Implant Supported Dentures
For patients missing a majority of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are commonly used. Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are secured in place using implants in the jaw. They are often used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Implant-supported dentures snap into place on top of implants but can be removed for cleaning.
Implant-supported dentures provide a number of benefits and are a great improvement from traditional removable dentures. They do not require any adhesives or powders to help the dentures stick and are very secure and comfortable, significantly improving the ability to chew. Because they preserve bone in the jaw and restore lip-support, implant-supported dentures also help maintain facial structures and minimize wrinkles.
Different types of Implant-supported dentures:
Overdentures — Overdentures are implant-supported dentures that are attached to implants in the jaw. An overdenture is used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Overdentures snap into place on top of implants with a bar and clip but can be removed by the patient for easy cleaning. Overdentures also help protect against bone loss in the jaw which naturally occurs following tooth loss. Overdentures provide more stability when chewing and speaking for better patient confidence and comfort.
Hybrid Dentures — Fixed hybrid dentures are similar to overdentures in that they involve placing a complete set of upper and lower prosthetic teeth onto fixed dental implants that have been secured in the jaw. Unlike overdentures, hybrid dentures cannot be removed by the patient. They remain fixed in the mouth until removed by your dentist at each routine cleaning. Because they cannot be removed regularly, patients find these prostheses feel more like real teeth. Hybrid dentures are less bulky than overdentures, allowing more room for the tongue.
If you have questions regarding the different types of implant-supported dentures, please don't hesitate to call.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURES?
- • Very secure and comfortable
- • Improved ability to chew
- • Preserve bone in the jaw
- • Restore lip-support
- • Help maintain facial structures
- • Minimize wrinkles
- • No adhesives or powders to help the dentures stick
- • Look and feel more like natural teeth