Dentures are an effective, time-tested method of replacing missing teeth. Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. Implant-supported dentures are used when a person doesn’t have teeth, but there is enough jawbone to support implants. The implants securely snap the denture into place by anchoring it to the jawbone. Our experienced team will help educate you on your options and discuss whether dentures will work for you. We will inform you of other options to compare to dentures, such as dental implants or dental bridges. To schedule your consultation, please call one of our three office locations: Palm Aire at 941-351-4468.
Dentures for Missing Teeth
There are many reasons people lose their teeth or need their teeth extracted, such as:
- Resorption
- Infection
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Developmental defect
- Sports injuries or other facial injuries
- Other dental problems necessitating teeth extraction
There may be other reasons you are missing teeth. It’s not an uncommon problem, but our dentists urge you to consider teeth replacement options like dentures. There are many reasons why it is important to do so:
- Preserve your natural jawbone’s structure and prevent bone attrition
- Restore your ability to bite and chew effectively and comfortably
- Feel confident when smiling, laughing and speaking to others
- Replace missing teeth to close gaps/spaces
- Speak more clearly and pronounce words correctly, without lisps or slurs
Dentures have been used for generations to replace teeth. Today’s modern dentures look and function more naturally than ever before. Missing teeth often cause a sunken, collapsed appearance around the lower face, but dentures help to fill out the lower face, which can lend to a more youthful appearance.
What are Dental Implants?
Implants are small, titanium metal posts inserted into bone to provide as a durable tooth replacement. They basically replace the presence of the missing tooth roots. Dental implants are used to support dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. They replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. With their natural appearance and strong fit, dental implants can be your answer to repairing your smile. The implants are placed in a simple, relatively quick dental procedure. The dentures will be affixed to those implants once they heal and fuse with the bone in which they are implanted.
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Our experienced dentists often recommend implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures offer a level of functionality, comfort, and stability that traditional dentures simply cannot. Some benefits that implant-supported dentures provide include:
- More comfortable fit
- No slipping
- Improved ability to chew, speak, and taste
- No need for denture adhesive
- No palate of the upper denture; improves eating
Can Implant-Supported Dentures Be Removed?
Dental implants are inserted into the jaw. Once there, they undergo a process called osseointegration whereby they become permanently affixed. Once integrated into the jaw, dental implants cannot be removed.
How Often do Implant-Supported Dentures Need to Be Replaced?
Dental implants are permanent. Barring trauma or advanced periodontal disease, there should not be any reason to replace your dental implants.
When cared for properly, implant-supported dentures can last for 20 years or more. With consistent care, your implant-supported dentures may last for a lifetime.
How do you Clean Implant-Supported Dentures?
Fixed implant-supported dentures should be cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste twice a day. This will remove biofilm and stains from their surface.
Removable implant-supported dentures can be taken out and placed in a denture solution for overnight cleaning.
Do I Need to Avoid Certain Foods With Implant-Supported Dentures?
When compared to dentures held fast with adhesives, one of the biggest advantages of implant-supported dentures is enhanced eating and speaking abilities. However, just like traditionally supported dentures, some hard foods, such as nuts and seeds, along with denser foods such as chewy meats, may become lodged underneath implant-supported options. Avoiding hard and sticky foods is often best if you wear dentures. We will provide you with additional information on which foods to avoid during your time in our care.
Why Would I Choose Implant-Supported Dentures Over Standard Dentures?
Your tooth replacement process must be adjusted to address your unique needs. Dentures are recommended for people who have lost many teeth across an arch or whose teeth in the upper or lower arch are badly damaged. If teeth cannot be successfully repaired, the dentist may recommend extraction and replacement. The general purpose of denture treatment is to restore the appearance of a healthy smile. Teeth are an integral part of your quality of speech, too. Finally, dentures help you retain your chewing ability so you can maintain a balanced diet and healthy digestion. Standard dentures can achieve all of these goals. However, the implant-supported denture goes a little further in the area of functionality.
