Dr Dunn has more than two decades of aesthetic and implant dentistry experience. He is known internationally for his clinical expertise.
Implant dentures: Why choose implant-supported dentures over traditional dentures?
For those who have lost or are about to lose all of their teeth, often the first teeth replacement solution to come to mind is dentures. This is because there was a time when traditional dentures were the go-to teeth replacement for patients with missing teeth.
But thanks to modern dental technology, there are now far more superior teeth replacement solutions available, such as implant dentures. Implant dentures offer patients a much more secure, functional and natural-looking set of replacement teeth.
In this article, we’ll explore what implant dentures are, the different types of implant dentures, how much implant dentures cost and why you should consider denture implants over traditional dentures.
Enjoy getting your teeth into this topic when it suits you.
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What are implant dentures?
Implant dentures (also known as implant supported dentures or overdentures) are used to replace all the teeth in your upper and/or lower jaw. Instead of the replacement teeth simply resting on top of the gums like traditional dentures, implant dentures securely attach to dental implants which are inserted into the jaw bone.
Some implant dentures require as little as two dental implants to secure the teeth in place. Other full mouth denture implants (like implant retained dentures or All on 4 dental implants) use at least 4 to 6 dental implants.
Are implant dentures removable?
Yes, some implant dentures are removable while others are fixed (meaning they can only be attached and removed by your dentist). The type that’s right for you will not only depend on your preference but also clinical factors such as your medical history and jaw bone health.
Let’s take a look at these two different types of implant dentures in detail below:
Removable implant-supported dentures
A removable implant denture has special attachments that allow you to remove and reattach the teeth without your dentist’s assistance. With these attachments, the denture teeth can easily ‘snap-on’ to the dental implants in the jaw (this is why you’ll often see these referred to as ‘snap-on dentures’). But the teeth remain securely in place until you remove them.
Some removable implant dentures, like overdentures or ‘snap-on dentures’, only use two implants placed at the front of the jaw. This means that they are technically a partially implant-supported solution, as only the front of the denture is supported by implants and the back of the denture sits on the gums.
Some patients may opt for a removable solution over a fixed solution because it is more affordable. Removable implant-supported dentures are typically less expensive than fixed implant-supported dentures because they often use fewer dental implants.
Example of an overdenture or ‘snap-on-dentures’.
Fixed implant-supported dentures
A fixed implant-supported denture means that the denture teeth are connected to the dental implants using special screws and cannot be removed by the wearer. A fixed implant denture will remain securely in place and can only be removed by your dentist for maintenance and professional cleaning when necessary.
Many patients prefer fixed or ‘permanent’ implant dentures (like All-on-4) because they feel more like real teeth, given that they remain in the mouth and don’t need to be removed when sleeping or cleaning.
Example of all-on-4, an implant-supported teeth replacement option.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and implant-supported dentures?
All on 4 falls under the category of implant-supported teeth replacement options. However, the treatment approach is different to standard implant-supported dentures.
The term ‘All-on-4’ refers to a specific type of dental implant treatment. This is where (at least) four dental implants are placed into the jaw to secure a tooth bridge of up to 12 teeth. The All on 4 procedure uses a special implant placement technique, where the two front implants are placed straight and the two back implants are placed at a 45-degree angle. This angled placement helps to overcome bone deficiencies in the jaw and, in most cases, avoids the need for bone grafting.
Plus, one of the main benefits of All on four is that the replacement teeth can usually be connected to the dental implants shortly after the implant surgery. This means patients can go from struggling with loose dentures or no teeth to a beautiful set of functional teeth in a matter of days.
How long do implant dentures last?
With the right care and regular professional maintenance, dental implants should last for several decades. The lifespan of the denture teeth or tooth bridge will ultimately depend on the material they’re made from. For example, acrylic teeth are more prone to wear and tear and may need replacing after 5 to 10 years, whereas a more premium zirconia tooth bridge could last 15 to 20+ years or more.
How long is the implant dentures recovery time?
The recovery time for implant dentures is usually around one week. This allows your body enough time to rest after the implant placement surgery and gives you time to adjust to your new teeth.
It’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort for a few days after the implant surgery. However, this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Do keep in mind that the healing time for your jaw and gums is around 3 to 6 months. During this time, the jaw bone will grow around the dental implants, giving it added strength and support. Depending on your case, you may wear a temporary denture during this healing period before your final tooth bridge is fitted.
