What Is the Difference in Chewing Ability Between Traditional Dentures and Implant Retained Dentures?

Choosing the right dentures is about more than just restoring your smile—it’s about regaining the ability to enjoy meals and live with confidence. Traditional dentures have long been a popular solution, offering a quick way to restore missing teeth, but they limit your chewing ability and prevent you from eating certain foods. On the other hand, implant-retained dentures offer a more stable, natural-feeling solution, allowing you to chew with greater ease and strength. Understanding the pros and cons of both options helps you decide which one fits your needs, lifestyle, and dental health best.

At Olympia Hills Family Dental, we understand how important it is to enjoy your favorite meals without discomfort. Our team provides customized implant-retained denture solutions designed to enhance your chewing efficiency and improve quality of life.

What Is the Difference in Chewing Ability Between Traditional Dentures and Implant-Retained Dentures?

For many people who have lost teeth, dentures can be a life-changing solution, helping to restore both functionality and confidence. However, not all dentures are created equal. Traditional dentures and implant-retained dentures are two distinct options, and understanding the differences in chewing ability between the two can help you make an informed decision about your dental care. 

Traditional Dentures: A Functional, Yet Limited Option

Traditional dentures have been the only solution for tooth loss for many years. These removable appliances are designed to rest on your gums and rely on suction and adhesive to stay in place. While they can restore some of the function of your mouth, they do come with limitations when it comes to chewing.

Here are some key points to consider about traditional dentures:

Chewing Force

Chewing force with natural teeth is between 150 to 250 psi.  Maximum chewing force with a traditional denture is 50. Long term denture wearers will eventually see this force go down to as low as 5.6 psi. 

This is because our jaw bone exists to hold our teeth in place. Once the teeth are gone, the jaw bone starts to resorb and doesn’t stop. This is why traditional dentures get looser and looser over time. The bone is no longer there to support them. No bone equals no chewing pressure.

Food Restrictions

You may find yourself avoiding healthy foods as you are unable to eat them with traditional dentures. A lack of chewing pressure leads to a diet of soft foods. Due to convenience, many traditional denture wearer’s diets consist of high processed foods that do not require much chewing. This can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Suction and Adhesive Dependence

Traditional dentures require relines over time due to the resorption of the jaw bone. This adds to the overall cost as does having to replace the dentures over time. Traditional denture wearers have to be careful of the amount and type of adhesive they use. Denture adhesives containing zinc can be toxic over time. While rare, there are documented cases of people who were killed by swallowing too much denture adhesive.

Appearance

The resorption of bone makes people appear older than they are. Their cheeks will sink in and their chin will become sharper and protrude more in what is commonly known as Witches Chin.

Implant-Retained Dentures: Restoring Full Functionality

Implant-retained dentures work differently by providing a stronger, more stable foundation. Rather than relying on suction or adhesives, these dentures are securely attached to dental implants that are placed directly into your jawbone. This creates a solid, long-lasting base that makes chewing easier and more effective.

Here are the key advantages of implant-retained dentures:

Improved Chewing Force

Implant retained dentures allow you to keep up to 90% of your natural chewing force. Because they are anchored to implants that fuse with your jawbone, they provide a stable foundation that allows you to bite and chew with more force, even on harder foods like apples or steak, and allows for a healthier and more well-rounded diet.

Increased Comfort

With implant-retained dentures, you don’t have to worry about slipping or shifting while eating. The secure attachment to the implants ensures your dentures stay in place, giving you peace of mind and eliminating the need for messy adhesives.

Fewer Food Restrictions

Thanks to the stability of implant-retained dentures, you can enjoy a wider range of foods, including crunchy vegetables, chewy meats, and even sticky foods that would otherwise be difficult with traditional dentures. Your chewing experience is closer to that of natural teeth, making meals more enjoyable.

Jawbone Health

The dental implants used for implant-retained dentures stimulate your jawbone, which helps to prevent bone loss—a common issue and unavoidable side effect of  traditional dentures. This not only improves the long-term health of your jawbone but also ensures your dentures maintain their fit and functionality over time.

Enjoy More Freedom With Implant-Retained Dentures at Olympia Hills Family Dental

Restoring your smile should mean restoring your quality of life, too. At Olympia Hills Family Dental, we believe your dentures should provide more than just a cosmetic solution—they should let you eat, speak, and live comfortably. Implant-retained dentures offer a secure, natural-feeling alternative to traditional dentures, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods with ease. With a stronger bite force and no slipping or adhesive mess, they bring back the confidence to eat what you love without hesitation.

If you’re ready to improve your chewing ability and overall comfort, our team is here to help. We provide personalized implant-retained denture solutions designed to fit your needs and lifestyle. Call us today at (210) 658-3131 or schedule an appointment online.