Everybody deserves to have a beautiful smile that they can be proud of showing off for years to come. If you’re looking to get your smile back, you’ve probably considered trying dentures.
There are a few different options when it comes to full teeth replacements, and two of the main offerings are traditional dentures and implant-anchored dentures. But what are the differences between these two? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to each type?
We’re here to give you the intel on both so that you can make the best decision for you and your unique dental needs. By the end of this article, you’ll be one step closer to that fantastic set of teeth and a brand-new, million-dollar smile.
What Should You Know About Traditional Dentures?
We all know traditional dentures. We’ve likely seen tropes and stereotypes on TV of old folks with their dentures always falling out. In short, traditional dentures are a complete set of prosthetic teeth that rest on top of your gums, allowing you to smile and chew just like you would with regular teeth.
Traditionally, dentures were made out of porcelain, but nowadays, a material called acrylic resin is common. This material still looks like regular teeth, and it molds to your unique mouth more effectively.
Dentures Aren’t Very Secure
Regular dentures give you a nice set of false teeth, which can be life-changing for many people. However, some aspects of traditional dentures leave a bit to be desired.
For starters, there’s the problem of dentures becoming loose and moving out of place. Most of the time, dentures rely on suction or a good fit to your gums to stay in place. Or, you may have to rely on denture adhesive, which can be uncomfortable and unpleasant.
But even then, your dentures have some risk of moving around. You’ll likely have to adjust the way you talk or chew to keep them in place, and you may also have to restrict your diet and stay away from especially hard or chewy foods.
It takes a while to adjust to dentures, and even after the adjustment period is over, you may still accidentally bite your cheek or run the risk of having your dentures pop out.
Jaw Health
Having your denture move around is inconvenient, but regular dentures also fail to account for another aspect of your health: your jawbone and jaw muscles.
Natural teeth are anchored into the bone and muscle in your gums, so whenever you chew, it exerts pressure on your jawbone and the muscles in your face. This pressure helps keep these bones and muscles strong, helping your face to keep its shape and more.
When you have no teeth, or multiple missing teeth, your jaw doesn’t get the workout it needs every day. This might not sound like a big deal, but if the problem persists long enough, it can lead to bone atrophy and jaw bone loss.
Bone loss can affect your life in many ways. For starters, it can be fairly painful, but it can also affect the structure of your face. Your face might start to look like it’s sinking in, and it could even affect your jaw joint. Bone loss can even increase your risk of developing gum disease.
It’s crucial to avoid jaw bone loss when possible, because it’s very difficult to replace lost bone. That would require a bone graft which is highly expensive and not always possible.
What Should You Know About Implant-Anchored Dentures?
Anchored dentures are a solution that seeks to correct the problems that exist with traditional dentures. This incredibly innovative technology can help you enjoy a fully restored and functional smile, and it can make a massive difference in your day-to-day life.
Essentially, anchored dentures use dental implants to secure themselves to your gums, so they don’t move around throughout the day. You start by getting dental implants put into your gums. The dentures snap onto the implants when you’re wearing them, giving you a secure fit that you can rely on and they’re just as easy to snap out when you want some extra cleaning.
Stable and Reliable
This method allows you to relax, knowing that your dentures aren’t going to shift around on you when you’re eating or talking. Because they are securely attached to your gums, it can be easier to chew and speak. On top of that, the learning curve for wearing these dentures can be far easier and shorter than traditional dentures.
A similar alternative that gives you security is fixed, non-removable teeth. As the name implies, permanent fixed teeth are attached to your dental implants and cannot be removed without the help of your dentist.
And although permanent fixed teeth give you a secure fit, they’re difficult to clean. Food often gets caught under them and is difficult to remove without a professional cleaning. This can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of developing a gum infection.
But with implant-anchored dentures, you can simply snap your dentures in and out with ease. They give you the security you need while allowing you to easily take them out and clean them every day. It’s considered the best of both worlds.
Support a Healthy Jaw
But even more important than a secure fit, implant-anchored dentures protect the health of your jaw by reducing your risk of developing bone loss. They do this with the use of dental implants.
Dental implants are placed in your gums and anchor to the bone in your jaw. In a way, they sit in your mouth very similarly to how natural teeth do. Because of this, they exert that pressure on your jaw and muscles that they need to stay healthy.
By giving your bones a workout, this denture method helps to lower your risk of bone loss. You can expect this option to help your face maintain its structure and help your jaw to stay healthy.
Anchored Dentures for Health and Security
All things considered, implant-anchored dentures are a high quality and high value option for prosthetic teeth. They can give you that beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming of while supporting your health in many ways.
If you’re interested in anchored dentures and would like a free consultation, visit Renew to learn more and take the next step toward your new smile.
Sources:
Dental bone loss | American Academy of Medical Orthodontics
Denture care: How do I clean dentures? | NCH Healthcare System
Gum (Periodontal) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention | Cleveland Clinic