It’s estimated that around 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. Traditional dentures are the most common way to address excessive tooth loss, but while modern advancements have made them more comfortable and lifelike than ever, they still have their shortcomings. Do you want a full set of new teeth that feels and functions like your natural teeth? Dr. Farr and Dr. Carini can offer you just that with personalized implant dentures. Call today to learn more about this modern tooth replacement solution.
Traditional dentures sit on your gums and are held in place with natural suction. Implant dentures, on the other hand, are anchored directly to your jawbone thanks to several strategically placed dental implant posts. Dental implants mimic the roots of your natural teeth, which helps make your new smile much more lifelike and comfortable. There are two types of implant dentures that we might suggest based on your needs:
A fixed denture is sometimes referred to as a “hybrid prosthesis.” Only a dentist can remove a fixed denture; otherwise, it stays in your mouth 24/7. Many patients prefer fixed dentures since they can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. However, keep in mind that for this type of denture, a certain level of jawbone density is required.
Removable implant dentures – or “Snap-On dentures” as they’re sometimes called – are designed in a way that lets you take them out of your mouth for regular cleanings. The main advantage of removable implant dentures is that they typically require fewer implant posts (sometimes as little as two) and thus don’t require as much jawbone density as fixed dentures.
Our team can perform the entire dental implant procedure in-house so that you don’t have to worry about driving to a separate specialist’s office. The process begins with an initial consultation where we confirm that you’re a candidate for dental implant surgery and take note of any preparations that need to be made before the procedure. Once your mouth is ready, we can perform minor surgery to insert a specific number of implant posts into your jaw.
It will take about 3 to 6 months for your jaw to bond with your dental implant posts. Once that’s done, we can attach a small metal connector piece called an abutment to each post. After your mouth has fully healed, we can take impressions and start designing your final denture, which will be made at a separate laboratory. During your last appointment, your new teeth will be attached to your implants via the abutments.
You may be a good candidate for implant dentures if:
Why choose implant dentures over traditional dentures? There are several benefits to consider:
