What are Implant Supported Dentures?

Advancing technology has had an impact on so many industries including dentistry. An implant supported denture is a perfect example of two teeth replacement options coming together to give you a third, improved solution. We’ll look at the two independently first and then bring them together to illustrate the benefit.

The Traditional Denture and the Procedure

The feature we’ll focus on with dentures is that they are removable. They are designed to be taken out every evening and cleaned just like natural teeth. If you have either had an unfortunate accident or other health related issues resulted in the loss of all of your teeth in one arch, dentures have been the solution for many years. An impression is first made of your arch and from that a flesh colored acrylic tray will be fabricated in a dental lab that will sit firmly on your gums. Into that tray are positioned porcelain or ceramic crowns that will look like your natural teeth. With a little mild adhesive, the tray is placed on the arch and just like that you have your teeth replaced.

If you have a few teeth remaining a partial denture can be fabricated to hook on to those teeth and use them as the anchor to secure the dentures in place.

The Dental Implant and the Process

As early as 1965 the first titanium dental implant was placed. The most permanent solution for one missing tooth, a titanium post is placed into the jawbone and allowed to then fuse to the bone. Once this has been achieved an abutment will extend that post to the gumline and a crown will be affixed to the post. Now you have an artificial tooth that not only looks like a natural tooth, but performs like one too. The post acts like a root, ensuring stability and transferring sensations like bite and chewing pressures.

The Combination That is Now Called an Implant Supported Denture

You can see both options, now let’s combine them. We’ll start with four or six titanium posts that are surgically placed in your arch. Once these have had a chance to fuse to the bone, you have solid anchors for the acrylic tray. The dentures will have four or six snaps on the back side or inside surface. The snaps will lock on to the posts and you have the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of the Implant Supported Dentures

Not only are the artificial teeth still removable to ensure good oral hygiene habits in maintaining their appearance and quality but you also get the physical benefits of the implants. The posts give you a much better sensation in both biting and chewing as well as the stability when it comes to speaking. Another benefit of the implant supported dentures are the ongoing health of the jawbone. By having those implants, you avoid the issues of losing bone density and any atrophy of the jaw. They will also last up to four times longer than a regular set of dentures.

More on Implant Supported Dentures : How Much Do Implant Supported Dentures Cost?