What Can You Do With Implant Retained Dentures?

Denture Implants: Snap In (Removable) & Screw In (Fixed)

Nowadays, having missing or damaged teeth isn’t a problem. You can get your teeth back, because of denture implants. The main idea behind dental implants is to insert a foundation or frame of metal into the place where a tooth was, thereby protecting the dentures. But when it comes to denture implants, there are several choices (also called implant-supported dentures or full mouth implants). When it comes to implants you have lots of options. Despite the pros and cons of denture implants, we’re here to help you understand the differences between the choices.

Benefits Of Denture Implants

Logically thinking, you could probably guess the good things about denture implants. But there are some that you may not have thought of.

• Preserve Jaw Bone And Improve Appearance

One big reason denture implants are a great option is that they help preserve the jaw bone and avoid further deterioration. Not only is this beneficial to your teeth, it can also enhance your facial structure.

When several teeth are missing or they are not in good shape, there is less in the jawbone which will promote bone growth. This is because your body will sense if your jawbone no longer needs to protect your teeth, so it’ll start pulling tissues from your mouth to use elsewhere. Missing even a non-replacement tooth can lead to deformed lips, chin and wrinkled skin.

• Boost Self-Esteem And Confidence

Because you will look better and have a cleaner jawbone and mouth, physically, but also psychologically, you will most likely feel better. You definitely should feel better about yourself and have a lot more confidence in yourself.

• Provide A Better Quality Of Life

Once you get new teeth, you will be more relaxed, more confident and a better quality of life overall. Speaking is better with teeth, laughing is a pleasure and eating is no question. Denture implants are particularly beneficial in that you don’t have to deal with sticky adhesives or hideous clasps.

Two Main Types Of Denture Implants

Once you’ve chosen to go with an implant-supported denture, you’ve got two main options you can explore with your dentist. There are removable implants and fixed implants which may be either full or partial dentures. And they each have two subtypes within these two major types. Let’s take a look at all of that now.

Removable Denture Implants (Snap-In Overdentures)

Under the umbrella of removable denture implants, we have two options: implant-retained overdentures and implant-supported overdentures.

• Implant-Retained Overdenture

The overdenture held by an implant requires two or more implants along with a removable appliance. Dentists said that this is an improvement to your usual denture.

They provide more protection than conventional dentures, but there is more potential to get sore spots. Overdentures held by implants can also enhance the chewing better than a conventional denture.

• Implant-Supported Overdenture

Implant-supported overdentures require four dental implants being attached to the repair.

This alternative for replacement is a great choice but it has its downsides. For example, if you get the minimum of four implants, and one of them fails, the entire fixture may no longer work properly. Though generally they are cheaper to repair or replace.

Typically these are better for people with a high upper smile as the replacement may help to conceal where the denture meets the natural gum tissue. And it’s good to have this piece removed for cleaning.

Fixed Denture Implants (Screw-In Permanent Hybrid Dentures)

If you decide to go with a fixed denture implant, you have a couple options: implant-supported dentures and implant-supported bridges.

• Implant-Supported Denture (All-on-Four, AO4)

This is close to the overdenture that is assisted by the implants, the biggest difference is that you can not uninstall it. Yet if it has to be changed or replaced, the dentist will remove it.

These are also called “All-on-4” (or AO4’s), since the denture is provided by four or more implants. The way the AO4 works doesn’t involve bone grafting as your dentist will place the implants in the natural bone available. And usually you can get those replacement teeth the same day as your implants.

• Implant-Supported Bridges

The bridge-supported by implants alternative is possibly the most natural replacement teeth you can find. That’s why so many dentists and patients want to go that path. The great thing about this choice is that the repair always works just fine, even if an implant fails. And once this bridge is built, you won’t experience any movement in your teeth. And there’ll be no flanges (the part that goes into the oral cavity from the body of the denture) and that fixture doesn’t rest on your gums.