Regular or traditional dentures, at times, are quite challenging to wear. Many people avoid wearing them because they get displaced or loosened while eating and talking. Moreover, because of less stability, it makes the wearer pretty uncomfortable. Today, dental technology has come up with a perfect solution to this in the form of ‘Implant Dentures’ that support and stabilize a denture.
What are Implant Dentures?
Implant Dentures are metallic posts or frames that are surgically fixed to the jawbone below the gums to provide support to artificial teeth. This gives a more comfortable and natural feeling for the wearer than the regular dentures which are fixed directly on the gums and depends only on suction for stability. This structure acts like the roots of the teeth.
Implant Dentures Benefits:
It aims to provide stability and support for the dentures. This is the crucial advantage of using implant dentures. Because of the stability gained with such implants, chewing and eating become more natural, as opposed to traditional dentures. The implants stimulate the jaw bone which delays or prevents the bone loss or shrinkage process and also retains the facial structure which is otherwise unavoidable when there is teeth loss. Wearing implant dentures also reduces sores, and gives a comfortable experience to the patient.
The process:
Implant dentures can be used when there are enough jaw bones for support. The extra attachments are needed more in the lower jaw as upper jaw dentures are more stable due to less movement. However, the process can be carried out on both the jaws. Such implant dentures can be fixed or removed, depending on the dental condition of the patient and diagnosis by the Dentist. There are again Bar-retained and Ball-retained dentures depending on the shape and structure of the metallic bars or studs used in the system.
The two ways that implant dentures can be fixed to the jaw bone are:
- Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are surgically attached directly into the jawbone during the first surgery. After healing, a second surgery is performed to connect a post to the original implant. Then, the artificial tooth is placed either to the post, bridge or on the denture.
- Subperiosteal Implants
A metallic frame is attached to the bone below the gums. Once the gum tissues heal, the frame fixes to the jaw bone and the posts from the frame come out through the gums, on which artificial teeth are mounted.
After the implants, proper dental hygiene should be maintained. Regular dental check-ups are also essential. There are many affordable Implant Denture systems available in the market today, approved by the FDA. Implant Dentures are becoming more popular than the traditional dentures because of the many advantages that they offer.
For more information on Implant Dentures, you can contact us.
About Dr. Joseph Salvaggio
Located in Brampton, Ontario Dr. Joseph Salvaggio has been practicing general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry for over 20 years. He enjoys interacting with his patients and helping to restore their oral health for better overall health as well. Meeting new patients, interacting and educating them is one of Dr. Salvaggio’s biggest joys. We encourage you to read our reviews or call us with any dental questions you have. We look forward to speaking with you and meeting you soon.