Toothless people are the biggest witnesses to the greatness of teeth.
They know just how difficult (actually miserable) it feels to survive on a daily basis without being able to eat, let alone speak or smile comfortably.
Even the simplest tasks that used to come to them naturally feel like tedious chores after tooth loss.
This is why it’s absolutely necessary to get a replacement for missing teeth; you simply can’t do without it.
Traditional removable dentures seem like a decent option due to their affordability and easy placement, but the reality is sadly the opposite.
Removable dentures have pretty mediocre restorative outcomes with minimal bite force and persistent instability, which makes the situation more chaotic for edentulous people rather than comfortable.
Hence edentulous people are now shifting to implant dentures, and this shift has genuinely been a transformational force for them.
Implant supported teeth are the perfect replacement for missing teeth that offers maximised comfort and confidence.
Not only do they look like real teeth, but they also function and feel exactly the same, so much so that wearers feel they’re reliving their pre-tooth-loss days.
Curious to know how these secure dentures work and if they’re truly worth the investment? Read more to find out.
Why Traditional Dentures Fall Short
Traditional removable dentures need no formal introduction.
They’ve been a staple for full-arch restoration for decades, giving an affordable and quick replacement for all missing teeth in fully toothless people.
Even today they maintain their status as the most affordable restorative solution, which is why people (with budget constraints and health limitations) still get them, but are they really effective?
The answer is a straight and clear no.
These dentures are designed to be placed on and supported by the gums (not the jawbone), so they’re essentially different from natural teeth from an anatomical perspective.
The gums are soft tissues. They can only provide enough support to the denture to carry out basic eating and speaking.
There’s only 60-70% of bite force restoration at maximum, which means you can’t eat tough foods that require forceful chewing and grinding. Speaking clarity is also limited as you have to constantly adjust the denture with your tongue/lips. Most people speak with a noticeable lisp.
This already mediocre eating/speaking experience is further compromised (in most cases) because of the denture’s unstable design.
The denture keeps slipping out of place and could even fall out altogether unless it’s rigidly adhered to the gums via strong adhesives, which also has its own risks.
Denture adhesives may irritate the gums in sensitive people and they also require constant cleaning. The cleaning rituals become very stressful for denture wearers, affecting their daily lives.
Removable dentures’ short lifespan serves as the final nail in the coffin. These dentures can only last for 5-10 years on average, making them completely unworthy as a long-term solution.
Implant Dentures As The Ultimate Comfortable Solution To Tooth Loss
Considering the above flaws of traditional removable dentures, edentulous people are now actively choosing implant dentures for tooth restoration.
And no, this shift is not driven by marketing buzz or changing dentistry trends but the actual (documented) superiority of implants as a restorative solution.
Dental implants are basically artificial tooth roots. These are screw-like fixtures made of Titanium or Zirconia (materials that can safely exist within living body tissue and can also form strong, stable bonds with it) that are surgically inserted into the toothless jaw to replace missing roots.
After insertion into the jaw, the implants slowly fuse with the bone tissue on a cellular level, and as such become a permanent part of the jaw in 3-6 months.
At this point they function like actual tooth roots. They provide a stable and strong foundation for the attachment and retention of prosthetic teeth like crowns, bridges and full-arch dentures, connecting the prosthesis directly to the jawbone (like real teeth).
4 to 6 dental implants are needed to support a denture. If 4 implants are used then the treatment is called “all-on-4 implants” and if 6 implants are used then the treatment is referred to as “all-on-6 implants”.
The implants are inserted strategically in a balanced orientation (2-4 implants are put at the back of the jaw while 2 are placed at the front) and angulation (the back implants are tilted and the front ones are placed upright) for maximum stability and support.
A denture is then loaded onto the implants, yielding a hyper-realistic and comprehensive full-arch restoration.
It looks, functions and feels like real teeth, which is precisely why it’s known as a permanent replacement. This means that it:
- Replaces the entire lost dental structure (roots + visible teeth) and is supported by the jawbone itself.
- Gives a perfectly natural yet aesthetic look. Unlike traditional dentures it doesn’t stick out of the gums or look fake at all. An onlooker can barely tell you have fake teeth if you have implant dentures.
- Doesn’t slip or shift due to being securely fixed to the bone. It doesn’t cause any painful gum injuries either. The denture feels very lightweight and comfortable overall, and its relentless stability makes it all the more comfortable.
- Restores 90-95% of the original bite force so that you can eat your favorite foods without any worries. Whether it be meat, fruits, or snacks, you can eat them comfortably in moderation.
- Helps you speak clearly and fluently without any distortions or lisps. This gives immense confidence to the wearer as they don’t worry about being judged or misunderstood especially in social gatherings.
- Lasts really very long. On average implants can last for 20+ years, possibly even a lifetime if they’re properly cared for. The denture, however, would still need replacement every 10-15 years.
Conclusion
For any edentulous person who wants to have their old charm, confidence and comfort back, there’s nothing better than getting implants and dentures. Doing so won’t just be a wise dental restorative decision, it’ll be your only gateway to regaining your lost functionality, aesthetics and freedom.
Are you still due for an implant eligibility evaluation? Schedule a FREE consultation with Greenville Implant Clinic, a premium dental practice located in Greenville USA. Talk to our team of implant experts and pave your way to a healthy and beautiful smile!
