Restorative Dentistry: Traditional vs. Implant Dentures
When you think about dentures, you may picture artificial-looking false teeth that frequently slip out of place. Today’s dentures are far more realistic and stable. Thanks to advances in restorative dentistry, we can replace missing teeth with traditional or implant-supported dentures. Both types of dentures will be custom-designed to fit securely in your mouth, and they will look realistic. Implant-supported dentures will provide additional security and jawbone protection. Dr. Stein will conduct a full evaluation to determine the right type of dentures for your needs. To learn more about traditional vs. implant-supported dentures, contact our Boston practice today.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
You probably know that traditional dentures are removable restorations. They can replace your full upper or lower dental arch. You can also select a partial denture to replace several adjacent missing teeth.
To fit you for your dentures, Dr. Stein will take impressions of your gums. He will also carefully calibrate the force and alignment of your jaw. Then he will send this data to our partner lab, where ceramists will craft a restoration that looks natural and restores your dental function. The denture will have a plastic base, carefully chosen to match the color of your gums. To provide additional security, you can use denture adhesive to hold the restoration in place. The synthetic teeth will be made of advanced materials offering a realistic color and sparkle.
What Are Implant-supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures will be firmly rooted in your mouth. Most dental experts consider these restorations to be virtually identical to natural teeth. Dr. Stein will refer you to a local oral surgeon or prosthodontist, who will surgically set small metal posts in your jawbone. In many cases, your practitioner will place four smaller posts. This will provide a sturdy base for a full denture with reduced impact to your jawbone. During the healing period, your jawbone and gums will integrate with the biocompatible implant posts. When you are fully recovered, Dr. Stein will attach your new denture to the tops of the posts. He has been performing dental implant restoration since 1988. Thanks to his decades of experience, you are sure to receive a stunningly lifelike denture.
The Benefits of Implant-supported Dentures
Both traditional and implant-supported dentures can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile. They can also fill in your lips and cheeks to give you a younger, healthier appearance. However, implant-supported dentures offer several additional and unique benefits. First, because they will integrate with your own tissues, they will not slip in your mouth. Even when you are eating, you will enjoy guaranteed stability and complete oral function. Second, in most cases, implants will last the rest of your life. Of course, you will need to maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent gum disease. In addition, implants-supported dentures are virtually identical to natural teeth. They will sit right along your gum line. You will not have to deal with a plastic base, denture adhesive, or metal clasps. Finally, implants will send regenerative signals to your jawbone, preventing bone recession, which often occurs after tooth loss.
Which Restorative Option Is Right for You?
Dr. Stein will carefully examine your oral health to determine the most appropriate type of dentures for your needs. Implant-supported dentures are often the restorative method of choice, but they are not right for everyone. You must have enough jawbone volume to support the posts. Fortunately, your oral surgeon may be able to reverse bone recession with a bone graft or sinus lift procedure. In addition, you should be in good health. If you suffer from an autoimmune disease or a condition that affects your ability to heal properly, elective implant surgery is probably not a good choice. No matter what type of restoration you choose, however, Dr. Stein will work tirelessly to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Schedule a Consultation Today
To learn more about both types of dentures and to find out which type may be right for you, contact our office today.
