Patients who are struggling with damaged, failing, or missing teeth may opt for anchored dentures instead of traditional dentures due to the better grip and bite strength provided by the former.
They may have also considered permanent dental implant solutions like All-On-4.
In this article, we will delve into what anchored dentures are, their benefits and drawbacks, and how they compare to traditional dentures and All-On-4 full-arch dental implants.
What are anchored dentures?
Anchored dentures, also known as snap-in dentures, snap-on dentures, overdentures, or permanent dentures, consist of two parts that help restore normal function to the mouth.
The first part is a permanent screw or implant that is fixed to the jawbone, while the second part is removable fake teeth.
Although the screws placed in the jawbone are permanent, the fake teeth of anchored dentures are not.
Like all dentures, they must be removed every night for cleaning, and the fake teeth should be replaced every 5 years. This applies to all types of dentures, whether traditional, partial, or anchored.
Anchored dentures vs. traditional dentures
Anchored dentures and traditional dentures differ only in the way they attach to the gums, despite their apparent dissimilarity.
Traditional dentures use adhesives to stay in place, which makes them less secure and less able to provide grip or bite strength compared to anchored dentures.
Anchored dentures, on the other hand, snap onto permanent connectors embedded into the jaw, providing more support but with a higher price point.
However, both types of dentures are made of soft acrylic material that is susceptible to damage, and they come with dietary restrictions such as avoiding hard or crunchy foods.
Additionally, they both require nightly removal for cleaning to prevent bacterial buildup and bad odors, and they need to be replaced every 5 years or so.
Anchored dentures vs. All-On-4 implants
Anchored dentures and All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants are two options for patients with damaged or missing teeth.
While anchored dentures use a two-part device that attaches to the jaw with screws and removable fake teeth, All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants are permanent, fixed implants made of zirconia.
Both anchored dentures and traditional dentures have significant drawbacks when compared to All-On-4 Full Arch implants.
They require nightly cleaning, are prone to bacterial buildup, come with dietary restrictions, and can impact speech.
Anchored dentures must also be replaced approximately every 5 years, whereas All-On-4 Full Arch implants are a one-time solution.
Cost is another advantage of All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants over dentures. At our offices, patients can get All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants for $17,999 per row of teeth (as of May 2023), while the initial cost of anchored dentures is comparable, but they will require replacement every 5 years at the patient’s expense.
Patients often choose All-On-4 Full Arch implants when they realize the true cost of anchored dentures and want a solution without the drawbacks.
Pros and Cons of Anchored & Traditional Dentures
Comparing the pros and cons of anchored dentures and traditional dentures can help patients make an informed decision when choosing a denture style.
Pros of Anchored Dentures
Anchored dentures have a more secure fit due to their permanent abutments in the jawbone, which can make it easier to enjoy the foods you can eat. However, they still have strict dietary restrictions compared to All-On-4 full-arch dental implants.
Cons of Anchored Dentures
Anchored dentures are significantly more expensive than traditional dentures, often costing tens of thousands of dollars more. They are also bulky, can interfere with natural speech, and have dietary restrictions. Like traditional dentures, they need to be removed nightly for cleaning and require scheduled replacements every five years, which can be costly.
Pros of Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures are less expensive than anchored dentures.
Cons of Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rely on adhesives to stay in place and can slip or move around, making eating and speaking more difficult.
They also have dietary restrictions, require nightly cleaning, and come with scheduled replacements every five years.
Overall, All-On-4 full arch dental implants provide a much better fit, greater dietary freedom, and do not require nightly cleaning or scheduled replacements like anchored and traditional dentures.
Dental Implants vs. Anchored Dentures
When it comes to dental solutions, patients may mistakenly believe that All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants and anchored dentures are interchangeable, but they are actually quite different.
Here’s a comparison of the two options:
Are They The Same? No, All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants and anchored dentures have distinct procedures, materials, and outcomes.
All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants are a permanent, fixed solution for missing, damaged, or failing teeth.
They require surgery to be placed, and after healing, they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
The prosthetic teeth are made of durable, white zirconia that requires no special cleaning and won’t develop odors. They don’t require replacement and can last a lifetime with proper dental care.
In contrast, anchored dentures are not permanent. They are a type of denture that snaps onto connectors permanently attached to the jawbone.
However, the prosthetic teeth are made of the same material as traditional dentures and need to be replaced every 5 years, which incurs additional costs. Anchored dentures require regular adjustments to ensure a comfortable and proper fit.
If patients have to choose between all-on-4 and anchored dentures, All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants are always the superior choice due to their numerous benefits.
We specialize in All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants, and we offer them at a cost of $14,950 per arch, which is an all-inclusive price backed by our lowest price guarantee.
Differences between Dental Implants and Anchored Dentures
When considering dental implants versus anchored dentures, patients should be aware of several notable differences. Here are some additional factors to consider:
Biting, Chewing, and Eating
With All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants, patients can bite, chew, and eat normally without any restrictions.
In contrast, anchored dentures can limit the types of foods you can eat, and you may experience a weaker bite strength and less secure grip.
Maintenance
Dental implants do not require any special maintenance beyond regular oral hygiene, such as brushing and seeing a dentist for cleanings.
Anchored dentures, on the other hand, require removal for nightly cleaning and regular adjustments and refittings from a dentist.
Durability and Longevity
Dental implants are a permanent and highly durable solution. They are built to last and do not require replacement.
Anchored dentures, on the other hand, are made with softer materials that can wear down and require replacement every 5 years, causing inconvenience and discomfort during the replacement process.
Given these differences, All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants are a superior choice over anchored dentures for many patients seeking a long-lasting and hassle-free solution to missing, damaged, or failing teeth.
Our practice specializes in providing All-On-4 Full Arch dental implants at a cost of $17,999 per arch (as of May 2023), backed by our lowest price guarantee.
FAQ
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Can anchored dentures be taken out?
Yes, the prosthetic teeth in anchored dentures are removable. Patients need to remove them every night for cleaning to prevent bacteria from growing in the porous material of the dentures.
However, the screws that are anchored in the jawbone to hold the dentures in place are not removable.
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What are the anchors in dentures?
The “anchors” in anchored dentures are permanent screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These screws have abutments that protrude from the gums and serve as the anchor for the dentures to snap into place.
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Can dentures be attached permanently?
No, the term “permanent denture” or “permanently attached denture” is misleading. Even dentures marketed as “permanent” still need to be removed every night for cleaning.
Additionally, the removable prosthetic will eventually wear down and require replacement, typically every 5 years.
If you want a truly permanent solution, All-On-4 full-arch dental implants are the only option. The implants are fixed permanently to the jawbone and cannot be removed by the patient.
They are made from highly durable materials like zirconia, do not require dietary restrictions, and will not interfere with speech or chewing ability.
