You have lived a long and happy life and your teeth, or lack thereof, show it.
Yes, you may not have taken as good of care of your teeth as you should have and are now paying for it with a gummy smile that not only makes it hard to speak clearly and chew food but is a source of embarrassment and self-confidence.
You know you will need dentures to regain that beautiful smile you once had. However, you dread the bulky appearance, the constant removing and re-insertion after meals and discomfort that comes from dentures.
Dentures have indeed gotten a bad name and have become synonymous with old age. Dentures, however, have come a long way since your parents' day.
Dentures today come in a variety of styles and sizes.
One variation of denture is the implant support denture.
As the name suggests, this type of denture is secured in the mouth with the use of dental implants. Dental implants are titanium rods that are inserted into the jaws and capped with a crown (fake tooth). A flat piece of titanium joins the crown to the implant.
Implants are effective, permanent solutions for patients with a small number of missing teeth.
Implant retained dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Implant retained dentures have many advantages over traditional dentures. However, they are not the best treatment option for all patients.
Since implant retain dentures use dental implants that are surgically inserted into the gums (jaw bone) candidates for these teeth replacement options need to have little or no deterioration of their jaw bone tissue.
Patients who have brittle jaw bone tissue and structure would be better off using traditional dentures.
Patients will need to pay extra for implant retained dentures over traditional dentures. Many patients, however, are willing to pay more for dentures that fit more comfortably and have a more secure fit.
Below are the notable benefits of implant retained dentures:
More secure fit. Patients that wear dentures attached to implants can enjoy more of the foods they love without taking their dentures out. Patients also don't have to worry about their implant retain dentures slipping or accidentally coming out.
Comfortable fit. Implant retained dentures feature custom made dental bridges that snap in and out on the implants. Molds and 3D images of the patient's jaw and remaining teeth are taken and are used by dental technicians who fabricate custom-made bridges. As the bridges are unique to each patient, the fit, size, and shape will best ensure the most comfort.
Patients who have compromised bone tissue will be better suited for traditional dentures.