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Implant-Retained Dentures
The Art and Science of Implant Overdentures
Implant-Supported Dentures vs Implant-Retained Dentures
At Dentures Direct Implant Denture Clinic in Ottawa, we offer all types of implant dentures, including implant-supported dentures and implant-retained dentures in Toronto. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, these two treatments aren’t the same.
- Implant-retained dentures are dentures that snap onto titanium implants placed in the jawbone, which anchor the dentures and enhance their stability. However, the denture can still be unfastened and removed by the individual.
- With implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, the dentures are permanently attached to implants. They can still be removed by the dentist or periodontist but don’t need to be taken out on a daily basis. Implant-supported dentures are often referred to as “permanent dentures,” “non-removable dentures,” or “all-on-4 dentures.”
Implant-Retained Dentures Stages
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Before the dentist or denturist can place implants in your jawbone, they would need to extract any remaining damaged or decayed teeth. At this stage, it is also common to perform bone grafting to restore a strong and healthy jawbone.
Depending on your specific situation, you may need to wait several months before implant placement to allow your jawbone to heal. You won’t have to go without teeth though, – you would be given a healing denture to wear during this time.
Dental Implant Placement
The next step in the process of getting removable implant overdentures involves dental implant surgery. During the procedure, the oral surgeon will place several dental implants into your jawbone, at strategically predetermined locations.
Once the implants are placed, your jawbone would need to heal and integrate with the implants over the course of three to six months. During this time, you will also be given a temporary healing denture to wear.
Positioning Your Denture Implants
With implant-retained dentures, implants must be positioned properly within your jawbone to provide strong, fixed anchors to the artificial teeth. At Dentures Direct, we take special care to determine the number, orientation, and position of denture implants based on factors like the number of teeth being replaced and the size and shape of the jaw.
Dental Impressions
After your dental implants have healed sufficiently, the dentist will take up-to-date impressions of your upper and lower dental arches. These impressions will then be used by a dental lab to craft your new, perfectly fitted dentures.
Denture Placement
The final stage of getting your snap-in dentures is denture placement. During your appointment, the denturist will attach your new custom denture to the implants. They will also explain the right oral hygiene practices and show how to remove and properly care for your dentures.
Benefits of Implant-Retained Snap-On Dentures
Patients often wonder whether the cost and time of getting implant-retained dentures is worth it. While each individual is different, most patients do report a markedly higher satisfaction level with dental implants than with traditional dentures. There are a variety of reasons for this. Most significant is the fact that an implant-supported denture has superior stability – it won’t ever slip, become loose, or fall out of the mouth.
Other benefits include:
Benefits of Implant-Retained Snap-On Dentures
Natural feel, since less of the palate is covered
No need for creams, pastes or adhesives
Reduced irritation and shrinkage to the gum tissues
Elimination of pain and soreness
Reduced bone loss
Improved confidence when socializing
Improved, more youthful appearance
Potential Problems with Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are, without a doubt, a superior alternative to conventional removable dentures. However, no teeth replacement option is perfect: while the implants embedded into the jawbone are likely to last patients for the rest of their lives, the denture itself might need replacement in the future. The most common problems our patients come to us with are broken artificial teeth or a cracked base. Luckily, these issues can be prevented with proper care of the denture.
Even if your denture does break – don’t worry! At Direct Dentures Implant Denture Clinic, we offer emergency denture repairs in Toronto to get you eating and smiling again as soon as possible.
Implant-Retained Dentures FAQ
Are Implant-Retained Dentures Better than Conventional Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures are better than traditional dentures, as they provide additional stability, which, in turn, allows for easier speaking and enunciation of words. In addition, implant-retained dentures allow patients to eat their favourite foods, including chewy or sticky ones, – foods that they would have had to forgo if they had conventional dentures instead.
How Long do Implant-Retained Dentures Last?
With proper care and maintenance, the implant part of implant-retained dentures can potentially last a lifetime. However, the denture itself will likely need to be replaced in 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear.
How Do You Clean Under Implant Dentures?
When wearing implant-retained dentures, all detachable parts must be removed nightly and cleaned with a denture cleaning solution. You should also gently clean around the gum tissues and implant attachments, ideally in the morning and at night.
Do Implant Dentures Need to Be Removed at Night?
Yes, the detachable part of implant dentures should be removed at night, – just like you would remove conventional dentures.
How Much Do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost in Canada?
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