Full or partial dentures restore your smile, boost self-confidence, and give you back full speaking and chewing function. If you’re considering dentures, you may wonder which option — traditional or implant-supported — is right for you. There are pros and cons with either method, so take a look at the guide below.

Traditional Dentures

Benefits 

Traditional dentures are fully removable, making them easier to fit, adjust, and clean. They are affordable, often covered by insurance, and can start being worn the same day that teeth are removed. New technology allows dentures to look natural and fit better than old-fashioned false teeth.

Limitations

When teeth are removed, the jawbone is gradually reabsorbed and causes the face to collapse. Dentures do not slow this process; as you age, you must have dentures refit and replaced. Traditional prosthetics are affixed to an acrylic plate that can affect the taste and feel of foods. Some people experience discomfort with their prosthetic teeth, although with the right fit and proper care, pain should not be an issue.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Benefits

This prosthetic option helps prevent bone loss in the jaw because the implants are affixed into the jaw itself, prompting the bone to stay in place. Full fixed implants provide the most stable, natural option for false teeth, allowing confidence with eating most foods, laughing, and speaking. Removable over-dentures, in which only two to four implants are used to anchor the teeth, allow greater bite strength and more stability. They can also be removed for sleeping and cleaning. Implant-supported teeth should not have to be replaced as often as traditional styles.

Limitations

Implants can take months and several appointments to install before the false teeth can be affixed to the post. This time frame isn’t ideal for everyone. The process is more invasive and may require anesthesia, depending on individual needs. Though they offer more long-term durability, implants are more expensive upfront and often aren’t covered by insurance.

Talk to your dentist about which form of dentures are right for you and your budget. Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC, and Salisbury, NC is a full-service dental practice offering friendly, compassionate, nonjudgmental care. They provide dentures and implants, preventative dentistry, Invisalign®, and same-day crowns. Call ,(704) 663-3300 in Mooresville or (704) 636-3611 in Salisbury for an appointment. Learn more about their practice online.