Say Goodbye to Slipping Dentures with Implant Support
Are you tired of dealing with loose dentures that shift and slip? Implant-supported dentures offer a secure, comfortable solution that can restore your confidence and improve your quality of life. Enjoy the freedom to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
To schedule a consultation, contact our Farmington, CT, dentist today at (860) 470-3660
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures—also known as overdentures or implant-retained dentures—are a modern solution to replace missing teeth. These dentures are securely anchored to the jawbone using dental implants, which are small titanium posts surgically placed into the bone. After the implant fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, the denture is attached, providing a stable, long-lasting fit.
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures don’t rely on adhesives for stability. They are firmly anchored, offering more comfort and confidence while eating, speaking, and smiling. Implant-supported dentures can replace a partial or full arch of missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
Ball-Retained Implant-Supported Denture
Ball-retained implant-supported dentures fit the two dental implants with their own ball-shaped abutment, and the denture has matching sockets that snap onto these balls. This method offers improved retention and security compared to traditional dentures, while still allowing for easy removal when necessary.
Bar-Retained Implant-Supported Denture
Bar-retained implant-supported dentures consist of a thin metal bar attached to the four to six dental implants, and the denture snaps onto the bar. The bar provides extra stability and helps minimize movement during eating or speaking. This is a more secure option than traditional dentures but it still allows for easy removal for cleaning.
Screw Retained Denture
Screw-retained dentures involve placing five or more implants into the jawbone, securing the denture permanently in place using screws or clasps. These dentures do not touch the gum tissue, allowing for easier cleaning under the denture. However, they are only removable by a dentist during routine maintenance.
Upper and Lower Jaw Options
Depending on whether you are missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw, different implant-supported denture options may be recommended. For the lower jaw, fewer implants are typically needed due to the denser bone structure.
In contrast, the upper jaw may require more implants for support due to softer bone density. Some upper denture options, such as implant-retained upper dentures, may even eliminate the need for covering the roof of the mouth with a complete denture, improving comfort and taste sensation.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Replacing your missing teeth with fixed implant-supported dentures provides multiple benefits, including:
- Enhanced Stability and Security: Anchored directly to the jawbone, implant-supported dentures are more stable and secure than traditional dentures, making it easier to speak, smile, and eat with confidence.
- Jawbone Preservation: Dental implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, preserving your facial structure, and preventing a sunken appearance that can occur with traditional dentures.
- Improved Quality of Life: With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy a wider range of foods, speak more clearly, and smile confidently, significantly enhancing your overall well-being.
- Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last many years, potentially a lifetime.
- Superior Esthetics: These dentures are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing both your appearance and confidence.
- Improved Nutrition and Quality of Life: With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy a wider range of foods, speak more clearly, and smile confidently, significantly enhancing your overall well-being.
Cons
While implant-supported dentures offer numerous benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Higher Cost: Implant-supported dentures are typically more expensive than traditional dentures, with costs varying based on the number of implants needed.
- Surgical Procedure Required: The placement of dental implants involves surgery, which may require a recovery period and temporary discomfort.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Patients with significant bone loss may need bone grafting before implant placement, and certain health conditions may affect candidacy for implants.
The Implant-Supported Dentures Process
The process for receiving implant-supported dentures typically spans three to nine months and involves several key steps:
- Initial Consultation: Schedule your first appointment with our Farmington dentist, who will evaluate your oral health, discuss your dental history, and determine if implant-supported dentures are right for you.
- Surgical Procedure: Our dentist will make a small incision in your gums to place the implant posts. Once the posts are in place, the incisions are closed, and you’ll begin the healing process at home.
- Healing Period: Over the next three to six months, the posts will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for your dentures.
- Placing Your Dentures: After healing, you’ll return to our Farmington dental office, where your custom dentures will be securely attached to the implants, providing you with a new, beautiful smile.
Are You a Candidate?
To qualify for implant-supported dentures, patients must have adequate jawbone density to support dental implants. If the jawbone isn’t dense enough, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary before placing the implants. Ideal candidates should also be in good overall health and free from systemic conditions that could affect healing.
Contact our Farmington dentist today to learn more about your candidacy for implant-supported dentures and begin your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last many years, even a lifetime. Regular dental checkups and a consistent oral hygiene routine are essential for long-term success.
It’s common to experience minor discomfort or pain after the implant procedure and during the healing process. However, any discomfort should be manageable with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain medications. Most people find that the benefits of these dentures far outweigh any temporary discomfort.
Unlike traditional removable dentures, implant-supported dentures are permanently anchored to the jawbone and aren’t removable. Only a qualified dentist can remove the restoration. Please don’t remove the restoration yourself, as this can cause serious damage.
The number of implants needed varies depending on the individual case. Typically, four to six implants are used to support a full arch of dentures, while two to four implants may support a partial denture.
Improve Your Appearance With Natural-Looking Tooth Replacements
If you’re seeking a secure denture solution without the hassle of adhesives or the worry of slipping, implant-supported dentures in Farmington, CT, could be the perfect choice. For those in Farmington, contact our experienced dentist today.
We’ll help you determine the best option to replace your missing teeth and achieve your smile goals. We’re proud to serve new and returning patients in Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, and Newington, CT!