The two most common types of dentures are traditional, or removable, dentures and implant-supported dentures.

Which option is best for you?

The amount of information to review may seem overwhelming at first, but a simple look at the pros and cons of each denture option can help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Traditional Dentures 

Traditional or removable dentures require relatively little up-front costs. While premium dentures can cost $2,000-$4,000 per plate, the average cost of traditional dentures is around $700-$1,800. Partial dentures can cost even less at $300-$500.

The timeline for receiving traditional dentures is also relatively short at a few weeks. After teeth are pulled and the gums heal an impression of the patient’s mouth is taken so the dentures can be tailored to her mouth. The impressions are then sent to a lab so the dentures can be created.

After they are checked on the patient for look, fit and function, adjustments are made and the dentures are sent back to the lab for final processing. They are then cleaned, polished and returned for a final fitting. The entire process can take three to twelve weeks to complete.

These two qualities make traditional or removable dentures one of the most affordable and quick methods of replacing missing teeth.

Disadvantages of Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures require applying adhesive to get them to remain in place in your mouth. This adhesive may need to be re-applied several times throughout the day. Without continuous application of the adhesive, the dentures move around which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.   

You cannot wear traditional dentures to bed. Instead they must be stored overnight in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution to keep them sanitary.

Extensive wear of traditional dentures can cause your jaw to shrink, making the dentures feel loose or causing them to rub painfully on the gums. Because the jawbone diminishes, denture-wearers often experience facial sagging. 

Traditional dentures also do not allow for the same force as natural teeth when biting or chewing. Some wearers will have to cut food into smaller pieces or eat foods softer in texture while wearing them.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

The pros of implant-supported dentures are numerous. Because they look and feel like natural teeth, the wearer has no dietary restrictions. Daily care for implant-supported dentures also mimics that of natural teeth; simple flossing and brushing suffice.

Implant-supported dentures can also strengthen the inside of your jaw by allowing the formation of new bone around the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, can improve bone health, preserve natural jaw height, and prevent facial sagging. 

Downsides to Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are often more expensive than traditional dentures. A complete set of porcelain implant-supported dentures can cost between $1,500 and $4,000.

Patients must undergo dental implant surgery before their implant-supported denture can be mounted. This procedure consists of placing implant posts into the jawbone and allowing them to fuse with the jawbone. Once the posts have fully fused with jawbone tissue, small metal abutments are attached to the implants. The implant-supported dentures are then attached to the abutments. 

The process can take 6-9 months to complete. During that time a patient may not have full use of their dental implants.

To summarize:

Pros of Traditional Dentures: 

•  Affordable
• Can be created relatively quickly

Cons of Traditional Dentures: 

• Daily maintenance (adhesive must be applied daily and sometimes several times a day) 
• The wearer must watch what they eat 
• Have to be replaced every so often
• May affect bone health

Pros of Implant-Supported Dentures: 

• Look and feel like natural teeth 
• Low maintenance compared to traditional dentures (no messy adhesive, can be worn to bed) 
• Wearer can eat whatever they like
• Improvement in jawbone health

Cons of Implant-Supported Dentures: 

• Cost 
• Long, invasive procurement procedure

Each person’s needs are special, and at the Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, they are treated that way.

Dr. Bridges and his team take each patient’s health, budget and needs into consideration when advising them on the denture treatment that’s right for them.

Call us today for a free 1-on-1 consultation at 580-255-4880 or reach us through our contact page.

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