Have you ever wanted a beautiful smile but felt like traditional dentures weren’t the right fit? If so, then implant-supported dentures, also known as permanent teeth may be just what you need. Unlike removable dentures that rest on your gums, implant-supported dentures are held by a system of dental implants – giving them stability and providing unparalleled comfort. This blog post will explore how implant-supported dentures can provide greater security and natural aesthetics than traditional solutions – without sacrificing an easy cleaning process or superior performance.
What are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant Supported Dentures are a type of denture held securely in place by dental implants, with one such example being all on 4 implants. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and replace missing teeth, with the added benefit of providing greater stability and comfort than traditional removable dentures. Dental implants replace the tooth root and support the artificial teeth, giving you a natural-feeling bite. The implant-supported denture, including all on 4 implants, should not move or shift in your mouth like traditional dentures can, allowing you to eat and speak with more confidence.
Advantages of Traditional Dentures
1. Increased Comfort and Stability: Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are held firmly in place with the help of dental implants. This eliminates the need for messy adhesives, making them more comfortable and stable than their traditional counterparts. Additionally, since they’re securely fastened to your jawbone, you won’t experience slippage or clicking like regular removable dentures.
2. Improved Bite Strength and Ability to Chew Food Easily: Implant-supported dentures are far superior to bite strength compared to traditional dentures. This allows patients to enjoy a greater variety of previously difficult or impossible foods to eat without difficulty.
3. Reduced Risk for Gum Disease and Jawbone Degeneration: Implant-supported dentures allow for better oral hygiene since they’re easier to clean and remove than traditional ones. This drastically reduces the risk of gum disease and jawbone degeneration that often comes with ill-fitting or unclean dentures.
4. Enhanced Facial Appearance with Natural-Looking Results: Unlike regular removable dentures, implant-supported replacement teeth look and feel more like natural teeth. The implants also help maintain facial structure by preventing excessive bone loss in areas where teeth are missing.
5. Easy Maintenance and Durability: With proper care, implant-supported dentures can last up to 10 years or more! They require little to no maintenance other than regular brushing and flossing. Plus, they also don’t require relining or refitting like traditional dentures.
Preparing for the Procedure
A. Qualifying for Implant Supported Dentures
Before getting implant-supported dentures, consult a dentist or dental specialist to ensure you are an ideal candidate. Candidates must have healthy gums and a strong jawbone structure to support the implants. If necessary, your dentist may recommend bone grafting procedures to prepare your jawbone before implant placement. Depending on your unique situation, they suggest other options, such as conventional dentures, mini-implants, or even all-on-four dentures instead of traditional implant-supported ones.
B. Treatment Plan and Budgeting
Once it has been determined that implant-supported dentures are right for you, your dentist or specialist will develop a treatment plan to outline the entire process from start to finish. This includes planning for the placement of implants, fabricating your prosthetic dentures, and scheduling regular checkups during recovery. They will also discuss the cost of this procedure and provide payment options if needed.
C. Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before implant-supported dentures are placed, ensuring that your mouth is in good condition is essential. Regular hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing should be continued throughout the process, along with any other treatments recommended by your dentist or specialist. Additionally, follow any instructions they give you regarding medications, diet restrictions, and smoking/alcohol consumption before surgery.
The Procedure
A. Placement of Dental Implants
During this first step of the implant-supported denture procedure, your dentist or specialist will place the implants into your jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia and can take several hours depending on how many implants are placed and the case’s complexity. Afterward, the dental professional may provide you with a temporary prosthesis to wear while healing occurs.
B. Creating and Fitting the Denture Prosthesis
Once your gums have healed and the implants have integrated with your bone structure, it’s time to finalize your new dentures. The dental technologist will create an impression mold from which they will fabricate your customized prosthesis. Once complete, your dentist or specialist will fit the dentures over the implants and make any necessary adjustments for comfort and stability.
Aftercare Instructions
A. Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene habits are essential to keeping your mouth healthy after having implant-supported dentures placed. This includes brushing with a soft toothbrush, flossing at least once, and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash as part of your daily routine. It is also essential to stay on top of regular dental exams with your dentist or specialist to monitor the health of your gums and implant sites. Click here to learn more about how to take care of full mouth dental implants, including implant supported dentures.
B. Proper Diet to Avoid Discomfort and Damage
Paying attention to what you eat is essential to reduce the risk of discomfort and damage to your implants and prostheses. Avoid crunchy or hard foods that may cause harm and sticky foods such as gum or caramels, which can pull at your dentures. Soft, non-abrasive foods such as cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, and fish are better for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
C. Regular Checkups with Your Dentist or Specialist
To ensure the long-term success of your implant-supported dentures, it is vital to have regular checkups with your dentist or specialist. During these visits, they will assess the health of your mouth by inspecting the gums around each implant site and making any necessary adjustments to your prostheses. In addition, regular dental cleanings and exams will help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Conclusion
The thought of implant-supported dentures can be daunting. With proper knowledge and guidance, taking the plunge confidently and ensuring everything is done correctly is easier. Thankfully, places like Ace Dental Center are dedicated to helping people get the smile they dream of with professional and comfortable treatment options.
At Ace Dental Center, you don’t have to worry about anything— their knowledgeable staff will ensure you have all the relevant info you need to make the right decision for your oral health. They handle every aspect of dental care, from consultation and pre-operative screenings to financing options and aftercare. Whether you go with traditional dentures or opt-in for implant-supported dentures, making a choice is now simpler than ever! Visit Ace Dental Center, located in Chicago, Hoffman, Lombard, and start getting a perfect smile without compromising your comfort at any step of the way. Call us now to learn more!