If you are missing a full arch of teeth and find removable appliances frustrating, there is a highly secure alternative in the form of implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to the jawbone via dental implant posts and do not slip. They are custom-designed for your teeth, and you can remove them easily.
Before you commit to this tooth restorative treatment, exploring the benefits of implant-supported dentures and their drawbacks will help you determine if this hybrid solution can fit your lifestyle and clinical needs.
Implant-supported dentures are a hybrid restorative treatment where a custom-made denture securely snaps onto the titanium implants that the dentist places in your jawbone.
Traditional dentures sit loosely on your gums and rely on natural suction. Implant-supported dentures use between two and six dental implants to lock your new teeth into place. Once the titanium posts merge with your jawbone, the denture clicks onto the implant abutments.
You can remove this appliance at night for regular cleaning, and it will not slip or fall out during the day. They remain completely stable and secure.
The main benefits of implant-supported dentures are unmatched stability. When placed by an expert, a dental implants and dentures solution significantly restores bite force and removes gum sore spots. The implants stimulate the jawbone and promote bone growth.
The main drawbacks of implant-supported dentures include a higher initial cost and the necessity of minor oral surgery. The treatment timeline spans several months. Here are the main considerations to keep in mind before starting treatment:
Implant-supported dentures are highly stable and create significantly stronger chewing power. They actively work to preserve your jawbone compared to traditional dentures, which rest on top of the gums. But the placement of traditional dentures is a non-surgical and faster procedure than implant-supported dentures. It is a more affordable upfront alternative.
Both implant-supported dentures and traditional dentures support a full arch of missing teeth. But the way they function inside your mouth is vastly different. Traditional dentures rely on gum contours, natural suction, or adhesive pastes to stay in place. Over time, the jawbone naturally shrinks, and they lose their snug fit. The dentures begin to rub against sensitive gum tissue.
Implant-supported dentures snap onto titanium posts fused within the bone, transferring the pressure of chewing away from your delicate gums. Traditional upper dentures require an acrylic plate that covers the roof of your mouth for suction. This dulls your sense of taste and warmth.
Implant-retained options have a simple horseshoe shape that leaves your upper palate uncovered. You can savour the flavours of your favourite beverages and food.
| Feature | Implant-Supported Dentures | Traditional Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment and Fit | Snaps securely onto 2 to 6 titanium implants anchored in the jawbone | Rests on the gums and relies on suction, clasps, or adhesives |
| Stability | Locked firmly in place and will not shift when speaking or laughing | Can shift or loosen during meals and conversations, especially over time |
| Chewing Power | Restores 70% to 80% of natural bite force for crunchy, firm, and chewy foods | Restores 20% to 30% of natural bite force, and you must avoid hard or sticky foods |
| Taste and Comfort | Upper palate remains uncovered for natural taste and temperature sensation | Upper dentures cover the mouth’s roof, and gum rubbing can cause sore spots |
| Jawbone Preservation | Implants stimulate the bone like natural roots, preventing bone loss and facial sagging | Does not stimulate the jawbone, leading to gradual bone shrinkage and facial changes |
| Treatment Timeline | Requires minor oral surgery and 3 to 6 months of healing before final fitting | Completely non-surgical and non-invasive; completed within a few weeks |
| Financial Investment | Higher upfront cost with fewer ongoing adjustments | Lower initial cost, with ongoing expenses for adhesives and replacements every 5 to 7 years |
No, implant-supported dentures are a treatment that is not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates must be missing most or all of their teeth and have satisfactory jawbone density. You should be in good overall health for minor surgery.
The titanium posts need a strong foundation to fuse properly, and so patients with severe bone loss after years of missing teeth may not qualify without a preliminary bone graft. Chronic health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or smoking can impair your body’s natural healing capacity and lower the success of this oral surgery.
This restorative solution is also for patients with widespread tooth loss. If your natural teeth have a healthy structure and you just want to correct gaps or crowding, conservative options like Invisalign for straighter teeth are the best.
During your consultation at HC Dental and Implant Centre in Perth, our dentists use advanced 3D CBCT imaging to assess your jawbone volume. We discuss your oral health goals to ensure you benefit from the most effective treatment for your smile.
Tooth loss should not impact the quality of your daily life. Implant-supported dentures are one of the top restoration treatments that benefit those with adequate bone density the most. To understand the cost and how this treatment will impact your health, you must consult an experienced dentist. Our team at HC Dental and Implant Centre is here to help. Contact our clinic today to book your personalised consultation.
Yes, for most patients, implant-supported dentures provide greater stability and jawbone preservation. Traditional dentures remain a better choice if you don’t want minor oral surgery or have health conditions that affect healing.
Implant-supported dentures can last up to a lifetime with proper care. The average period of their uninterrupted use is 10 to 15 years.
Yes. Implant-supported dentures anchor to the posts in your jawbone, so they don’t cause any discomfort. Chewing pressure is absorbed by the implants, and they don’t press down on your sensitive gums.
Sometimes, the plastic caps and O-rings that snap the dentures onto the implants wear down over time and must be replaced. If they are not replaced, implant-supported dentures can come loose.
You maintain them by unsnapping the denture every night. Gently brush and soak them. Also, brush the implant abutments along your gums and attend your scheduled check-ups at the dental clinic.
