frequently associated with an older generation, implant-supported dentures improve the effectiveness of the treatment, allowing you to eat as if you had your own teeth once again. With a 95-percent success rate, replacing natural teeth with dental implants and implant-supported dentures has become a very popular and predictable treatment solution.

While they are often used to support full dentures, implants can also be used to secure partial dentures and crowns and support the surrounding teeth. No matter their use, implants provide a sturdy and stable foundation for the artificial teeth they support.

See Also: Buyer’s Guide to Implant-Supported Dentures: Types and Cost

Implant Dentures: Pros and Cons

With any form of healthcare, dentistry included, no treatment is without risk. Remember that clinicians are attempting to address a specific issue using artificial replacements for natural elements that have been lost, broken, or destroyed, and there is not a single treatment that is the right choice for everyone.

There are always benefits and drawbacks to any therapy performed, implant dentures and prosthetic teeth included. The question to ask yourself before undergoing treatment is, “Do I believe the outcome will help me live a better life?” If the answer is “yes,” the pros certainly outweigh the cons. And for patients who believe that implant-supported dentures are the best choice, an overwhelming majority will tell you that the results are life-changing and beyond their expectations.

So, what are implant dentures’ pros and cons? Let’s talk about some of them in greater detail.

Pro #1: Implants Preserve Jawbone

Why is this important? Have you ever looked at someone who has worn dentures for several years? Their chin begins to approach their nose; their facial features collapse with time. Before you realize it, they no longer look like themselves. Permanent dentures help to maintain both jawbone height and width, which allows you to preserve a more vibrant, younger-looking appearance and overall bone health and oral health. Preserving supporting bone structure through a full or partial denture also helps hide fine lines and premature wrinkling that causes you to look older than your actual age.

Preserving the jawbone has another benefit – it provides greater denture security. Certain styles of implant dentures rely partly on the jawbone and gum tissue for support. Having more bone can help make your implant denture more stable during function.

Pro #2: No More Adhesives

Denture adhesives are often the bane of any denture wearer’s existence. They’re messy, hard to remove from dentures and gums, and add up to be quite costly over time. They can also be hazardous to your health. Wouldn’t it be great to have other tooth replacement options and never need denture adhesives again? With implant-supported dentures, there’s no reason for adhesives because the dentures remain secured by the implant attachments.

Pro #3: Denture Stability

Implants help lock the denture into place, making it much easier to speak and chew in a public setting. Many wearers of traditional dentures are afraid to fully participate in social activities for fear that their denture may slip at an inopportune moment. With implant-supported dentures, the dentures are held securely in place by implants that are stabilized within the jawbone.

Pro #4: Fewer Dietary Restrictions

Because implant-supported dentures are attached directly to the implant posts, the dentures will function much more like natural teeth. Patients report that they can eat and enjoy foods they previously avoided with removable dentures. Imagine eating tougher cuts of meats, raw vegetables, or nuts without giving it a second thought!

Con #1: Expense

Implant-supported dentures are certainly more costly than traditional dentures. And that doesn’t include only the cost of the initial treatment. Maintenance and replacement implant dentures also command higher fees than traditional dentures that solely rest upon the gum tissue.

Often, patients look only at the higher cost of fixed implant dentures and conclude that the treatment is not worth it. They may look into other options like implant retained dentures, partial denture, and snap on dentures that may be better for a different patient. Researchers have found that people gain more enjoyment from money spent on experiences versus possessions. Implant-supported dentures are an aid that allows you to participate more fully in life without the worry or embarrassment that can accompany wearing dentures that move. Implant dentures are an investment that will enable you to enjoy more of the wonderful experiences that life has to offer

Con #2: Not A Suitable Solution for Every Denture Wearer

Unfortunately, not every patient can have dental implants placed to help secure their dentures. Although it is possible to perform bone augmentation, some patients have too little bone for the procedure to be successful or have gum disease. In addition, certain health issues, such as uncontrolled diabetes or chronic autoimmune diseases, preclude some patients from receiving bone grafting or dental implant placement. To overcome this drawback, European Denture Center offers digital dentures that fit much more precisely than many traditional dentures.

Con #3: Requires A Surgical Procedure

Fear prevents some patients from having the necessary dental implant surgery to place the implants within the jawbone. There is also a period of recovery and healing that can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months for the entire treatment to be completed from start to finish. Rest assured that the time will pass quickly if you remain focused on the end result.

Top Implant-Supported Dentures at European Denture Center

Why settle for dentures that don’t allow you to fully enjoy life? European Denture Center has a range of implant denture solutions designed to address any need or budget.

Don’t assume that the entire process must be done all at once. With implants, our clinicians can help you start with as few as two implants and an implant-retained denture. As your needs and finances change, you may want more implants placed to secure a fully-supported implant denture or even non-removable fixed bridgework. Multiple possibilities are available. To find out the best solution for your specific situation, arrange your implant consultation with European Denture Center today!