For individuals struggling with missing teeth, choosing the right type of denture is essential to ensure comfort, function, and long-term oral health. The two most common options are traditional dentures and the more modern dental implant overdentures. While both types of dentures can restore your smile and improve daily activities like eating and speaking, there are significant differences between the two.

Dental implant solutions have revolutionized how patients approach tooth loss, offering enhanced comfort and stability. Understanding the key differences between traditional dentures vs. implant overdentures will give you the insight you need to make an informed choice.

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Traditional dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They rest on top of the gums and are held in place by suction or denture adhesives. Traditional dentures come in two types:

1. Full dentures – Replace all of the upper or lower teeth.
2. Partial dentures – Replace several missing teeth, attaching to the surrounding natural teeth with clasps.

While traditional dentures have been a go-to solution for decades, they are not without their challenges. Many patients find that traditional dentures can feel unstable or uncomfortable, particularly when eating or speaking.

What Are Dental Implant Overdentures?

Dental implant overdentures are a modern solution that combines the stability of dental implants with the convenience of removable dentures. Dental implant overdentures can be either removable or fixed:

• Removable overdentures – Snap onto the implants but can be taken out for cleaning.
• Fixed overdentures – Are permanently attached to the implants and cannot be removed by the patient.

Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums, dental implant overdentures are anchored to implants surgically placed in the jawbone. These implants are a stable foundation for the overdenture, allowing for greater security and comfort.

Stability and Comfort: A Key Difference

Dental implant overdentures provide a much more secure fit. Since they are anchored to implants in the jawbone, the dentures stay firmly in place, reducing the risk of slipping or movement. This improved stability allows patients to enjoy a wider range of foods without worrying about their dentures shifting or causing discomfort.

Additionally, dental overdentures greatly enhance comfort. Traditional dentures often press against the gums, leading to soreness or irritation. With implant-supported dentures, the implants take on much of the pressure, reducing discomfort and providing a more natural feel.

Chewing Efficiency and Dietary Freedom

Another important factor when comparing dental implant overdentures vs. traditional dentures is chewing efficiency. Many patients with traditional dentures find that they have difficulty chewing certain foods, particularly tougher or crunchier items. This can limit dietary choices and make mealtime less enjoyable.

Dental implant overdentures restore much of the chewing power lost with missing teeth. The secure fit allows patients to eat a variety of foods, including those that would typically be off-limits with traditional dentures. This means that patients with implant overdentures can enjoy a more balanced diet and a higher quality of life.

Preservation of Jawbone Health

One of the biggest advantages of dental implant overdentures over traditional dentures is their ability to preserve jawbone health. When natural teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Traditional dentures do not address this issue, as they simply rest on top of the gums without engaging the underlying bone.

Dental implants, however, act like natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. This not only helps maintain the structure of the face (preventing the sunken appearance associated with long-term denture wear) but also ensures that the overdenture will continue to fit properly over time.

Improved Speech and Confidence

Patients who wear traditional dentures often experience difficulty with speech, particularly with pronouncing certain words or sounds. This is due to the instability of the dentures, which can shift during speech. As a result, many denture wearers feel self-conscious about speaking in public or in social situations.

Dental implant overdentures provide much greater stability, allowing for clearer speech and reducing the risk of slippage. This improved confidence in both speech and appearance is a major benefit for patients seeking a more natural and secure solution.

Call Today to Get Fitted for Dental Implant Solutions

If you’re considering the benefits of dental implant overdentures and want a solution that offers greater stability, comfort, and oral health benefits, NewStart Denture + Implant Partners is here to help. Our expert team provides advanced dental implant solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring you get the smile and confidence you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Call 919.822.9154 or complete our online form.