- Screw-retained dentures
"Screw-retained dentures," simply put, are dentures that use biocompatible screws to secure the implants in the mouth and are removable. The custom abutments and crowns are fixed with screws, allowing the dentist to remove the dentures later for cleaning and maintenance, preventing inflammation and extending the lifespan of the implants.
"Screw-retained dentures": A professional prosthodontist will create custom abutments and crowns based on the patient's oral condition. The dentures are screwed onto the implants and can be removed. Since they are removable, the dentist will provide an access hole on the palatal or occlusal surface for maintenance.
Since screw-retained dentures are removable, patients must return every 3-6 months for follow-up, allowing the professional prosthodontist to remove the dentures, clean around the implants, and thoroughly clean the dentures themselves, reducing the chance of peri-implantitis and increasing the lifespan of the implants.
- Cement-retained dentures
"Cement-retained dentures," simply put, use biocompatible adhesive to cement the implant crowns onto the abutments.
Although 'adhesive dentures' are simpler in terms of manufacturing and design, adhesive must be used to help fix the position of the dental prosthesis, because with long-term use by patients, adhesive loss and denture loosening can occur.
The biggest problem with adhesive dentures is that the adhesive that overflows during bonding is difficult to clean. The residual adhesive continuously irritates the area around the gums, leading to peri-implantitis and bone loss around the implant.
The issue of "adhesive dentures" not being able to be removed makes oral health maintenance difficult. Doctors cannot easily remove dentures to maintain implants, increasing the risk of implant lesions in the mouth.
- Adhesive dentures VS screw-held dentures
"Screw-Supported Dentures": Use biocompatible screws to securely secure the implant inside the mouth, and it is detachable.
"Adhesive dentures": Using biocompatible adhesives to attach the crown to the abutment teeth.
If the adhesive for adhesive in adhesive dentures is used improperly, not only is the removal process quite difficult, but in most cases, the crown must be completely destroyed before it can be fully removed. The procedure also requires the surgeon's experience and skill to minimize discomfort for the patient. This can also lead patients to spend extra money to remake dentures.
Moreover, the residual adhesive continuously irritates the area around the gums, leading to peri-implantitis and loss of bone around the implant.
"Screw-held dentures" are artificially supported and secured with crowns using screws. Additionally, there is a maintenance hole on the jaw or bite surface, making removal very easy.
Also, because 'cement-retained dentures' are not easy to remove, the likelihood of peri-implantitis occurring is much higher than with 'screw-retained dentures'.