Dentures have been a solution to extensive tooth loss for years, but they have some limitations. Unlike other restorative methods, dentures aren’t as securely attached to your jaw, so they can easily shift, fall, or get damaged. However, all of these issues can be left behind by combining dental implants and dentures.
As the name indicates, implant-supported dentures are attached to several implants, enhancing stability and making them more long-lasting. Here’s a detailed explanation of how these dentures work and what you must do to care for them.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Multiple missing teeth can be replaced simultaneously with an implant-supported denture. Unlike traditional dentures, which are placed over your gums, these use dental implants to attach directly to your jawbone.
Dental implants are tiny, threaded posts made of titanium designed to imitate a natural tooth’s root. Because titanium is a biocompatible material, it fosters an osseointegration with your jawbone, giving your new restoration a solid attachment. That way, implant-supported dentures offer improved chewing, eating, and speaking stability.
Depending on your needs, there are removable and nonremovable implant-supported denture options.
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures
Removable implant-supported dentures are in the middle between traditional and fixed implant-supported dentures.
They are firmly snapped onto the implants, preventing them from slipping or shifting, and they do not require messy adhesives. However, they are a little bulkier and require removal every night for cleaning, just like traditional dentures. In the morning, you’ll snap them back in.
Unlike fixed dentures, snap-on dentures require less jawbone support, so they are a go-to option for patients with bone deterioration. Because of this, they can also be more cost-effective. Another benefit these dentures have to offer is that they are easier to keep clean since they can be easily removed for better hygiene.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
A fixed denture, or hybrid denture, is a permanent attachment to the jawbone's dental implants, making them look, feel, and function like natural teeth. You cannot do it at home, but your dentist can remove it for upkeep if necessary.
For this reason, maintaining optimal oral hygiene is key. Cleaning the tiny area where your restoration meets the gums requires extra attention. Many patients use small interproximal brushes, floss threaders, or water flossers to make cleaning easier.
Furthermore, compared to removable dentures, fixed implant-supported dentures historically required more jawbone for support.
Traditional Dentures vs. Implant Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures are a fantastic choice for people looking for a less invasive, more economical way to replace lost teeth. They work quickly and are adaptable enough to treat varying degrees of tooth loss. They have the disadvantage of being uncomfortable, unstable, and requiring adhesives, though.
On the other hand, implant-supported dentures provide better stability, comfort, and long-term advantages like halting bone loss and giving the appearance of natural teeth. They are more expensive initially but frequently result in a higher quality of life over time because they necessitate a more involved procedure that includes surgery and a longer recovery period.
The choice between traditional and implant-supported dentures ultimately comes down to personal preferences, needs, and financial constraints. Depending on your goals, lifestyle, and oral health, a consultation with a dentist can help you make the best decision.
Who Is a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
People who have lost most or all of their teeth are good candidates for implant-supported dentures. Since the dental implants must be placed surgically, you should also be in good general health. People with long-term conditions like diabetes or heart disease might need to have extra procedures before being eligible for implant-supported dentures.
Additionally, candidates for implant-supported dentures should be tired of wearing conventional dentures.
Because traditional dentures are not meant to last forever, they may need to be realigned and adjusted regularly. In contrast, dental implants secure implant-supported dentures to the patient's mouth, stimulating the jawbone and providing a permanent new smile.
If you have previously been told that your bone density is insufficient for implants, this could have changed. More people than ever before can now benefit from implants thanks to developments in dental technology and different bone augmentation methods.
Implant-Supported Denture Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial for the long-term success and comfort of implant-supported dentures. Here are some tips for maintaining your new dentures:
- Pay Close Attention to Post-Surgery Instructions: Following your dentist's post-operative instructions after surgery is critical to guarantee appropriate healing and avoid complications. Take it easy for the first few days and avoid physically demanding activities. If you experience any pain, take the painkillers your dentist recommends.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: To guarantee the longevity of your dental implants, you must maintain exceptional oral hygiene. Brush your implant-supported dentures at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily. Moreover, avoid mouthwashes with alcohol as they can irritate the gums.
- Avoid Hard, Sticky, or Chewy Foods: Avoid foods that can cause the implants to shift or put too much pressure on them while they are healing. Ice, hard candies, and nuts, for example, can place too much stress on your implants. Sticky foods like chewing gum or caramel can also make it harder to clean your dentures or cause them to come loose.
- Steer Clear of Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol use can harm implant healing and raise the risk of infection. Smoking hampers blood flow, which may postpone healing. Alcohol also prevents healing, besides drying out your mouth and raising your risk of gum inflammation.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit us regularly to monitor the condition of your dentures and implants. We will evaluate the condition of your implants, check the fit of your dentures, and examine the health of your gums. We may also recommend professional cleanings, which eliminate plaque and tartar buildup that can't be addressed with home cleaning alone.
Experience the Benefits of Dental Implants and Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can offer several benefits over traditional dentures. From protecting the health of your jawbone to providing more solid stability for your bite, you can fully restore your smile with them while forgetting you even have dentures.
Here at 3020 Dental Implants, we know the benefits of this treatment, which is why we specialize in providing it. Discover if you’re a candidate for implant-supported dentures. Reach out and make an appointment!
