Do you have some missing teeth? Do you need to replace them? Well, implant supported dentures are some of the best denture alternatives for your teeth replacement. Many patients seeking teeth replacement have their first worry placed on affordability. The expenses associated with dental care, especially therapeutic dental care, are pretty high and discourage many people.
On the other hand, substantially, many people would not mind the gaps for various reasons. However, dental care is not always about the augmentation of looks. A good case in point is the protection of your oral health. Poor oral health can subsequently lead to your body suffering from problems such as malnutrition, poor dental occlusions, and many more.
A good dental outlook will also augment your facial appearance and give you a great smile, which will get you the perfect self-confidence you need to get your day rolling. For implant supported dentures, you do not have to worry about the price. Essentially, implant supported dentures will provide you with all the basic services other dentures provide while at the same time ensuring that you can afford them. Traditionally, dentures provided the most economical way to replace your missing or broken teeth. These were especially helpful when the person had the majority of their real teeth missing. Despite the low price, the traditional dentures come with a good number of disadvantages. Some of these disadvantages include the following.
• The dentures are possible causes of sores in the mouth
• Continuously shifts the mouth of the patient
• Use of dental adhesives to attach the dentures
• It makes it difficult for the patient to eat and talk
• The dentures are always at a risk of falling out
• You must remove the dentures before sleeping
Due to the above disadvantages, quick research will show that many patients currently prefer dental implants as the best option for replacing missing teeth.
Table of Contents
What Are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant supported dentures are a product of implants and dentures. For many people seeking teeth replacement, implant supported dentures are their go-to options. The following are some of the advantages of dental implants.
• Cleaning or taking care of the implants is no different from taking care of your natural teeth
• Implants do not require adjustment periods
• Implants tend to imitate the behavior of natural teeth by having roots. This helps to protect your jaw from tissue loss.
• Good oral hygiene is enough to make your implants last a lifetime
• Since your dentist fixes the dentures onto the jaw, they prevent the natural teeth from shifting.
• The feel and look of implants are natural and comfortable in the patient’s mouth
However, the many drawbacks of traditional dentures are not comparable to the cost of getting an implant. The price of replacing a few missing teeth with implants exceeds the total cost of fitting yourself with a whole set of dentures. This makes the implants pretty unaffordable.
What Are the Advantages of Implant Supported Dentures?
With implant supported dentures, the advantages go beyond the limitations of the price of installing the dentures. Apart from the benefits that you get from getting implants, you will also get the following benefits.
• Comfort to enjoy your favorite foods without the fear of the dentures falling off
• No need for adjustment periods
• Taking care of the implants is similar to taking care of your natural teeth
• A great feeling and natural look
• Improved oral health
• A wonderful smile and facial outlook
• Protection against teeth shifting
Installing Implant Supported Dentures
The installation of these dentures involves a procedure that an oral surgeon performs in your mouth. During this procedure, the dental surgeon will surgically attach about four to six dental implants. These implants are titanium screws that your doctor fixes into your jaw. After installing the titanium screws, they are given time to fuse with the jaw bone to attain a permanent fixture. This fusing period is any period between three to six months. We refer to the whole process of fitting your jaws with titanium implants as osseointegration.
After fitting the titanium screws, the dentist will require you to return for denture attachments. This will happen when screws fuse entirely with your jawbones. The dentist will attach dentures to the titanium screws. Once the dentures’ installation is complete, you cannot remove them without a dentist’s help. This represents the major difference between the traditional dentures and the implant supported dentures.
However, implant supported dentures are not a solution for everybody. To find out whether you are an eligible candidate, you should visit your dentist for evaluation.
See also: How many implants you may need for upper dentures
Types of Implant Supported Dentures
Candidates eligible for this kind of dental treatment need to have enough bone content in their jaws to allow the fitting of the implants. In most cases, you will require lower jaw dentures. This is primarily because dentures on the upper jaw have enough support that keeps them in place without the need for an implant. Patients who need implants supported dentures fixed on their upper jaw are growing in numbers. This is not surprising since these dentures feel more natural and give comfort to the patient. There exist two types of implant supported dentures. These are bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures.
A dentist will attach the bar-retained dentures to the implants via a thin metal bar on the implants. On the other hand, if you prefer ball-retained dentures, your dentist will attach the dentures using a small ball and socket to hold the denture into place.
Ball-retained dentures are the most common implant-retained dentures due to their snap-in characteristic. Some of the advantages of snap-in dentures include the following.
