Implant-supported dentures are one of the best options for replacing teeth. While we typically recommend the all-on-4 dental implants where available, implant supported dentures provide many benefits associated with implants while reducing the cost closer to that of dentures.
Dentures are usually the most affordable way to replace missing teeth, especially when most, if not all of the patients teeth are missing. However, there are a lot of disadvantages of traditional dentures.
Disadvantages of Traditional Dentures
- Dentures shift often
- Known for causing mouth sores
- Usually require dental adhesives
- Eating tough and sticky foods can be a problem
- Trouble speaking clearly
- Dentures can always fall out
- Maintenance and daily cleaning
With all these disadvantages, there’s a reason people are more willing to use more effective methods such as implant-supported dentures to replace their missing teeth. Implants however, come with many advantages.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- No adjustment period necessary
- Cleaning is the same as with real teeth
- Implants can last a lifetime
- Act like normal teeth
- Chewing tough foods cause no extra problems
- Requires less tissue loss
- Look and feel natural
- Helps prevent bone loss and supports healthy gum tissue
Fortunately, we can offer a cost-effective method that benefits from dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is supported by dental implants rather than resting on the gums. These dentures are designed to provide a more secure and stable fit than traditional dentures, which can become loose or unstable over time.
The implant-supported dentures are typically anchored in place by two or more dental implants that are placed into the jawbone. These implant act as a support structure, providing a more stable and secure fit than traditional dentures. The implant-supported dentures can be either removable or fixed, depending on the patient’s preference and the type of implant used.
Removable implant-supported dentures are similar to traditional dentures, and can be taken out and cleaned as needed. However, they are held securely in place by the dental implants, preventing them from sliding or shifting while in use.
Fixed implant-supported dentures, also known as implant-supported bridges, are not removable and are permanently attached to the dental implants. These type of dentures are more stable and secure than traditional dentures and are designed to mimic natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Implant-supported dentures can also help to preserve the jawbone, which can shrink and change shape over time with traditional dentures. The implant-supported dentures act as a replacement for the roots of missing teeth, stimulating the jawbone and preventing it from shrinking.
Implant-supported dentures are a good option for patients who are not candidates for traditional dentures or bridges, or for those who have a lot of missing teeth. It is also a good option for patients who have trouble speaking or eating with traditional dentures. However, it is important to note that implant-supported dentures require a surgical procedure to place the implant, and a recovery period. It is important to have a consultation with a dentist to evaluate if this type of denture is the best option for you and to discuss the procedure and recovery process.
Combining dental implants with dentures, we arrive at implant-supported dentures. These function by surgically attaching four to six implants with titanium screws into the patients jawbone. Then they are allowed to fuse to the jawbone for a time of about 6 months. This is call osseointegration.
After the period of osseointegration, the implants are able to support a custom set of dentures. These dentures, once inserted cannot be removed except by a dentist. This offers quite a few benefits for the dentures from the implants, such as:
- It helps to prevent bone tissue loss since the implants are stimulating the patient’s gums
- It feels and looks natural in the patient’s mouth
- There is no adjustment period with these prosthetics
- Taking care of this type of dentures is no different from taking care of real teeth
- The patient can go back to enjoying his/her favorite foods
Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for dentures supported by implants. Before installation, Dr. Tyson Pickett, DDS FAGD, DDS FAGD will verify that the patient has enough healthy jawbone tissue for the procedure. Bone grafting or artificial bone tissue is sometimes used when the patient does not have the adequate bone tissue.
Do you want to know if you qualify for implant-supported dentures? Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today!
