What Are Implant Retained Dentures?
Modern Affordable Dentures
If you are considered edentulous, or missing all your teeth, on either top, bottom or both jaws, you already know how troublesome traditional dentures can be. We have all heard the jokes about the dentures falling out or preventing you from eating certain foods, but there are further problems from conventional dentures. Because they rest on your gums and rely partially on suction to stay in place, they will fit well at the start of wearing them. Your jawbones will start to change shape the longer your natural teeth aren’t there; the stimulation on the bone from your tooth roots prevents the bone from resorbing. Additionally, the bony ridge that helps support your dentures will start to narrow and flatten so your dentures will continue to need to be replaced over time. Loose fitting dentures are uncomfortable can cause sores on your gums from wearing down unevenly. Your facial muscles will no longer be supported by the dentures and you can experience a sunken in and puckered looking mouth. The inability to eat the foods you enjoy and the lack of confidence can be avoided with implant retained dentures.
Why Get Implant-Retained Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures translates to dentures that do not move. Your dentures will function more like natural teeth allowing you to eat what you like and socialize as you please. When your dentures are secured in place, the support your lips and cheeks rely on from your teeth to remain full is maintained. As compared to traditional dentures, people who change to implant supported dentures note all the improvements and positive developments.
What are Implant-Retained Dentures?
Instead of relying on suction and laying on top of your gums, implant-retained dentures are secured in place with dental implants. The dentures are either clipped into or snapped onto the top of the implants via an abutment. Once the dentures are fixed in place, you will find that eating and talking are more comfortable. The dentist will place two or four dental implants below your gumline to offer a more stable and stronger means of keeping your dentures in place. With the implant supported dentures, the upper and lower dentures are horseshoe shaped and are less bulky than traditional dentures that need to cover the upper palate. Lower dentures have more support than just the lower jaw bone ridge. With smaller sized dentures, your mouth will have more taste buds exposed and offer you even more enjoyment at meal time while eating any crunchy, chewy food.
Who Can Have Implant Retained Dentures?
Your mouth is healthy enough for dental implants if you have enough bone to support the implants. Even if you have lost your teeth years ago and already have bone loss, the dental implant can rely on the bone you do have and reduce the likelihood that you will need a bone graft prior to the implant surgery. If you have good overall health to heal well from surgery, then be sure to talk to the dentist about implant supported dentures.