• Stability considering they are removable
• Snap-in dentures will give you the chewing ability, and you will be able to eat sticky and hard foods.
• They fit better into your jaws
• They preserve the jawbone by preventing bone loss
The drawbacks of snap-in dentures include the following.
• They require surgery since the implants have to be surgically placed on your jaw
• They are relatively expensive than the conventional dentures
• If you have gum or tooth decay, your dentist may have to do a bone graft to provide implant support
• They are prone to breaking down and might even become loose
Removable Dentures vs. Fixed Dentures
Choosing between the removable implant supported dentures and the fixed implant supported dentures is not a difficult task. All you need to do to decide what fixture you need is to evaluate your needs and the budget you intend to use. Essentially, removable dentures are relatively cheaper than the fixed dentures. However, moving away from the cost factor, the removable dentures don’t last as long as fixed dentures.
The removable dentures are also known to be pretty uncomfortable and could embarrass you if they were to slip out. Removable dentures are also not as comfortable as their fixed counterparts. They are less permanent and therefore expensive in that regard. Fixed dentures will give you a lifetime service if well cared for. They are very comfortable and gives you the ability to get back to your feeding habits without worrying about a slip-off.
What Is the Cost of Implant Supported Dentures?
Replacing your missing teeth with an implant supported denture is pretty expensive. However, these dentures offer the best option for a permanent solution. The average cost of implant supported dentures ranges between $1,500 and $6,000. The price would therefore be quite high if you were to go for a whole dental set. However, this cost depends on various factors such as the strength of the denture, stability, and support. The procedures in the preparatory stage, together with the quality of materials, can also increase costs. You could consult your dentist to determine how much will be required to go for the procedure.
Are There Alternatives to These Dentures?
Implants and dentures have become the standard techniques in replacing failing or missing teeth. However, there are other alternatives, such as:
Dental Implants for Single Tooth
If you are missing just one tooth, a single tooth dental implant is an excellent option for you. A single implant is some partial denture that could solve your single tooth gap problem. However, it is not as comfortable as implants with dentures. Most often, the metal clasps on the partial denture may also be exposed.
Bridges
Bridges supported by implants are another alternative to choose from. Bridges are pretty traditional and have been in use for years. However, to install a dental bridge, a doctor will remove a healthy tooth next to the teeth gap. This can cause tooth fracture or decay. The bridge contains a dental implant supported on either end. This protects the neighboring teeth.
Immediate Load Alternatives
The process of installing traditional implants requires a period of healing. This process also involves the integration of the implants with the jaw bone. In this healing period, your dentist will require you to wear a temporary prosthesis for a period that can run into months. On the other hand, immediate implants provide you with a solution that ensures you avoid temporary prosthesis. These implants are lightweight and natural-looking. Your dentist can install them the same day as the implants. Though they are not as desirable as the final teeth, they will give you more comfort and aesthetic appearance than temporary dentures.
Full Mouth Dentures
Full mouth dentures are a great choice if you are missing all of your teeth. Full mouth dentures are the arches that contain all the teeth for both your upper and lower jaw. However, they are not as effective for chewing or eating sticky food.
Implant Supported Dentures Vs Full Mouth Dental Implants
Implant supported dentures can function as full mouth implants when attached as a whole set. However, they are stronger and longer-lasting than most of the other dentures.
Conclusion
Implant supported alternatives are a better option for many people. They provide better alternatives in the form of comfort, affordability, and durability. They will give you the natural feeling that other dentures can’t.
FAQ
Are are implant supported dentures and all on 4 the same?
All on 4 dentures are like snap-on dentures though permanent.
Who is a candidate for implant supported dentures?
If you have adequate bone content in your jaw, then you are an eligible candidate.
How much do implant supported dentures cost?
The cost of these implants is dependent on the operations, the number of teeth, and the quality of material used. The price range is anywhere between $1500 and $6000.
How long do implant supported dentures last?
Fixed dentures last longer than removable ones. They can last up to a lifetime with proper care
How many implants to support upper denture?
The number of implants is dependent on your jaw. However, the minimum requirement is two implants.
How to clean implant supported dentures?
You can clean your dentures the same way you clean your teeth.
What is the alternative to the hybrid implant supported denture?
The best alternative is dependent on a person’s preferences. All overdentures are a great choice depending on your needs.
Do implant supported dentures need crowns?
No, they do not.
Are implant supported dentures removable?
Snap-on dentures are removable while fixed dentures are permanent.