Dentures may seem like a thing of the past, but they remain vital in helping people regain their smiles and confidence. Whether you’re considering implant dentures because of tooth loss, periodontal disease, or an accident, modern denture technology can help you achieve dramatic results! They are designed to look natural and secure – no more slipping or uncomfortable adjustments. With the correct information about procedure options, you can decide whether this type of dental work is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore what implant dentures are all about so you have everything you need to know as a newbie!
Definition of Implant Dentures
Implant-supported dentures, including the All-on-4 technique, are a type of tooth replacement option that involves strategically placing fixtures (dental implants) into the jawbone to support artificial teeth. This method of tooth replacement provides superior stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures can be either fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s specific needs and preferences.
By surgically placing dental implants into the jawbone, implant-supported dentures offer numerous advantages. The implants act as sturdy anchors, ensuring that the dentures remain securely in place while eating, speaking, or engaging in daily activities. This enhanced stability eliminates the worry of dentures slipping or shifting, providing patients with increased confidence and improved functionality.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
Implant dentures provide several significant benefits over traditional denture options:
• Improved aesthetics – They look more natural than traditional dentures because they are custom-designed to match the shape and color of your real teeth.
• Increased stability – implant dentures are secured directly into the jaw bone, providing greater resilience than traditional dentures that rely solely on suction or adhesive for retention.
• Improved comfort – They eliminate the rubbing and irritation caused by denture adhesives, making them more comfortable to wear.
• Durability – They are highly durable and can last many years with proper care.
• Improved oral health – They help preserve the jaw bone, which supports maintaining a healthy mouth.
Types of Implant Dentures
Implant dentures come in two varieties: fixed/permanent implants and removable implants. Each type has advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing the best option.
Fixed/Permanent Implants
Fixed or permanent implant dentures involve surgically placing fixtures into the jaw bone upon which artificial teeth are permanently attached. This type of implant denture provides the greatest stability and aesthetics but requires significant surgery to place the implants.
Advantages
• Highly stable – fixed/permanent dentures provide greater stability than removable implants since they are directly secured into the jaw bone.
• Natural-looking – these types of dentures look more natural than traditional or removable options since they are custom designed to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.
• Long-lasting – fixed/permanent implant dentures can last many years with proper care.
Disadvantages
• Invasive procedure – placing a fixed/permanent implant denture requires major surgery, which can lead to a longer recovery time.
• Higher cost – due to the surgical component involved, this type of denture is typically more expensive than removable options.
Removable Implants
Removable implant dentures involve placing fixtures into the jaw bone upon which artificial teeth are attached with clips or magnets that allow them to be removed for cleaning and night-time storage. This implant denture provides good stability and aesthetics but does not require major surgery for placement.
Advantages
• Non-invasive procedure – placing a removable implant requires minor surgery compared to fixed/permanent implants, making the recovery time shorter and more straightforward.
• Cost effective – Removable implants are typically more cost-effective than fixed/permanent options since they require less surgical intervention.
• Easier maintenance – the ability to remove the denture for cleaning makes it easier to keep your implant dentures in good condition.
Disadvantages
• Less stable – since removable implants rely on clips or magnets for retention, they are less secure than their fixed counterparts and can become loose over time.
• Unnatural feel – some patients may find that having a denture connected with clips or magnets feels unnatural compared to permanent implant dentures.
Procedure for Getting Implant Dentures
Getting implant dentures generally takes several months and involves several steps.
A. Choosing a qualified dentist and dental practice – the first step in getting implant dentures is to research different dentists and choose one with experience with this type of procedure.
B. Consultation with the dentist to discuss candidacy and determine suitability for implant dentures – during your consultation, your dental professional will examine your oral health and discuss any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.
C. Treatment plan, including cost, duration, and expected results of the procedure – once it is determined that you are a suitable candidate for implant dentures, your dentist will develop a treatment plan that outlines the estimated length of time, cost, and expected results of the procedure.
D. Preparatory treatments such as X-rays, oral exams, and molds for the dentures – before beginning the procedure, your dentist may require additional treatments such as X-rays or an oral exam to understand your dental anatomy better. Sometimes, they may also take molds off your teeth to create a custom-fitted set of dentures.
E. Surgery to implant the fixtures – during this part of the procedure, tiny titanium posts are surgically placed into the jaw bone to attach the denture restoration.
F. Follow-up appointments for monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed – after surgery, you will need to make follow-up visits with your dentist so that they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the denture.
G. Final fitting of the denture – once your implants have healed and all follow-up visits have been completed, you will return for a final fitting of your implant denture. At this appointment, your dentist will ensure that the denture’s fit and shape are comfortable and look natural in its new environment.
Aftercare
Once you’ve received your implant dentures, there are some aftercare instructions you should follow to ensure their longevity:
A. Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits – it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits with implant dentures since they can still become discolored and stained over time. Brush your dentures twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse to help keep them clean.
B. Avoiding hard or sticky foods that may damage your implants – it is essential to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could potentially cause damage to the implant fixtures.
C. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings – regular visits to your dentist are essential to ensure the health of your natural teeth and implant dentures. Your dentist will assess the fit of the dentures, make any necessary adjustments and offer advice on proper aftercare techniques.
D. Following any special instructions from your dentist regarding the care of the dentures – following your dentist’s instructions regarding cleaning, maintenance, and storage is essential for their long-term health and performance.
Conclusion
Finding a suitable implant denture can be complicated, but it is worth it in the long run. Whether you opt for a self-supporting arch or an overdenture, take the time to get to know your options and talk to your family dentist about whether this treatment is proper for you. Implant dentures can provide increased stability, enhanced biting power, improved comfort levels, and easier eating of a more comprehensive range of foods.
If you’re beginning your journey into understanding implant dentures, visit Nashville Implant Clinic, located in Brentwood! Our skilled team of professionals can help answer any questions that may have arisen in this blog post–and provide you with more tailored advice for your specific turning needs. Invest in yourself and your dental health today with implant dentures; the benefits are well worth the effort! Call us to learn more!