Traditional dentures can restore your smile and help replace the function of missing teeth, but some denture wearers struggle with movement, changes in fit or difficulty eating certain foods. Implant-supported dentures offer another option by using dental implants to provide additional support and stability for replacement teeth.
Rather than relying primarily on the gums for support, implant-supported dentures connect to dental implants placed in the jawbone. Depending on the treatment design, the restoration may be removable or fixed.
For people replacing several or all of their teeth, implant support can provide an alternative that combines features of dentures with the stability offered by dental implants.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are tooth-replacement restorations that use dental implants placed within the jawbone to provide support.
Traditional dentures generally rest on the gums. With an implant-supported restoration, strategically positioned implants create attachment or support points for the replacement teeth.
The exact number of implants and type of restoration varies from patient to patient. Factors including jawbone, oral health, the number of missing teeth and the type of final restoration all influence treatment planning.
This means implant-supported dentures aren’t a single standardized treatment. Your dentist develops a treatment plan based on your individual needs and anatomy.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?
Dental implants are small posts placed into the jawbone to function as artificial tooth-root foundations.
After implant placement, the surrounding bone needs time to heal and integrate with the implants. Once appropriate healing has occurred, the implants can be used to support the planned dental restoration.
Depending on the treatment, an implant-supported denture may attach to the implants so the patient can remove it for cleaning, or a restoration may remain fixed and be removed only by a dental professional.
If you’re researching implant treatment from beginning to end, our guide to the dental implant procedure explains the general stages involved.
Fixed vs. Removable Implant-Supported Dentures
One important distinction is whether the final restoration is fixed or removable.
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures:
A removable implant-supported denture attaches securely to dental implants but can be removed by the patient for cleaning.
This can provide greater retention than a conventional denture while maintaining the convenience of being able to remove the restoration when necessary.
Fixed Implant-Supported Teeth:
Other implant restorations are designed to remain in place rather than being removed by the patient each day.
Cleaning techniques and maintenance requirements differ between fixed and removable restorations.
If you’re considering these options, our guide to permanent vs. removable dental implants provides a more detailed comparison of the day-to-day differences.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures may offer several advantages depending on the patient’s individual treatment plan.
Increased Stability
One of the primary reasons people consider implant-supported dentures is stability.
Because the restoration receives support from implants placed in the jaw, it may move less during everyday activities than a conventional denture that relies primarily on the gums for support.
For patients frustrated by slippery dentures, implant support may be one option worth discussing with a dentist.
Greater Confidence When Eating
Denture movement can make certain foods more challenging for some people.
The additional support provided by dental implants can create a more stable foundation for chewing. What you’re able to comfortably eat will depend on your restoration, oral health and your dentist’s recommendations.
If you’re adjusting to tooth replacement, learning more about eating with dentures can also help you understand what to expect.
Comfort
A conventional denture transfers chewing forces to the tissues beneath it. When fit changes or movement occurs, some patients may experience irritation or sore areas.
Implant support changes how the restoration is stabilized and how chewing forces are distributed. Individual comfort still depends on fit, oral health and the specific restoration being used.
Jawbone Support
Dental implants interact with the surrounding jawbone in a way traditional dentures do not.
After natural teeth are lost, changes to the jawbone can occur because the roots that previously provided stimulation are no longer present. Implants placed within the jaw can provide stimulation to the surrounding bone.
Confidence in Everyday Activities
Have you ever said to yourself, “I hate my dentures“? Or perhaps, you’ve ever been worried about people noticing your dentures? You aren’t alone – that’s for sure! Dentures can be noticeable if they shift a lot, slip, or move when you speak: yet another set of problems that implant support eliminates!
By holding your dentures firmly in place your implants will bring a new level of realism to your look. You’ll be able to smile and speak without ever having to worry about your teeth looking fake..
Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Both treatments can replace multiple missing teeth, but they rely on different methods of support.
Traditional dentures generally rest on the gums and are removable. Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to provide additional support or retention.
Traditional dentures usually involve a less complex treatment process and a lower initial investment because implant placement isn’t required. However, changes in the mouth over time can affect how dentures fit. For patients dealing with loose or unstable dentures, fixing dentures may involve adjustments, relining, replacement or, in appropriate cases, adding implant support for greater stability.
Implant-supported treatment requires adequate oral health for implants and involves additional treatment and healing. However, the added support can be particularly appealing to patients who have struggled with movement or changes in the fit of conventional dentures.
Neither option is automatically appropriate for everyone.
If you’re deciding between tooth-replacement approaches, our dentures vs. dental implants comparison explores the differences in treatment, stability, maintenance, cost and lifestyle considerations.
Who May Be a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures may be considered for people who are missing many or all of their teeth and want greater stability than conventional dentures can provide.
Determining whether implants are appropriate requires a dental evaluation.
Your dentist may consider:
- The number and location of missing teeth.
- The condition of your gums.
- Available jawbone.
- Your overall oral health.
- Existing dentures or restorations.
- Your ability to maintain the restoration.
- Your treatment goals and preferences.
- Health factors that may affect healing.
Some patients may require additional treatment before implant placement, while others may be better suited to a different tooth-replacement option.
How Do You Clean Implant-Supported Dentures?
Daily cleaning remains important even though the replacement teeth themselves cannot develop cavities.
Plaque and bacteria can accumulate around implants, gum tissue and restorative components.
The appropriate cleaning routine depends on whether your restoration is removable or fixed. Your dental team can demonstrate the techniques and tools appropriate for your particular restoration.
Regular dental examinations and professional maintenance are also important for monitoring the implants, surrounding tissues and restoration.
How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?
There isn’t one lifespan that applies to every implant-supported restoration.
Dental implants and the prosthetic teeth they support are separate components. While implants are designed to provide long-term support, the restoration itself experiences everyday wear and may eventually require maintenance, repair or replacement.
Oral hygiene, bite forces, overall health, regular dental care and the type of restoration can all influence longevity.
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Right for You?
If traditional dentures aren’t providing the stability you want, implant-supported dentures may be worth exploring.
The best way to determine your options is through an examination of your teeth, gums and jawbone. Your dentist can explain whether implant treatment is appropriate and discuss the differences between conventional dentures, removable implant-supported dentures and fixed implant restorations.
Explore Implant-Supported Dentures in Shorewood, IL
At Shorewood Family Dental Care, we can help you understand your options for replacing missing teeth and determine whether dental implants can be incorporated into your treatment plan.
Learn more about our dental implant services in Shorewood, IL or explore our dentures in Shorewood, IL to understand the different tooth-replacement treatments available.
Call 815-725-5991 to schedule an appointment and discuss whether implant-supported dentures may be appropriate for you.
