Implant-Supported Dentures

What Is an Implant Overdenture?

Implant overdentures work like traditional dentures, but they don’t sit in your mouth. They connect to dental implants with attachments that snap on. The result is that you can eat meals and carry on conversations without worrying that they’ll slip around.

Even though implant-supported dentures attach to implants, you can remove them. In fact, you must take them out to clean them daily.

When you have missing teeth and plenty of jawbone to support stable implants, affordable quality implant-supported dentures are an excellent solution. Typically, people get lower jaw implants because conventional dentures are too unstable there. However, our dentist can order implant overdentures for your upper jaw as well. Call our office so that we can explain your options.

Implant-Supported Dentures: How Do They Work? How Are They Applied?

Implant dentures are available in two main forms, and each has a gum-colored acrylic base and requires two or more implants to support them. Also, you get a choice between acrylic and porcelain teeth to imitate the shape and shade of your remaining real teeth.

With bar-retained dentures, a curved metal bar is attached to up to five implants. Then, the artificial teeth are secured to the bar using fixed clips or another attachment. Since the dentures cover the bar, the metal is concealed while you wear them.

The second type of implant-supported dentures are ball-retained. They consist of male, ball-shaped connectors and female sockets. Depending on the lab crafting your denture and implants the ball and sockets could be on either the implant or the denture. This design allows for easy insertion and removal.

When you visit us for a consultation, our dentist might request X-rays and conduct other tests. Combined with your dental and medical history, the X-rays and test results will help the dentist determine the best dentures and positions for your implants. In addition, we’ll make an impression of your teeth and gums and send it to the lab that will design your dentures.

Typically, it takes two visits to get implant dentures. Our dentist will insert dental implants into your jawbone during the first visit. It will take some time for your gums and jaw to heal fully. During your second visit, the dentist will expose the tops of the implants in order to attach the dentures. Ask our dentist if you can get implant overdentures in one trip.

How Much Are Denture Implants?

The cost of denture implants doesn’t stay the same because many factors affect the price. For instance, needing more than the minimum of two implants will raise the cost. When the artificial teeth are porcelain instead of acrylic, the cost increases even more. In addition, your implant-supported dentures cost will be higher if you don’t have insurance or use a discount plan. After your consultation, our team can estimate how much you’ll pay for implant-supported dentures.

What Benefits Do Denture Implants Provide?

There are several advantages of getting denture implants. Since they won’t fall out or move, you’ll regain the confidence to talk with friends and eat meals. For the same reason, you’ll be able to eat some of the foods that you’ve been avoiding. Despite that, it’s still wise not to eat foods that are hard and sticky because they could cause damage to your dentures.

Additionally, implant-supported dentures that are fitted for your upper jaw will cover less of the roof of your mouth than traditional dentures. Rather than relying on suction to stay in place like other removable devices, they attach to dental implants via connectors. Learn more benefits of implant overdentures when you see our dentist.

Is Caring for Implant Overdentures Easy?

Taking care of your affordable quality implant-supported dentures keeps them working properly and looking great. As a matter of fact, cleaning them every morning and night will hinder bacterial growth on your dentures and in your mouth.

To properly clean your implant-supported dentures, get a soft toothbrush, and use either a mild denture cleaner or toothpaste. To get a deeper clean, consider getting proxabrushes that reach around the teeth. Before you begin to clean, take out your dentures. Then, brush the teeth gently in horizontal movements. Consider using a dental threader to floss better in tight spots.

Are Implant-Supported Dentures Better Than Other Treatments?

It’s more sensible to get implant overdentures over other solutions when you want a comfortable and long-term solution to restore a smile with missing teeth. You may even feel more confident about smiling. Since they use implants, they can preserve your jawbone as well. Make an appointment to get implant-supported dentures in Haverford today.