Northborough Family Dental
Smiling elderly couple embracing indoors.

Implant-Retained vs. Implant-Supported Dentures

January 15, 2025
|
Three elderly women laughing and embracing outdoors.

Choosing the right solution for restoring your smile can feel like a big decision, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between implant-retained and implant-supported dentures.

At Northborough Family Dental, we’re here to guide you through the process. Both options offer stability, comfort, and confidence, giving you the freedom to eat, speak, and smile without hesitation. Together, we’ll find the best fit for your needs so you can enjoy a future filled with the joy and ease of a fully restored smile.

What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?

  • Implant-retained dentures are one step up from traditional, removable dentures. For this procedure, we surgically place two to four dental implants into your jaw. These implants will support and stabilize an upper or lower denture.
  • You can remove your implant-retained dentures to clean them, but because dental implants hold them securely in place, you can bite down and chew without worrying about slippage or movement.
  • Your jawbone and gums support implant-retained dentures; traditional dentures rely on just your gum tissue.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

  • We surgically place six to eight dental implants into your jaw for implant-supported dentures. Your dental implants and jaw will completely support the force of your bite, so this type of denture is the most natural, strongest option.
  • With implant-supported dentures, you won’t have to worry about facial sagging or losing jawbone density because dental implants mimic your tooth’s roots, stimulating your jawbone and keeping it healthy.
  • Most implant-supported dentures are permanently attached, so you don’t take them out to clean them.

Similarities and Differences: What You Need to Know

Here are some of the similarities between implant-retained and implant-supported dentures:

  • Both offer more security and stability than traditional dentures.
  • Both use dental implants to stimulate your jawbone, keeping it from shrinking.

Here are some of the differences between implant-retained and implant-supported dentures:

  • One uses two to four implants, while the other uses six to eight implants.
  • One is removable, while the other is usually fixed.

Questions about Tooth Replacement in Northborough, MA?

If so, our experienced dental team will happily take your call! At Northborough Family Dental, we can answer all your questions and help you choose the best tooth replacement option for your budget and oral health.

To get started today, contact our dental office at (508) 393-2522.

If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (508) 393-2522
View the ADA Accessibility Statement