Do missing teeth make you feel self-conscious about your smile or cause you problems when you eat? Do those empty spaces make it hard for you to speak naturally? Do your present dentures slip, slide and irritate your mouth? Are they difficult to keep clean? Implant-retained dentures may be right for you. Implant-retained dentures blend with your natural smile, preserve your smile, are durable and restore normal eating and speaking function. They’re the preferred solution for missing teeth, with both denturists and patients. If you’re considering implant-retained dentures, there are some things that you should know.
What are implant-retained dentures?
Implant-retained dentures are dentures held in position by dental implants. Because they are secured by the implants, these dentures are more stable and function better than conventional dentures. Dental implants are titanium screws placed in your jawbone to help stabilize and secure the dentures. Implant-retained dentures (also known as overdentures) are attached to the implants. Typically, each jaw requires 4 to 6 dental implants to stabilize the denture.
Facts about implants and implant-retained dentures:
- Tooth loss is common: Loss of teeth is the most common dental issue. A normal, healthy, human mouth has 28 to 32 teeth. The average 35 to 49-year-old has only 25 teeth left! 17% of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth while 3.75% of adults 20 to 64 have no remaining teeth. Implant-retained dentures offer a permanent solution to the problem.
- Implant-retained dentures are for more than appearance: Missing teeth not only affect your smile, they impact your speech and the functionality of your bite. Implant-retained dentures provide comfort, improve speech, enhance your appearance and restore normal function when eating.
- Dental implants are not the same as crowns: Dental implants are metallic structures, similar to screws, that replace the roots of your teeth. Strong, lightweight, titanium implants is placed in the jawbone. Once the bone tissues have healed, implant-retained dentures may be attached.
- Implant-retained dentures are more stable than traditional dentures and do not float or become ill-fitting and unstable.
- Implant-retained dentures closely match your teeth: This is one tooth replacement option that closely matches the strength and durability of natural teeth. Your bite and chew will be nearly identical to that which you had before. The implant, with good care, can last a lifetime!
- They appear and function more like natural teeth than conventional dentures.
- They offer better chewing ability and stronger biting forces than conventional dentures, enabling denture wearers to easily eat more difficult to chew foods. You’ll be able to eat most of the foods that you ate with your natural teeth.
- They don’t get cavities: Though you need to brush and floss daily, titanium implants and the attached denture will never get cavities!
- They may improve your health: It’s difficult to maintain a healthy diet without all your teeth. Implant-retained dentures restore your natural ability to bite and chew, promoting your ability to maintain a healthy diet.
- They preserve the jawbone: Loss of teeth causes the jawbone to resorb and/or recede, changing the shape of your mouth and promoting wrinkles. Dental implants mimic the shape and strength of natural tooth roots, helping to preserve the jawbone. The biological fusing properties of titanium used in dental implants can even encourage new bone growth.
- Implant-retained dentures are more comfortable and cause less friction on the gum tissue than traditional dentures.
- Age is not the deciding factor: Dental implants and implant-retained dentures are available for patients of any age. All clients with good oral and general health are ideal candidates.
- Multiple appointments may be necessary: There will be an initial consultation where you and your denturist will discuss in detail dental implants and refer you for a consult for the surgical part of the procedure. You’ll need instructions on preparation and follow-up care. Then you’ll undergo surgery with a Dentist or Oral Surgeon where the implants will be placed in your jaw. There will be a waiting period (3 to 6 months) before you can move on to the next step. After this, the implant-retained dentures are placed in your mouth. In short, there will be several appointments involved in receiving your new teeth!
- Bone preparation may be needed: If your Dentist or Oral Surgeon determines your bone tissue isn’t sufficient to receive the implant successfully, you’ll undergo a bone graft. You’ll wait for the bone to heal before continuing the procedure.
- They’re worth the investment: Though implants and the attached dentures have a relatively high initial cost and insurance often offers only partial to no coverage, dental implants last a lifetime and the attached dentures are functional and comfortable, making them a worthwhile investment.
- Simple to use: No need for dental adhesives, pastes or powders. No worry about your denture falling out. Implant-retained dentures are a much more stable solution to missing teeth.
- Speaking is easy: Some dentures make it difficult to speak properly. Some may slip! Implant-retained dentures feel natural and do not cause mumbling or slurring. Speaking clearly is comfortable and worry-free.
- They provide protection for your other teeth: Gaps in your mouth cause adjacent teeth to shift, jaw pain, swollen gums and additional tooth loss. Implant-retained dentures keep your teeth from shifting, protecting your mouth from further harm.
If you’re searching for a restorative solution for missing teeth that is easy to care for, reliable and predictable, then implant-retained dentures are right for you. They are one of the best solutions for missing teeth. They’ll boost your confidence, give you a beautiful smile and a youthful appearance!
Are you tired of conventional dentures that slip, slide and irritate your gums? Are you considering implant-retained dentures? South Calgary Denture and Implant Clinic is here to help. We enhance your oral health, aesthetics and way of life. We deliver the best possible treatment after taking the time and care to understand your needs. Our commitment to you is to provide a fast, efficient, and courteous service, with direct billing offered to most insurance providers. We love what we do. It’s who we are! Call us to schedule an appointment.
