An estimated 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. No matter the cause of tooth loss, the resulting gap in your smile can make eating and speaking difficult. Just as importantly, missing teeth can impact your self confidence. This is especially true when they are missing in the front of your smile. Many people hesitate to get dentures, worrying that they will become loose or not function well, but there is a type of denture that can help. Implant supported dentures are a more stable and natural-looking choice that can help restore your smile.
What are implant supported dentures?
Implant supported dentures are dentures that snap into place with implants. Implants are placed into the bone of the jaw and provide more stability for a variety of dental work, including crowns, bridges, and partial bridges.
Implant supported dentures, also called fixed dentures or overdentures, are fitted most commonly in the lower jaw but can be fitted in the upper jaw as well. There are two types: bar-retained and ball-retained.
1. Bar-retained implanted dentures
Bar-retained implant supported dentures, either a full set or an implant supported partial denture, use a thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jaw and attaches to two to five implants. The dentures are fitted over the bar and secured in place with metal clips.
2. Ball-retained implanted dentures
These are also referred to as stud-attachment dentures. They work essentially like a ball-and-socket attachment.
Each implant has a ball on it that snaps securely into a socket located on the denture itself. Sometimes the ball is located on the dentures and snaps into the implant.
How are implant supported dentures fitted?
These dentures begin with a consultation with your dentist. In this first consultation, your dentist will determine which type of dentures will work best. They’ll then take complete measurements of your mouth to decide on the best placement. At this point, if you are not already wearing temporary traditional dentures, you will be fitted for them so that you will have a complete smile while the implant process is taking place.
The next step is the insertion of implants, usually in the front of the jaw. When teeth fall out, bone loss begins, leaving less bone in the back. There are also fewer nerves that can be impacted by the implants themselves in the front of the jaw. In some cases, a second surgery is needed to expose the tops of the implants, but this can also be done in the first surgery.
After it is determined that the implants are attached and fused properly to the underlying bone, your dentist will fit your snap-in dentures. There may be a period of adjustment to make certain that the denture fits properly and the implants and underlying bones are healthy and stable. Follow-up visits are necessary to ensure proper, comfortable, and functional fit.
These dentures do need to be removed each night for cleaning. Bar-retained dentures are usually made of nylon that will wear with use. These typically need to be replaced every six to 12 months.
What are the differences between traditional and implant supported dentures?
There are several important differences between traditional and implant supported dentures, including:
- Fixed versus floating position
- Surgical requirements
- Time
- Cost
Here’s a brief overview of these differences.
Traditional dentures float; implanted supported dentures are fixed
Traditional dentures float on top of the gums, while dentures supported by implants are snapped into place more firmly.
Implanted dentures require surgery
While both types of dentures are customized to each patient, implant supported dentures require at least two surgical procedures.
Implant supported dentures take time
Traditional dentures can usually be fit and ready in about three weeks, but implant supported dentures can take up to seven months. This allows for proper healing of the bones of the jaw and tissues surrounding each implant.
In the interim, patients will wear traditional dentures, but the process overall takes longer.
They may not be covered by insurance
Dental insurance plans may only cover the lowest priced option to treat tooth loss (though this may be changing, as we’ll discuss below). Traditional dentures may be a lower-cost alternative. Your dentist will have more information to the exact cost you can expect for each procedure.
What are the benefits of implant supported dentures?
Fixed dentures (and even implant supported partial dentures) have many benefits over traditional dentures.
They support the underlying bone
While traditional dentures rest on top of the gums, dentures that are supported by implants utilize the actual bone on the jaw.
This engagement with the jaw stimulates the bone and promotes bone health. Traditional dentures do not offer the same benefit and can result in additional bone loss. You often see this as a “weak” or “undefined” jaw.
They function like natural teeth
Because fixed dentures are more stable than traditional dentures that float on top of the gums, they function more like natural teeth.
Talking and eating feels more natural, and there is much less concern that your dentures will become loose or fall out.
The social benefit of this cannot be underestimated. It is difficult to feel good about yourself if you are constantly worried about your teeth coming loose or falling out.
Comfort
Although both traditional dentures and implant supported dentures are customized in their fit, traditional dentures are still subject to movement. With time and an incorrect fit, this can cause mouth sores. Implant supported dentures feel like natural teeth.
Taste
Traditional dentures often have a plastic shield that covers the roof of the mouth. This covering can impact the taste and mouthfeel of foods. Supported dentures, on the other hand, do not impact any area other than the jaw bone.
Improvement in bite
Dentures that are implanted can restore 95% of your biting and chewing ability. Traditional dentures only return those to approximately 25% of what they were before tooth loss.
How much do implant supported dentures cost?
As with many other medical procedures, the cost of implant supported dentures can vary depending on the number of implants you get, where you are located, and the type of implants you opt for.
While it’s true that insurance companies often opt for the cheapest possible solution, many are now recognizing that the longevity of these types of dentures actually make them a more affordable option, with fewer long-term complications.
The best way to learn more about implant supported dentures is to speak with your dentist. If you have experienced partial or full tooth loss, contact one of our Phoenix area dental offices to see if these dentures are right for you.