With a standard denture, your smile can look natural. You can chew and you can speak. You may not, however, feel the high level of confidence that you'd like. Standard dentures are unsecured. They sit on the gums. Because of this, the standard denture could slip. If the denture doesn't fit well, it could even fall out of the mouth when you're eating or having a conversation. Implant-supported dentures have the same general form but feature an opening on the bottom part of the "gums" that allows your dentist to affix your artificial teeth to a few dental implants. Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone so they act just like natural roots, tethering your denture to your jawbone. The implant-supported denture doesn't just feel more natural, it also supports the natural regeneration of bone tissue and thus helps sustain your facial contours in a way that standard dentures cannot.
Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last Permanently?
You may have read or heard that dental implants can last forever. That is one of their many benefits! That said, your dental implants are simply the foundation for the dentures that you will use on a daily basis. If you take great care of your dentures and don't bite or chew on hard objects, there is a good chance that your artificial teeth will last 20 years or more. Optimal care involves the recommended care through brushing just as you'd brush your natural teeth. Gum care is also of the utmost importance for the longevity of implant-supported dentures, as are routine dental visits. If you have questions about how to maintain your implant-supported dentures for as long as possible, we're happy to speak with you and offer suggestions!
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Painful?
Dental implants are placed under local anesthetic. You will not feel any pain during your procedure. If you are nervous about the procedure, we can discuss dental sedation options during your initial consultation.
Some swelling and discomfort are to be expected following dental implant placement. Using an OTC pain reliever is typically sufficient for these issues. A cold compress in the hours after surgery can help as well.
Discomfort following implant-supported dentures is temporary and should resolve within a few short days.
What are the Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures. They may also require bone grafting if there is not enough jawbone present to support the implant.
By and large, implant-supported dentures offer multiple advantages over other options. Stronger, longer-lasting, and more reliable, implant-supported dentures are often the most effective choice for our patients. The best way to learn if they are right for you is through a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Stanley.
How are Implant-Supported Dentures Different From Other Dentures?
Traditional dentures are supported by your gums. They rest on the gums. They are not anchored into the bone beneath the gums. It is possible that traditional dentures can shift in your mouth, agitate your gums, and prohibit you from enjoying all of the foods you love. Implant-supported dentures are anchored into the bone by way of strategically placed dental implants.
What are the Advantages Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are more stable and secure. The implants hold the dentures firmly in place, so they will function more like your real teeth. Dental implants also offer the advantage of stimulating the bone in which they are embedded – normally, the absence of teeth roots causes that bone to deteriorate. Because implants mimic the roots, they sustain the bone in that area. Within the first year of tooth loss, you may lose up to 25% of your bone density around that particular area. It only worsens from there. For this reason, many people who have lost teeth have an apparent “caved-in” appearance to their mouths.
Implant-supported dentures also tend to have a better fit and feel in your mouth. They are non-removable, so there’s no fussing with denture adhesive. Our patients love that these dentures feel like their real teeth.
Will Implant-Supported Dentures Look Like Real Teeth?
Yes, we design dentures to look like real teeth enamel. They can be customized to the shade of whiteness that will make you feel most confident in your smile. We can also customize the teeth “style,” meaning the size and shape, whether you are interested in a more natural look, Hollywood glamour or something in between. We will sit down and discuss your ideal smile goals. We have technology to digitally view your smile before we even start any treatment! With Digital Smile Design, we can work with you to create your exact vision of your ideal smile.
How Much do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost?
The cost of dentures is variable. All patients' dental needs and goals are different. No two dental plans are identical. Because we want you to be able to consider all of your options with the guidance of our team, we present the cost estimate for your procedure at the time of your consultation. At that time, our treatment coordinators will help you fit your dentistry into your budget and explain our financing options. We are here to help you plan your dentistry for a lifetime!
How do I Know if Implant-Supported Dentures are the Best Option for me?
The doctors and staff at our practice care about matching the individual patient with the best option for that individual. Here are a few things we’ll discuss with you at your consultation:
- YOUR ideal smile goals and dentistry budget
- Whether you are a good candidate for dental implants
- If traditional dentures will work better with your dental health and jaw
- If dental bridges or dental implants with crowns are a better option
Schedule a Consultation in Florida
Ready to find out if dentures are right for your ideal smile goal? Please schedule your consultation by calling or texting The Smile Centre at one of our three office locations: Palm Aire at 941-351-4468.