Implant Retained Dentures vs Implant Supported Dentures
Implant retained dentures and implants supported dentures are an excellent way to restore your mouth for patients who are a good candidate for dental implant placement. Both options require dental implant surgery before the Dental prosthesis can be placed on top of the implants. Both are incredibly natural looking and more aesthetically pleasing than traditional dentures. They also have the added benefit of promoting jaw bone regeneration, thereby avoiding the deterioration that can come with traditional dentures.
While both are good options, there are a couple of differences to consider when determining which type would best suit your needs and lifestyle. In the section, we will go over the differences between implant retained dentures and implants supported dentures.
What is the difference between implant supported dentures and implant retained dentures?
The biggest difference is the simple fact that implant retained dentures are made to be removable. Implant supported dentures are screwed onto the dental implants and therefore cannot be removed by the patient. Another major factor is cost. Implant retained dentures are typically less expensive than implant supported dentures.
Which type is right for me?
Once it has been established that you can endure implant surgery and the recovery time, you and your dentist will work together to determine which type will best suit your personal needs and fit your lifestyle.
Overall Health: Some patients may suffer from sleep apnea or TMJ issues and find that they are able to function better with implant supported dentures. They will be able to wear their teeth during sleep which can help relieve some pressure, especially if a night guard is used.
Dietary habits: Patients that consume foods which are harder to chew will benefit from implant supported dentures. Patients who do not eat steak or other foods that require extensive chewing may find that implant retained dentures suit their needs just fine.
Lifestyle and oral hygiene: Some patients simply do not want to take their dentures out every night to sleep in which case implant supported dentures would be best. If patients have poor oral hygiene, they may do best with implant retained dentures so that they can be easily cleaned every day.
Cost: Cost can be the ultimate deciding factor. Implant supported dentures can cost up to $30,000 per arch whereas implant retained dentures may only cost up to $8000 per arch. The number of implants that you will require will be a significant factor in the overall cost of treatment; the more implants you need, the more expensive your treatment will be.
If you are missing a significant number of teeth and are looking for a great way to restore the form and function of your smile, implant retained or implant supported dentures may be right for you! Discuss all options with your dentist and oral surgeon to be sure that you know what to expect for each restorative treatment.