Today’s dentures are not the same as the ones your grandfather wore. There are more innovative solutions out there for those looking at options to replace their missing teeth.
Whether you’re thinking about getting dentures for the first time or are looking to replace dentures you already have, implant-supported might be a great alternative. Determine whether they are a suitable fit for your lifestyle and dental health.
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures refer to dental plates held in place by posts embedded in the jawbone. The denture component fits snugly against the gums and locks into place within the mouth.
Dental implants eliminate the need for denture adhesives, allowing you to eat, drink, speak, and smile properly for the rest of your life.
How Do the Implants Work?
The dentist inserts screws, usually titanium, into the jaw through a tiny incision in the gum. Once embedded into the bone, the posts come through the gum tissue to serve as supports for the dentures. Six to eight implants are necessary to support top dentures. Four to five implants work well to support entire lower dentures.
It takes about three to six months for the bone in the jaw to grow around the posts and make them permanent fixtures in your mouth. Once the gums heal, a “snap” called an abutment goes onto the bars. This is what holds the dental plate in place.
Once all the hardware is secure in your mouth, the dentist will snap on the dentures. You can remove them each day to clean them and then put them back in place. They snap on easily and stay put.
What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Denture?
Some benefits of this denture choice include:
- Stability
- No slippage
- Permanent denture option
- Natural appearance
- Easy to use
The stimulation of the jawbone provided by implant-supported dentures is an essential health benefit. When tooth roots are lost, the jawbone shrinks. Dental implants prevent bone atrophy, allowing your jaw to keep its form and strength.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures will not work for everyone. They require strong and healthy bone in the jaw to hold the posts. An ideal candidate will have little to no bone loss in their jawbones.
Implant-supported dentures are a practical option for those who don’t do well with traditional tooth replacement options, too. Because conventional dentures rest directly on the gums, they frequently create ulcers in the mouth.
Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, should not have this issue. These dentures will not rub against the gums but will instead rest on the implants. Patients who are wary of experiencing this abrasion in their mouth frequently opt for implants.
Still wondering if implant-supported dentures are the right choice for you? Learn more or get started with a visit by booking with our caring team. Find your local Ideal Dental office today to schedule a visit with our dentists. You can also read our related blog post to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants.