Implant Retained (Supported) Dentures are a great alternative and a better solution to traditional dentures in terms of comfort, functionality, and value, as they are more stable and securely anchored using two or more dental implants. If a person doesn’t have sufficient bone in the jaw to support dental implants, he or she may not be a good candidate for this kind of denture. Therefore, addressing missing teeth as soon as possible is in one’s best interest. Implant retained dentures are a great solution for patients who need all or most of their teeth replaced and can be made for either upper or lower jaw.Implant Retained (Supported) Dentures are a great alternative and a better solution to traditional dentures in terms of comfort, functionality, and value, as they are more stable and securely anchored using two or more dental implants. If a person doesn’t have sufficient bone in the jaw to support dental implants, he or she may not be a good candidate for this kind of denture. Therefore, addressing missing teeth as soon as possible is in one’s best interest. Implant retained dentures are a great solution for patients who need all or most of their teeth replaced and can be made for either upper or lower jaw.
There are two main options for patients to choose from:- Removable Implant Retained dentures fitted with special snaps that attach to the implants- Fixed-in Permanent Implant Retained dentures.
Ball Attached Denture
The Removable Implant Retained overdenture, or snap-in denture, is made with top grade acrylic and has special snaps that hold it firmly in place, so there will be no slippage or need for dental adhesives, as with regular dentures. More economical as an option, it is made with 2 or more implants and a removable overdenture appliance. This type of dentures will give you up to 60 percent of the chewing power of natural teeth, while traditional dentures provide only 10 percent chewing power. Periodic appointments for denture adjustments are still necessary, as the existing tissue and bone that support the denture changes over time. For the upper jaw, a snap-in denture requires a minimum of 4 implants.
Bar Attached DentureEven though having an overdenture with just 2 available implants is a great improvement to a regular denture, having at least 4 implants is certainly more desirable. The Bar Attached Denture, which involves placing 4 to 6 implants connected with a custom-made support bar, is also a fully implant-supported removable option. The thin metal bar follows the jaw line between the implants to which it is attached. Many patients prefer this alternative as it eliminates the rubbing, loosening, and discomfort associated with traditional removable dentures.
Screw Retained Dentures
The Screw Retained Dentures provide the perfect mix of natural-tooth functionality, security, and appearance. They are installed with 4 or more metal implants, and patients who opt for this permanent solution need to have healthy jawbone to support them. A screw-retained denture is a completely fixed bridge that is not removable by the patient but can be removed by the dentist. This type of denture is also known as Hybrid Denture, or Fixed Hybrid. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture replaces all of the missing lower teeth.
What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?
Usually, the implant retained dentures are made for the lower jaw, since the regular dentures tend to be less stable there. However, patients can receive implant supported dentures in either the upper or lower jaw. For the upper jaw, all of the above options are available, except that people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth, because the bone in the upper jaw is not as hard as that in the lower jaw.
How Successful Are Implants?With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, and their average success rate is 97%. Teeth restored with dental implants don’t get cavities, but they still require the same care—brushing, flossing, and maintenance as regular teeth. Regular checkups and cleaning are necessary. A healthy diet and lifestyle is also a factor. Dental implants help stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss. In some cases, bone grafting may be required to rebuild the bone for successful placement of implants.