Are you struggling with unstable dentures that threaten to fall out of your mouth every time you eat or speak?
Do your dentures feel unnatural and make it challenging to enjoy your favorite foods?
If you can relate to either of these questions, it may be time to replace your old dentures with a better solution.
Dentures have progressed dramatically over the years, leading to new, innovative solutions that feel more natural and secure. One of the most durable, natural-feeling denture solutions is implant dentures.
Implant dentures, also known as implant-supported or implant-retained dentures, are dentures that use dental implants to remain in place within your mouth. These dentures eliminate the need for denture adhesive, last longer than traditional false teeth, and feel more normal within the mouth.
If you currently wear traditional dentures or are looking to transition to them soon, you could be the perfect candidate for implant dentures.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are a special form of custom dentures that adhere to implants within your jawbone, providing support in areas of tooth loss. These dentures are more secure and longer-lasting than traditional ones, which typically rely on dental adhesive or the natural shape of the jaw to stay in place. As a result, they mimic natural teeth better.
Implant dentures are compatible with fixed bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures. As such, you can use them alongside existing teeth to create a more comfortable, organic feeling.
How Do Implant Dentures Work?
Implant dentures connect to titanium posts that fuse to the jawbone, allowing them to remain in place for many years. Titanium is one of the only known materials that can fuse with bone, which makes it the perfect material for these dental implants.
During the implant procedure, an oral surgeon places several implants below the gum line, which act as anchors for your dentures. Once the implants heal in a few short months, they create a stable foundation on which to attach false teeth.
Depending on the type of implant denture you receive, the surgeon may strategically place between four and 10 implants throughout your mouth to support the dentures.
Types of Implant Dentures
There are two primary types of implant dentures: implant-retained and implant-supported dentures. Here is a quick breakdown of the differences between these two types.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures utilize mini implants to keep the dentures secure within the mouth. These denture types require fewer implants than implant-supported options, but as such, they are also less secure.
Implant-retained dentures, also known as snap on dentures, allow for stronger biting than standard dentures, but they do not create as strong of a force as implant-supported dentures. Most dentists recommend taking out implant-retained dentures each night to clean them, whereas implant-supported ones are often permanent.
Finally, implant-retained dentures are often more affordable than supported ones.
Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported device supports the full force of your jaw, allowing you to chew as naturally as you could with real teeth. Many dentists consider these dentures to be the most effective type on the market.
Implant-supported devices require more dental implants than implant-retained ones, which makes them more expensive. These dentures are typically not removable, though you may be able to talk to your dentist about getting removable ones.
Benefits of Getting Dentures With Dental Implants
Implant dentures offer a wide range of benefits. If you are considering switching to implants, here are a few advantages you can expect to gain from these innovative denture solutions.
More Natural Feeling
Implant dentures resemble the feeling of teeth more closely than other denture types. If you’ve had a hard time adjusting to false teeth in the past, you will appreciate the comfort that these innovative devices bring to your smile.
Fuller Bite Force
Implant dentures allow for a stronger, fuller bite force that resembles the chewing intensity you can create with actual teeth. Eating is more enjoyable and satisfying with these denture types than with traditional ones.
Increased Stability
You won’t have to worry about implant dentures falling out of your mouth when you talk or eat, as these denture types are incredibly secure and stable — even without denture adhesive.
Longer Usage
Implant denture devices typically perform longer than traditional ones. In the most successful cases, patients have been able to utilize these implants for more than 20 years.
Slower Bone Loss
Because implant dentures help stimulate the gums and jaw, they can slow down bone loss progression that often occurs with traditional full or partial dentures.
Implant Denture Process
Placing dental implants requires a bit more time and healing than fitting for typical false teeth. The process includes an oral surgery in which a surgeon places the implants into your jaw bone. However, once the procedure is complete, you’ll see the dramatic difference these implants make for your comfort and your smile.
Here is the procedure Dr. Norkiewicz follows when placing implant dentures for patients.
Develop a treatment plan: First, the dentist will evaluate your areas of tooth loss and determine if implants would be a suitable solution for your missing teeth. Dr. Norkiewicz typically creates a treatment plan during the first appointment for new patients.
Place the oral implants: Next, you will schedule an appointment for the doctor to place the dental implants in your jaw bone. We place dental implants in-house, creating the most convenient dental visit for our patients.
Allow the implants to heal fully: Once the oral surgeon places your implants, you will need to let them heal for several months. During this time, the implants will integrate with your gum and bone tissue.
Place a temporary restoration: You don’t have to worry about going without your smile while your implants are healing. Dr. Norkiewicz will create a temporary restoration for you to wear until your implants have healed.
Place permanent abutments: Once your implants have fully healed, the dentist will replace your temporary restoration with permanent abutments. He will then take an impression of the abutments to create the custom dentures.
Create a custom denture: The dentist will then create a custom-designed denture that can be attached to the abutments to make the most natural, comfortable fit.
How Long Do Implant Dentures Last?
With daily brushing and flossing and regular care, implant dentures can last quite some time. Some patients use these dentures successfully for more than 20 years.
However, other patients do not experience the same results. In some cases, the dentures need to be replaced in 5 years.
A thorough dental consultation and evaluation of your oral health can help Dr. Norkiewicz determine if implant dentures will be successful for you.
Contact Rockville Dental Arts in Rockville, MD, Today
If you’re looking for a new denture solution that resembles natural teeth and lasts for many years, dental implants may be the right choice for you. At Rockville Dental Arts in Rockville, MD, we perform a complete evaluation of our patients’ specific needs, oral health, and overall health to determine the perfect denture type for their situations.
Dr. Norkiewicz is currently accepting new patients, so now is the best time to schedule an implant denture appointment. Contact the Rockville Dental Arts office in Rockville, MD, today at 301-424-2030 to learn more about these long-lasting, secure denture solutions.