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Rebuild a Strong & Complete Smile
Among the millions of people who are edentulous (missing all their teeth), many choose to get traditional dentures. While that is certainly an option, wouldn’t it be nice if there was an even stronger way to rebuild a complete smile? There is! Our team at All Smiles Leesburg is proud to offer implant dentures, which are sturdier, longer-lasting, and more functional than their traditional counterparts. Continue reading below to learn more about this remarkable tooth replacement solution, or get in touch with us to request a consultation.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Dental implants are small cylinders, sometimes called posts, that get surgically placed into the jawbone. They fuse with the surrounding tissue, enabling them to serve as prosthetic tooth roots. They can support various restorations, including dentures.
There are two main types of implant dentures. When you attend your consultation, we will let you know whether a fixed or removable prosthetic may be better for your unique situation.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
As their name implies, fixed/permanent implant dentures are permanently attached to the prosthetic tooth roots that support them. They can only be removed by a dental professional. Many patients like this option because they want to have their teeth in their mouth 24/7. Typically, 4 – 6 implants per arch are required for this treatment.
Removable Implant Dentures
Removable implant dentures snap onto and off of small attachments on top of the implants that support them. They should be taken out of the mouth daily for cleaning. This is a popular option among patients who have lost some bone density in their jaw; removable implant dentures require fewer support posts than their fixed counterparts.
The Implant Denture Procedure
The implant denture procedure involves four main stages:
- During your consultation, we will determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure and start planning the details of your treatment.
- During your surgery, we will place your implants in your jawbone at their pre-planned locations.
- Over a period of a few months, your implants will bond with the surrounding bone in a biological process known as
- We will restore your implants by providing you with a beautiful new denture.
Although the implant denture process can be somewhat lengthy, it provides outstanding results that are worth the wait!
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
You might be a suitable candidate for implant dentures if:
- You have lost all or most of your natural teeth (or your remaining teeth are in very poor condition).
- Your jawbone is strong enough to support dental implants.
- You do not have any dental or medical conditions that might interfere with your implants’ long-term success.
- You have good habits that will reduce your risk of dental implant failure.
If you are not sure whether you qualify for implant dentures, we encourage you to attend a consultation. Most adults with missing teeth can get this procedure!
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Some noteworthy benefits of implant dentures include:
- Strength and stability. Implant dentures provide a much stronger bite force than traditional dentures.
- Dental implants can last for decades, and the dentures that get attached to them can also endure for many years.
- We carefully design implant dentures so they look as natural and attractive as possible.
- Jawbone preservation. Dental implants can stimulate the jawbone and help to keep it healthy and whole.
Implant Dentures FAQs
Can You Switch to Implant Dentures from Regular Ones?
As a matter of fact, people can switch to implant dentures after using regular ones. That kind of transition is quite common and even encouraged.
Going from “normal” dentures to implant-based kinds is fairly simple. After your dentist approves treatment, they’ll set strategically placed implants throughout your mouth. Those posts will then serve as the anchors for a new, customized denture you’ll wear once your mouth heals. (While you recover, you’ll use a “healing” or temporary prosthetic instead.)
Of course, things will work a bit differently if you’re dealing with prolonged tooth loss. The latter condition will have made your jaw weak, which disqualifies you from implant dentures. Therefore, you’ll have to undergo a bone graft before you can get implant posts.
How Do You Maintain Implant Dentures?
Similar to others, implant dentures require regular care and maintenance to work. Neglecting them will eventually cause the prosthetics to fail.
It doesn’t take that much to maintain implant dentures. Overall, you can manage by brushing them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive toothpaste (or denture cleanser). This approach keeps your prosthetics free of food debris, as well as plaque that might build up over time.
Aside from such home care, you’ll just need to attend regular dental checkups. These visits let your dentist periodically check your dentures, ensuring the restorations still work properly.
Are Implant Dentures Good for Your Jaw?
Yes, implant dentures really are good for your jaw. They enhance the tissues of your mandible in ways that enhance your oral health and appearance.
Note that the jaw slowly erodes after you lose teeth. As you go without stimulation from tooth roots, your jawbone starts to deteriorate and become less dense. Thankfully, implant dentures “treat” the erosion by mimicking the behavior of natural teeth. They prompt your jaw to preserve (or even grow) its bone tissue as they fuse, leading to better health and better looks.
Unlike implant dentures, “normal” ones don’t have the jaw-preserving effect. They merely fit snugly over the gums, so they don’t stimulate your jawbone enough to maintain its bone tissue.
Do Implant Dentures Last Forever?
Implant dentures can work for quite a while, but they don’t last forever. The longest they can function without repair or replacement is about 10 years or so.
All that said, you can take steps to help your implant dentures last as long as possible. One option is to maintain excellent oral hygiene, as twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing prevent oral issues that can cause implant failure. Another method is to avoid overly hard or tough foods, which might chip or crack your posts if overindulged.
For a better estimate of how long your own implant denture will last, consult your dental provider. They’ll gladly give you more exact details.