Traditional dentures or false teeth were originally an amazing invention, which gives people with missing teeth some confidence or dignity back. But as these dentures typically used a special adhesive to stick to the gum ridge, they often became loose and uncomfortable as the fit changed over time. Often requiring immediate dentures whenever they break.
Thankfully there’s been plenty of advancements with new technologies since then with even better denture designs. One of the best examples are implant supported dentures.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures provide a much more permanent solution for people missing some or all of their teeth. These removable dentures are fitted onto titanium posts that have been surgically implanted into the gum line during clinical operations.
Once the bone has completely grown around the implant and healed after the procedure, the titanium post is securely in place. Then the implant-supported dentures can be easily snapped on and off whenever necessary. This makes cleaning and maintenance of these dentures just as easy as the more traditional styles.
The Process Of Getting Implant Supported Dentures
Examination
The process begins with an initial visit to the denture clinic so a dentist can ascertain if you would be a good candidate and explain the denture cost of implants. X-rays of the mouth and additional workups may need to be taken to determine if there’s enough jawbone to install the implants. If not, the jaw will need to be rebuilt through a bone graft before the implantation, which typically takes several months.
Placement
This is when the dental implants are surgically installed. The dentist drills holes into the jawbone and implants some small titanium anchor screws, before stitching the gums over the top. The jawbone and gums are then given time to heal and grow around the implants, which can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Impressions
Once everything has sufficiently healed and healthy, your dentist will take some dental impressions of your gums using dental putty or digital technology. This will allow their lab to begin the fabrication process of your implant-supported dentures.
Modelling
Your dentist may also need to create a wax model of your dentures to check their fitting and appearance. These prosthetic dentures will allow for any modifications to the design before your dentures are fabricated.
Fabrication
Once satisfied with the prosthetic dentures, your final implant-supported dentures will be created using durable dental materials which look like the real thing.
Attachment
The gum tissue is then reopened in order to expose the dental implants, and then the snap bars are attached to the titanium anchor screws. The gums are then given another two weeks to heal around it.
Fitting
Once the custom-made dentures are secured to the implant hardware, the fitting or look of your new dentures are adjusted to ensure they’re comfortable.
After Treatment
Implant-supported dentures must be properly cared for once they’ve been installed, especially over the first few weeks to avoid infection. This means cleaning and brushing your gums, tongue, and dentures at least twice each day, as well as flossing once a day. People with implant-supported dentures should also visit their dentist twice a year to ensure they are fitted correctly, check for any complications, and provide denture repair.
Who Should Get Implant-Supported Dentures?
Some people choose to get implant-supported dentures due to being frustrated with traditional style dentures. Others want a more permanent option for dentures which stay in their mouth and allow them to chew through food easier. But just like the decision to have any kind of cosmetic dentistry done, getting implant-supported dentures is usually a personal choice.
That being said, numerous studies have found that most prefer implant-supported dentures for many different reasons which improve their quality of life. These include comfort, stability, confidence, and aesthetics, as well as improved speech, better chewing, and easier cleaning, which they say is worth the cost of dentures.
Whether you want full dentures, partial dentures to replace missing ones, or even emergency denture repairs, Aesthetic Denture Clinics can give you back some confidence with a little peace of mind. Our experienced team of dental implant experts are always working hard to ensure we provide reliable, safe, and natural-looking dentures every single time.
