Traditonal and Implant Dentures

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Traditional Dentures 

Traditional dentures not only improve the appearance of a smile, but also keep the structure of the mouth sound by supporting the structures around the cheeks and lips. They are a quick and affordable option for getting your smile back.  

A denture is a fabricated prosthesis used to replace all missing teeth. They are made of an acrylic base shaded to match the natural color of your gum tissue and the fabricated teeth attach to the top. Traditional dentures rest directly on your gums and jawbone. The upper denture relies on suction from the roof of the mouth to hold it in place. The lower denture has little to no suction and relies on a tight fit and muscle control, which is why it’s so important that they are fitted properly. While dentures may have a lesser upfront cost, they require much more maintenance over time, don’t allow you to eat the foods you want, and can be very uncomfortable. There are many limitations that go along with dentures.  

What are the types of traditional dentures? 

•  Immediate (temporary) dentures are placed as soon as teeth are removed so the wearer doesn’t have to be without teeth for any time. They require more adjustments and are usually a temporary solution until conventional dentures are ready. 

•  Conventional dentures are custom-made, fitted over several appointments and put in place after teeth have been removed for a few months and gum tissue has healed.  

Why wear dentures? 

Dentures not only improve the appearance of a smile that has multiple missing teeth, but they also keep the structure of the mouth sound by supporting the structures around the cheeks and lips. Dentures make it possible to eat foods that require chewing, making it possible to keep your diet relatively the same. Lastly, dentures are a viable solution to replace teeth that are causing serious pain and oral health issues, such as those with rotted roots or severe damage.   

Do I need to clean my dentures? 

Regardless of what kind of dentures you may have, all dentures need to be cleaned daily, just like regular teeth. Even though dentures are made up of artificial teeth, bacteria, plaque, and tartar still build up on them and can harm existing teeth and gums. To clean your dentures, take them out of your mouth and run clean water over them to dislodge any food particles that may be stuck between teeth, along the gum line, or underneath the structure. Then brush the dentures all over with a denture brush or very soft toothbrush using a mild soap or denture cleaner. Be sure not to use any other cleaners, regular toothpaste, or electric toothbrushes as these are all too abrasive and can damage and wear away the denture materials. After cleaning, make sure to rinse them well. While your dentures are out of your mouth, be sure to clean your gums and any natural teeth with a very soft and wet toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste if needed. If your toothbrush is too harsh, wrap your finger in a wet, soft washcloth and gently rub your gums to clean them.   

Can I sleep with my dentures? 

Always remove your dentures before sleeping to avoid damaging them and to give your gums some time to relax. Submerge your dentures fully in warm, but not hot, water to keep them from drying out and becoming misshapen.   

My dentures no longer fit—now what? 

If you’ve recently lost your teeth and received an immediate (temporary) denture, it’s normal to find some tissue shrinkage and bone loss occurring. Therefore, in several months you may find that your immediate dentures no longer fit well. You will have two choices at this point: You can have your immediate (temporary) dentures relined—meaning that material is added under the denture’s base to better conform to the new contours of your alveolar ridge. A better option is to move to a set of conventional full dentures. Conventional full dentures will last longer and fit better. With proper care, dentures offer a functional, aesthetic, and economical solution to the problem of tooth loss.  

What are the pro’s and con’s of traditional dentures? 

Pro's of Traditional Dentures 

•  Traditional dentures are relatively affordable when compared to implant-supported dentures. 

•  The process to receive a new pair of traditional dentures only takes a few weeks, so you can start using them right away. 

Con's of Traditional Dentures 

•  Your dentures may feel uncomfortable or loose (especially the lower denture) until your cheek and tongue muscles learn to keep them in place. Traditional dentures can be secured with denture adhesive, which can be messy and may need to be re-applied throughout the day. 

•  They must be taken out to be cleaned and have some special care requirements.

•  They cannot be worn while you sleep and must instead store them in a glass of water or denture soaking solution. 

•  There are some foods that are too difficult to eat with traditional dentures. You will likely need to adapt to eating since you won’t have the same stability and biting power as natural teeth. Avoid sticky or hard foods, and don’t chew gum. 

•  You may have difficulty pronouncing some words at first, but it will likely only be temporary. It can help to speak slowly and practice enunciating words you find hard to say. 

•  You may experience some loss of taste. The feel of food in your mouth may also be different.  

Removable Implant-Supported Dentures 

Implant-supported dentures are a removable option for the replacement of lost or missing teeth. They are more comfortable and effective to wear compared to traditional dentures. 

Removable implant-supported dentures are more like traditional dentures—the key difference being that instead of using adhesives to hold the denture in place, dental implants are used. Implants can make removable dentures more comfortable and effective to wear. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and put pressure on the underlying bone. This accelerates bone loss so that the jaw shrinks, and the dentures slip, particularly on the bottom. Today, dentists can attach a removable denture onto implants, transferring that pressure into the bone structure rather than the bone surface. This prevents the dentures from slipping while you eat and speak and preserves the bone directly beneath them. 

Not only are removable implant-supported dentures a better option for patients who don’t have the bone mass to support fixed dentures, they’re also good for patients who are used to wearing traditional dentures and don’t mind having to take their dentures out at the end of the day for cleaning. Some patients may even prefer this option because they find cleaning easier. Removable implant-supported dentures are more affordable as well.  

Am I a candidate for implant-supported dentures? 

Every patient has their own treatment goals and dental needs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to determine which choice is right for you is to visit our office for a free consultation. We’ll conduct a thorough exam, go over your dental and medical history, and talk to you about your expectations to come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Call Sioux Falls Dental Implant Center today at (605) 799-2929 for your free consultation to evaluate options for implant dentures in Sioux Falls, SD!