04
Sep
Traditional Dentures vs Implants: What’s the Difference?
There are multiple options for resolving the problem of missing teeth, depending on how you’d like your smile to be. When it comes to replacing all of your teeth, a major decision needs to be made between traditional dentures and implants. Knowing what to expect from each can help you choose wisely. In this post, Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos from All Coast Dental in San Diego, California, compare the aspects of these two restorative treatments.
Traditional Dentures vs Implants
There’s a marked difference between dentures and dental implants. This difference can impact your smile’s health, functionality, appearance, as well as your quality of life. Here’s what you should know about each.
- Support
Traditional dentures are removable artificial teeth used to replace natural teeth when they go missing. They rest on top of your gums and are held in place by suction and dental adhesives. Quality dentures are custom-made to conform to the contours of your mouth and jaw for a comfortable fit. However, they’re not permanently attached to your jaw, making it easy for them to come loose when you talk, laugh, or chew.
Implant dentures are supported by titanium implant screws planted inside your jaw permanently through dental surgery. Over time, these screws integrate with your jaw to become the foundation for your new teeth. When the implants have healed, your San Diego implant dentists will affix custom-fitted dentures on top to complete your smile.
- Stability
Stability can be a problem with traditional dentures as they have no tooth roots. In contrast, implants function like tooth roots to keep your implant dentures securely in place, regardless of how they’re used. You can laugh, talk, or eat confidently, knowing your new teeth will never come loose.
- Functionality
As traditional dentures aren’t that secure, eating certain foods can be a challenge. Many denture wearers shy away from steak and other meats that require a lot of chewing, raw fruits and veggies, nuts, seeded bread, chips, and sticky foods. With implant dentures, your ability to bite and chew is the same as with natural teeth, allowing you to eat a varied diet with little to no restrictions. You can enjoy all your favorite cuisines and get full nutritional value from your meals.
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- Jawbone Support
Bone loss is imminent after losing most or all of your teeth, as there are no tooth roots to stimulate bone growth. As traditional dentures sit on top of your jaw, they do little to remedy this problem. Implants, however, fuse with your jawbone to take the place of missing tooth roots. They support and strengthen your jaw and keep the bone from deteriorating.
Implant dentures can be permanent or removable. Removable implant-supported dentures have all the attributes of permanent implant dentures. They’re simply designed in such a way that they can be removed for cleaning at night or after meals.
Implant Dentures Near Me
To learn more about implants and their use, contact Drs. Julie or Joseph Boulos from All Coast Dental in San Diego, CA, at (858) 264-3002.
Dr. Julie Boulos
Dr. Julie Boulos is a highly dedicated general dentist with over 15 years of experience. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from California Polytechnic State University. Dr. Julie's unique background in nutrition allows her to emphasize the connection between diet and oral health, focusing on prevention. She is known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach and expertise in a wide range of dental services. Dr. Julie is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Diego Dental Society.