An implant denture is a dental technology that offers an alternative to traditional dentures.
Replacing missing teeth restores your smile and confidence. Investing in tooth replacement can have a significant impact on your daily life in addition to improving your physical appearance.
Without empty spaces between teeth, eating becomes much more enjoyable. Not to mention, breaking down food aids digestion and nutrient absorption.
Leaving missing teeth untreated can make your cheeks look sunken. Missing teeth also makes talking more difficult.
Some people are content with traditional dentures, but if youโre looking for another option, you might find implant dentures ideal.
What are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures address issues you may be experiencing with traditional dentures. They stay in place when worn, and they donโt come with adhesives. Furthermore, they wonโt fall off when you chew, speak, or laugh.
An implant is a titanium screw fused into the jawbone to replace the tooth root. Once the implant is embedded, it becomes a solid foundation for the replacement tooth or the denture appliance.
An implant denture is similar to partial and complete dentures. They're made from the same materials. However, the implants make them a lot more secure and comfortable. This also increases the longevity of your appliance.
Implant dentures can be made removable or permanent. Here's how these two types vary:
Implant dentures can be made removable or permanent. Here's how these two types vary:
Removable Implant Dentures
Removable dentures are secured by implants but can still be removed when needed. Theyโre typically smaller than traditional dentures and less expensive than permanent implant dentures.
You may need to use a dental removal tool to take them out, but even so, they remain stable in your mouth once you wear them again. You wonโt have to worry about them feeling loose.
This gives you more freedom to do what you want, whether that's living an active lifestyle or satisfying your inner foodie.
Fixed Implant Dentures
Also known as โpermanent dentures,โ fixed implant dentures are attached permanently to your implants. Theyโre also smaller than regular dentures.
Since the dentures are fixed in place, food deposits donโt get beneath them while you eat. Cleaning permanent dentures is similar to taking care of your natural teeth. They must be flossed and brushed on a daily basis.
Your denturist or dentist can remove your fixed implant dentures when necessary.
How are Implant Dentures Placed?
Several steps are involved in implant denture placement. Your dentist or denturist educates you on what you can expect throughout the procedure.
Hereโs a quick overview of the implant denture process:
Initial consultation. Your dentist determines whether implant dentures are the best solution for your oral health concerns. They use X-rays and, in some cases, a CT scan to determine the location of your nerves and the amount of bone remaining. A bone graft may be recommended to replenish bone density. You'll then need to wait a few months to proceed to the next step.
Dental implant placement. Your dentist makes a small opening in your jawbone, places the implant, and stitches the site. These steps are repeated for every implant placed in your mouth. It often takes 3-6 months for the site to heal and for your implant to ingrate into your jawbone.
Impression taking for your dentures. On your next visit, your implants will have healed. Itโs time to take impressions for your dentures and artificial teeth. These impressions are forwarded to the dental lab so the technician can fabricate your device.
Denture placement. Finally, your new dentures are attached to your implants. You check how everything fits so that adjustments can be made as needed. Your denturist or dentist educates you on proper care for your implant dentures. They also schedule your follow-up appointment so they can assess the treatment site and your oral health.
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Benefits of Implant Dentures
Secures your smile. Implant dentures cut the need for messy adhesives and cleanups. They look natural and feel secure when worn. Your denture appliance no longer moves because itโs fixed in your mouth. As a result, occasional sores due to denture rubbing are minimized.
Functions like natural teeth. Implant dentures may be ideal for people with natural teeth left. If you only need partial dentures, you can get them without needing an individual implant for each missing tooth. Partial implant dentures may also be suitable for missing back molars or chewing surfaces.
Strengthens the jaw. The jawbone, or alveolar bone, holds all your teeth. When youโre missing a single tooth or several teeth, the jawbone can shrink over time. Getting implants prevents jawbone resorption and preserves your facial structure.
Increases your bite force. Implant dentures are much more stable than typical dentures. Your chewing force declines when you have several missing teeth or have lost all your teeth. Your diet becomes limited to foods that donโt need chewing or biting. Getting an implant denture restores the strength of your jaw muscles, allowing you to increase your bite force and eat a wider variety of foods. You can start biting into crunchy foods and meals again or indulge in chewy or sticky sweets occasionally.
Improves dining experience. With stable dentures, you will no longer feel uncomfortable while dining out. You wonโt have to have your appliance dictate what food you can have. Since you can chew and digest food better, you also enjoy the experience more. Implant dentures allow you to taste food with your tongue and the roof of your mouth. They also clear your palate and improve your speech.
Implant dentures are the closest dental solution to having your natural teeth back again. Learn more about getting implant dentures in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Implant dentures may be ideal if you:
Are missing one or more teeth
Have an adequate amount of jawbone
Are looking for a non-adhesive alternative to traditional dentures
Have sensitive gums and find regular dentures irritating
Have a gag reflex, and wearing an upper denture triggers it
Donโt have a health condition that interferes with bone healing
Are willing to commit several months to the procedure
Aren't smoking
The cost of implant dentures can range from $1,900 to $5,000. For a realistic estimate, consult your dentist or denturist.
Implant dentures are an investment in your oral health and general well-being. Your dental appliance doesn't have to interfere with your daily life.