At DICE Dental, we offer several types of dentures to help strengthen your smile, get you back to eating your favorite foods, and improve your confidence. Traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures are our most popular types of dentures in Springfield, Southampton, and Bethlehem Township. But what’s the difference between them?

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Traditional dentures, also called conventional dentures, float on top of the gums. Adhesive, your mouth muscles, and natural suction keep them in place. They’re removable, which makes them easy to clean. To qualify for traditional dentures, patients must miss all their teeth on the top or bottom arch.

Traditional dentures are custom-fit to your smile. The process starts with digital impressions and x-rays. Then, a custom mold is created out of plaster and filled with acrylic. Sometimes achieving a comfortable fit takes a few tries, but the wait is worth it!

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures use the same acrylic materials as traditional dentures. However, instead of floating on the gums, they snap onto implants. As a result, they remain more secure and stable while eating or speaking. To qualify for implant overdentures, patients need 4+ implants on the upper jaw or 2+ on the lower jaw.

Getting implant-supported dentures takes a little longer than getting traditional dentures because dental implants must be placed surgically into the jawbone. As a result, patients must wait a few weeks for their mouths to heal. Patients can opt for removable implant overdentures or permanent implant overdentures.

Traditional Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Dentures: What’s the Difference?

There are a lot of similarities when it comes to traditional dentures vs. implant-supported dentures. Both are easy to clean and provide extra facial support. While both denture treatments deliver a flawless, fuller smile, there are some differences between the two treatments that you should consider.

  • Comfort: Traditional dentures are more likely to move or grow loose over time because they sit on the gums, causing irritation, sores, discomfort, and trouble speaking. Implant overdentures are more stable and less likely to move.
  • Bone Growth: Implant-supported dentures stimulate bone growth. Because traditional dentures sit on your gums and don’t stimulate the jawbone, the bone can atrophy. This lack of support may cause sagging in your face, chin, and neck area.
  • Time Investment: The treatment timeline for traditional dentures is only a few weeks. Implant-supported dentures can take as many as six months because the jawbone needs to heal.
  • Surgical Requirements: Dental implants require sufficient jawbone strength to support the implants. As a result, some individuals may not qualify for implant-supported dentures unless they go through more invasive supplemental procedures like sinus lifts or bone grafts.
  • Durability: Both traditional and implant-supported dentures are durable and can last several years. Some traditional dentures can last as long as 15 or 20 years! Implant overdentures do have several attachments that can wear down over time. As a result, patients typically have to visit their dentist every six months to a year for maintenance.
  • Price: Traditional dentures are more cost-effective than implant-supported dentures. At DICE Dental, traditional dentures start at $599.

Which Type of Denture Is Right for Me?

When it comes to traditional dentures vs. implant-supported dentures, which is right for you? If you’re looking for quick and affordable support, traditional dentures are the perfect solution trusted by millions. If you want something that looks, feels, and acts more similarly to your natural teeth, implant-supported dentures are your best bet.

However, sometimes you don’t know which type of denture is for you until you visit a cosmetic dentist! We encourage you to visit one of our DICE Dental locations for a free consultation. We’ll walk through the treatment plans, go over their prices, and answer any questions you have. At DICE Dental, your comfort and confidence are our number one goal. Whether you need dentures, implants, or something in-between, we’ll help you find your smile again.