Implant-Supported Dentures

Denture Implants: What Are They?

Denture implants function a lot like conventional dentures. Instead of just sitting on your gums, they attach to dental implants with connectors that snap on. Then, you can have conversations and eat meals without them slipping around.

Despite that, you can still remove implant-supported dentures. As a matter of fact, you’ll need to take them out every day for cleaning and sleeping.

Affordable quality implant-supported dentures are a great fix for missing teeth when you have enough bone in your jaw to get implants. In most cases, they’re only created for the lower jaw because traditional dentures are the least stable there. Our dentist can have them created for the upper jaw too. Learn more about your denture options in a consultation at our practice.

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

Requiring at least two implants and made with gum-colored acrylic bases, there are two forms of implant dentures. Also, you get to choose between porcelain and acrylic teeth to imitate your natural teeth in their shape and shade.

The first type is bar-retained dentures, which have up to five implants and a metal bar that curves around your jaw. Clips or other attachments are used to fit the artificial teeth to the bar. While securely clipped in place, the dentures hide the metal bar.

With ball-retained implant-supported dentures, there are attachments on the implants and dentures. The female sockets on the implants fit the male attachments on the dentures, which are ball-shaped.

During your consultation, the dentist may require X-rays and other tests to provide the best service. The dentist will use these results and your medical and dental histories to suggest the best type of dentures for you and make sure that your implants are positioned correctly. Finally, we’ll make an impression of your gums and teeth so that the lab can customize your dentures.

Most often, getting implant dentures requires two trips to the dentist. The first trip consists of the dentist inserting the implants into your jaw. It will take a couple of months for your jaw and gums to heal all the way. During the second trip, our dentist exposes the implant tops to attach the dentures. Discuss your options for getting implant overdentures during the first visit.

How Much Do Implant Overdentures Cost?

Since the cost of denture implants varies from person to person, there’s no set cost for implant-supported dentures. If you use a dental discount plan or have dental insurance, you can save money on the overall expense. However, needing five implants instead of the minimum of two will increase your implant-supported dentures cost. The price will increase even more if you want porcelain teeth rather than acrylic. We can give you an accurate estimate after a consultation.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Denture Implants?

You’ll get several benefits when you choose denture implants. For instance, you won’t be worried about them falling out or moving around while you chat and eat. As a result, you’ll regain confidence in talking and eating. In fact, you can start enjoying foods that you previously avoided again. However, you should continue to avoid hard, sticky foods that might damage your dentures.

Furthermore, when implant-supported dentures are made for your upper jaw, they’ll cover the roof of your mouth less than conventional dentures. Instead of relying on suction like other removable options, they use connectors to snap in place on dental implants. Find out more about implant overdenture benefits when you speak with our dentist.

Is It Easy to Take Care of Implant-Supported Dentures?

For your affordable quality implant-supported dentures to maintain proper function and a good appearance, you have to clean them before you sleep and when you wake. Regular cleanings prevent bacterial growth on the dentures and in your mouth.

Cleaning your implant-supported dentures will require a soft toothbrush and a cleaning agent, such as a denture cleaning solution or toothpaste. For a deeper clean, you can use denture cleaner and proxabrushes, which clean around the denture tips. Prior to cleaning, remove the dentures from your mouth. Next, use gentle horizontal movements with the toothbrush. For flossing tight areas, you can use a dental threader.

Why Choose Implant Overdentures?

If you are a good candidate for implants, it makes sense to choose implant overdentures instead of others as a comfortable and long-lasting solution for restoring missing teeth. Since they’re more natural-looking than others, they could build your confidence in smiling. Also, the implants can maintain your jaw structure. Schedule an appointment now for implant-supported dentures in Springfield.