A Guide To Implant-Supported Dentures

As more individuals in Australia seek reliable and comfortable alternatives to traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures have emerged as a game-changer. 

This comprehensive guide explores what implant-supported dentures are, how they differ from traditional dentures, and the benefits they offer. 

Whether you’re considering this option for yourself or a loved one or are simply curious about the latest advancements in dental prosthetics, this article has everything you need to know to make an informed decision. 

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

An implant-supported denture is a prosthetic that replaces several teeth at once. While implant-supported dentures are similar to traditional dentures, there are some distinct differences. 

Instead of resting on top of your gums like traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures attach directly to the jawbone using dental implants. Dental implants are small posts that replace missing teeth roots. Once they’re implanted, the prosthetic teeth can be placed on top. 

Regarding implant-supported dentures, there are two options: removable and fixed. 

• Removable implant-supported dentures: Once the dental implants have been inserted into your jawbone, this type of denture snaps onto the implants. The denture stays in place until you’re ready to remove it. The benefit of this type of denture is that you can take it out daily for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Fixed implant-supported dentures: This type of denture attaches permanently to the top of dental implants that have been inserted into the jawbone. To clean these prosthetic teeth, you’d do just as you would with natural teeth. Special cleaning tools are used at home to get under the denture, ensuring you keep the area between the denture and gums clean at all times.

Who Is Suitable For Implant-Supported Dentures?

So, who is suitable for implant-supported dentures? 

People with missing teeth 

If you have lost multiple or all of your teeth, your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures. If you only have missing teeth in certain areas of your mouth, your dentist may recommend implant-supported partial dentures. Depending on your situation, your dentist will tell you which solution is best.

However, just because you may have missing teeth doesn’t automatically mean that implant-supported dentures are the best option. To be a candidate for implant-supported dentures, you must have enough bone in your jaw to accommodate the dental implants. In many cases, dental bone grafting can help add volume and density to where you’ve lost bone.

People who want a permanent solution to tooth loss 

If you’ve already got traditional dentures but want a more permanent solution, implant-supported dentures are a fantastic solution.

With the proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures are designed to last many years. Another benefit of implant-supported dentures is that they look like natural teeth and can improve the overall appearance of your face, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.

Implant-Supported Dentures Treatment Process

After your dentist has recommended implant-supported dentures as the best option for you, what does the treatment process look like? 

The treatment process for implant-supported dentures requires a few steps, but the exact treatment depends on your individual situation. Here is a general breakdown of what you can expect.

    1.Removal of remaining teeth

Before the implants can be inserted into your jawbone, your dentist will need to extract any remaining teeth that cannot be saved or restored.

This is also the time when bone grafting will be performed in any areas where you may have lost jawbone density. 

Depending on your situation, you may have to wait a couple of months before the implants can be inserted. If that is the case, your dentist will give you a healing denture to wear during that time.

    2.Dental implant surgery 

Once all of your remaining teeth have been removed, it’s time for dental implant surgery. 

During this procedure, a dental surgeon will insert the dental implants into your jawbone. Depending on the type of implant-supported dentures you get, you will either have four or six implants on each jaw. 

Once the dental implants have been surgically placed, it takes three to six months for them to fuse with your jawbone. 

During these months, you will wear your healing dentures. 

   3.Dental impressions/digital scan records 

Once your dental implants have healed, your dentist will take impressions of your lower and upper dental arches. Once this has been done, the impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory where your new and bespoke dentures will be crafted.

   4.Denture placement 

The last step in the process is the placement of your dentures. 

Your dentist will attach your new custom-made dentures to your implants and explain how to clean and care for them.

With proper care and oral hygiene, implant-supported dentures can last a lifetime. However, to achieve this, you’ll need to replace your prosthetic teeth every 15 to 20 years. 

Implant-Supported Dentures Vs Traditional Dentures

Now that you know what implant-supported dentures are, what’s the difference between them and traditional dentures? 

Traditional dentures are removable dental prostheses designed to replace missing teeth and restore oral functionality. They are typically made from acrylic materials, with the base mimicking gum tissue and the artificial teeth crafted from acrylic or porcelain. 

Much like implant-supported dentures, there are two types of traditional dentures: complete (used when all teeth in an arch are missing) and partial (used when only a section of teeth is missing). 

Since traditional dentures aren’t attached to the jawbone, you may experience shifting when you eat or talk, which can lead to irritability and discomfort.

Another disadvantage of traditional dentures is bone loss. Since they sit on top of the gum, they aren’t stimulating the jawbone. When this happens, the jawbone begins to decay and deteriorate, leading to a sunken, hollow appearance. 

The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

There are many benefits of implant-supported dentures, some of which include

• They are more stable and secure than traditional dentures.
• They are a lot easier to eat and speak with.
• They help prevent bone loss in your jaw by stimulating the jawbone.
• They look like natural teeth.
• They last a lot longer than traditional dentures.

Book An Appointment With Admire Dentistry

If you have multiple missing teeth or have lost all of your teeth and are looking for a solution, implant-supported dentures may be right for you. 

If you’re interested in learning more about implant-supported dentures and if they’re right for you, book an appointment at Admire Dentistry.

Our dentists will take a look at your mouth and advise you on whether or not you’re a candidate for implant-supported dentures.

We look forward to helping you on your journey towards a happier and healthier smile.