Implant-Retained vs Implant-Supported Dentures

Having to replace a whole row of teeth isn’t nearly as life-changing as it used to be. Gone are the days of messy, loose-fitting, and unnatural-looking dentures. These days, it’s all about combining the use of dental implants and dentures to restore your teeth. 

But when the time comes to restore your teeth, you may be faced with a decision: implant-retained dentures or implant-supported dentures. There are benefits to each option, but certain factors set them apart. Learn more about the two popular restoration solutions to get an idea of which one may be best for you.

Call 704-285-0846 to set up a consultation at Charlotte Dentistry in Charlotte, NC.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Implant-retained dentures are dentures that are secured by dental implants. With implant-retained dentures, most of the force of your bite is on your gums, as opposed to through the dental implants and into your bone.

Implant-supported dentures require fewer dental implants, can often be secured with mini implants if necessary, and can be made using a wider variety of materials. Implant-retained dentures are worn while eating, but should be taken out at night to be properly cleaned.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is designed to take the force of your bite and fully direct it through the dental implants into your bone. This is important, because this design ensures you have a more natural and effective, as well as the strongest, bite possible.

Implant-supported dentures tend to cost more than implant-retained dentures, since they require more dental implants and require higher-quality materials. In most cases, mini dental implants cannot be used for implant-supported dentures, which means a good amount of bone is needed to support them. In most cases, implant-supported dentures are permanent and not removable. 

Which Option is Right for You?

Both types of implant dentures offer fantastic functional and cosmetic results. Which option is right for you will depend on the following factors, which we can discuss during your consultation at our Charlotte dental office:

  • Bone health – Can your jawbone support dental implants? Do you have enough healthy bone to support a full restoration?
  • Diet – The foods you tend to eat more can determine which type of denture will work best for you. 
  • Health conditions – Certain conditions like TMJ or sleep apnea will be factored into the type of restoration that is most suitable for you. 
  • Lifestyle – If you don’t like the idea of having to remove your dentures to clean them, implant-supported dentures may be the better choice for you.
  • Cost – While we offer several payment options at our dental practice, we understand that the overall cost of treatment does play a role in your final decision. 

Call Today to Set Up a Consultation

Now that you have gained a little more insight into the benefits of implant-retained and implant-supported dentures, call our office to schedule a consultation. We will conduct an examination and discuss your oral health goals with you, to come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 or contact us online to request your appointment in Charlotte, NC.