How do you clean implant dentures?
Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with your dentist for maintenance are key to keeping your implant dentures in top condition.
To clean removable implant dentures, you should:
Remove your dentures and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush twice daily
Brush and floss gently around your dental implants
Soak your denture teeth in a denture solution overnight
Fixed implant dentures cannot be removed for cleaning. To clean fixed teeth, you should:
Brush them twice daily just like natural teeth with a soft toothbrush
Floss underneath the tooth bridge at least once daily using special implant floss and/or a water flosser
Dental implants vs dentures: Why choose implant dentures over traditional dentures?
There are a number of things to consider when weighing up full mouth dental implants vs dentures which we’ll explore in this section. Ultimately, the right solution for you will depend on your unique case and circumstances. However, it’s important to be well-informed about each option before making a decision.
First, let’s take a quick look at the key benefits of implant dentures:
Secure and comfortable in the mouth
Restore oral function, including eating and speaking
Look just like natural teeth
Durable and long-lasting
Prevent jaw bone loss and support facial structure
Arguably, the main benefit of traditional dentures — and one of the top reasons why a patient will choose this option — is affordability. The price of traditional removable dentures is much lower than an implant supported teeth replacement solution.
So, that leaves us with a question many of our patients have asked:
Why should I choose implant dentures over traditional dentures?
Is the investment worth it?
Sure, traditional dentures may be a more cost-effective option. But there are a number of downsides in comparison to implant dentures. Take a look at our implant supported dentures vs dentures comparison table below.
Traditional dentures
Implant supported dentures
✖ Can slide or become loose when eating and speaking
✓ Secure in mouth, don’t move when eating and speaking
✖ Can look unnatural and bulky
✓ Look and feel like real teeth
✖ Can be ill-fitting and uncomfortable and may rub or irritate gums
✓ Fit snugly within the mouth, no movement means no irritation
✖ Can cause speech difficulties e.g. lisping, slurring
✓ Restores natural speech patterns and improves speech clarity
✖ Can make eating and chewing difficult, and can affect taste as the denture plate may cover taste receptors
✓ Restores bite strength and chewing ability, does not impair any taste receptors in mouth
✖ Jaw bone loss is inevitable, giving the face a sunken, older appearance
✓ Prevents jaw bone loss and supports facial structure for a fuller, more youthful appearance
✖ Messy adhesives or suction must be used to hold teeth in place
✓ Implants secure the teeth in place just like tooth roots
✖ More prone to wear and breakages and will need to be replaced every few years
✓ Durable and long-lasting
Cost of full mouth denture implants
Unlike lower cost traditional dentures, the full implant dentures cost should be seen as a long-term investment. Not just in your smile, but in your quality of life. Regardless of whether you choose fixed or removable implant supported dentures, you will benefit from a more secure, comfortable and functional smile.
At Macquarie Street Dental, we offer flexible payment plans to help you spread out the cost of your dental implant treatment.
How much do fixed implant dentures cost?
If you’re interested in a fixed solution like All on four implants, the treatment pricing can range from $17,000 to over $50,000 per jaw. You may see quite a large variation in pricing for this treatment because there are a number of factors that affect the cost of All-On-4 (click the link to learn more about them).
How much do snap-in denture implants cost?
As for removable full implant dentures cost, this treatment can range from $12,000 to $20,000 per jaw. Like All on four, full denture implants cost will vary depending on a number of key factors, such as the complexity of the case, the number of implants needed and the type of material used in the denture.
Are implant dentures right for you?
Loose, uncomfortable dentures don’t have to be your only tooth replacement option. If you’re missing all or most of your teeth in your upper or lower jaw, why not book a free All-on-4 consult with us today? During this appointment, we’ll assess your teeth, gums and jaw and determine whether this implant-supported solution is right for you.
If you have any questions about All on 4 dental implants or implant-supported dentures, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help.
A new smile. Seriously life-changing benefits
Ready to reclaim your smile?
Learn more about All-on-4 dental implants, including the cost and payment options in our comprehensive guide.
Dr David Dunn is one of Sydney’s most experienced and renowned implant and cosmetic dentists. At Macquarie Street Dental, you’ll feel 100% confident that your new smile will be beautifully natural and as unique as you.
