Sometimes dentures can be problematic. But there is another solution that makes eating and speaking so much easier.
Dental implant-supported dentures are a more stable solution. Semi-permanent, they attach to your gums by snapping into a dental implant.
At times dentures can be problematic, I think we all agree on that. But there is another solution. One that stabilizes the denture and allows you to get back to having a normal life.
Dental implant-supported dentures (sometimes they are referred to as overdentures) are the solution for you, if you want to get rid of your current dentures, or want to avoid wearing dentures altogether.
Dental Implants Stabilize The Dentures
Titanium posts (the actual implants) are surgically inserted into a patient’s jaw bone, usually four. While the jawbone heals around the implants, a new denture or your current denture is re-modelled to be able to snap into the implant’s connector or abutment.
Using dental implants to stabilize dentures has proven to be very successful. In fact dental implants have the highest rate of success over any other type of implant surgery.
Types of Dental Implant-Supported Dentures
There are basically two types of implant-supported dentures. Both types of dentures have natural-looking acrylic teeth attached to an acrylic base moulded to resemble the gum. They both require two to four implants.
The difference is in how the denture attaches to the gum.
> Ball–retained over dentures, often referred to as locators are attached to the implant abutment with a ball (male) and socket (female) system. One of either the denture or the implant is either the male or female.
> With Bar-retained over dentures, a thin metal bar acts as a conduit between the implants in your jawbone and the denture itself.
What type of over denture is best for you depends on your treatment plan.
3 Steps to a Permanent Solution
> Creating A Treatment Plan: It all begins when we take a look at your mouth and teeth with x-rays and impressions so we can create a model of your existing teeth. This when we determine where to put the implants, or if a bone or gum tissue graft is needed to ensure that there enough for the implant site.
> Implant Placement: Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. This is a relatively pain-free procedure, similar to having a tooth extracted. It takes time for the implant to heal and adhere to the bone. We may have to modify your current denture to fit over the new implants.
> Getting New Dentures: While the implants heal a brand new semi-permanent denture is fabricated, or depending on the age of current denture, it may be easily modified. While over dentures are secure, they aren’t permanent and can be easily snapped into place.
Are you a candidate? Adults that are healthy and have good oral health are a candidate for dental implant supported dentures.
If you have additional questions, download a copy of our dental implants e-book, and then give the office a call to book a free consultation.
Let's talk about getting you the smile you want.
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