Traditional Dentures or Implant-supported Dentures: Which Option Should You Choose?

Our dentists on Plateau Mont-Royal understand the importance of a functional and attractive smile. When one or several teeth are missing, a dental prosthesis can significantly improve chewing, speech, and appearance.

There are two main options for replacing missing teeth: the traditional dental denture and the implant-supported denture. Our team has prepared this article to help you better understand these solutions, their benefits, and their limitations, so you can choose the option best suited to your needs.

The Goals of a Dental Prosthesis

A dental prosthesis is designed to replace missing teeth and restore essential oral functions, including:

• Chewing: allowing you to eat more easily and comfortably
• Speech: improving pronunciation often affected by tooth loss
• Aesthetics: restoring a natural and harmonious smile
• Facial support: preventing sagging of facial features caused by missing teeth

Each type of prosthesis meets these objectives, but their mechanisms and benefits vary depending on the patient’s needs.

Traditional Dental Dentures

A traditional dental denture is a removable appliance custom-made to fit your mouth. It can replace an entire dental arch (complete denture) or only a few missing teeth (partial denture).

Advantages

• Cost-effective solution, generally less expensive than implant-supported dentures
• Non-invasive treatment, as no surgery is required
• Easy to maintain, since the denture can be removed for cleaning and at night
• Adjustable and replaceable if changes occur over time

Limitations

• Less stability, which may cause movement or discomfort while chewing or speaking
• Progressive bone loss, since missing tooth roots no longer stimulate the jawbone, often requiring frequent adjustments
• Shorter lifespan, typically needing replacement or major adjustments every five to ten years

Implant-Supported Dentures

An implant-supported denture is a fixed or semi-fixed solution anchored to the jaw using dental implants. These implants are titanium screws that act as artificial tooth roots and provide strong, stable support for the prosthesis.

Advantages

• Excellent stability and comfort, with a feel close to natural teeth
• Bone preservation, as implants stimulate the jawbone and help prevent bone loss
• Long lifespan, with implants often lasting several decades with proper care
• Improved quality of life, making eating, speaking, and smiling feel natural and effortless

Limitations

• Higher initial cost compared to traditional dentures
• Surgical procedure required, which may not be suitable for all patients
• Longer treatment timeline, as a healing period is necessary before placing the final prosthesis

How to Choose the Best Dental Prosthesis

Choosing between a traditional denture and an implant-supported denture depends on several important factors:

• Your budget: traditional dentures are more affordable, while implant-supported dentures represent a long-term investment
• Your oral health: jawbone quality and density are key factors in determining implant eligibility
• Your expectations: if you are looking for a fixed, natural-feeling solution, implant-supported dentures are ideal; if you prefer a quicker, non-invasive option, a traditional denture may be more appropriate

Whether you choose a traditional dental prosthesis or an implant-supported solution, each option has its advantages and limitations. The most important step is selecting the solution that best fits your lifestyle, oral health, and expectations.

The team at the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Québec is here to guide you through every step of the process and help you make an informed decision. We look forward to welcoming you for a consultation and answering all your questions.