Most people know what dentures are, and you may have heard of dental implants, but what in the world are implant-supported dentures? It’s the middle ground between the two! They combine two modern prosthetics and are more supportive than conventional dentures and an affordable alternative to full-arch dental implants. They give individuals a significant improvement in the ability to smile and chew.
What Are The Benefits?
While traditional dentures are the most economical option for replacing missing teeth, they do come with a couple of disadvantages:
- Continuously shifts in patient’s mouth
- It makes it difficult to eat and talk
- Must be taken out every night
- Typically requires adhesives
- May cause mouth sores
- Can risk falling out
Implant-supported dentures help solve these common problems. The implant support allows the denture fixture to be horseshoe-shaped, reducing its bulkiness and allowing more space for the tongue. Patients can enjoy vegetables, fruits, steaks, and other food they’d have to avoid with traditional dentures. Cleaning and maintenance are quite easy as some fixtures can snap on and off as often as necessary. One of the most significant benefits is that they’ll be able to speak and smile again confidently! You’ll find that implant-supported dentures offer many benefits:
- Function like natural teeth
- Removable and easy to clean
- It helps preserve gum tissue & bone
- They’re sturdy and don’t need adhesive
- Allow patients to eat their favorite foods again
- An affordable option compared to full arch dental implants
What is the Process?
Your first appointment involves a consultation to discuss the process, explain the entire procedure, and determine if implant-supported dentures are best for you. To qualify, patients must have sufficient and healthy jawbone tissue to support the implant. If necessary, we can perform a bone graft to build up the tissue.
The process begins with implant surgery, where the oral surgeon will attach 4-6 implants into the patient’s jawbone. These implants are typically made of titanium screws that fuse with the bone. We allow for 3-6 months for the jawbone to fully fuse and heal while the patient wears traditional dentures during this time. Once the implants are firmly rooted in the patient’s jawbone, we fit them with new dentures. Depending on the type, they are either removable (snap-on) or can only be removed by a dentist.
Carmichael Dentistry
We hope this blog helps explain what implant-supported dentures are! If you need something sturdier than traditional dentures but need a more affordable alternative to full arch dental implants, these are for you! They come with many benefits and the same easy maintenance as traditional dentures. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and we’ll set up a consultation to determine if you’re a candidate for these life-changing implants! If you have any questions or want to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Carmichael, give us a call at (858) 484-2560 or contact us on our website today.
