How Are Implant-Supported Dentures Beneficial?

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By Advanced Family Dentistry
August 8, 2019

You must have noticed your grandma or some old member in the house open and keeping aside his or her set of artificial teeth! There lies your basic concept of dentures. They are a simple set of artificial teeth that are custom-made according to your requirements. The traditional concept of dentures also has it that the set of artificial teeth may be for some missing teeth or the entire set of teeth (in either the upper or lower jaw). Technically, the former is called partial dentures, and the latter, is called full or complete dentures.

How do dentures work?

Dentures or ‘immediate’ dentures, are attached to a pink-colored gum base that is made of plastic. In this case, the new set of teeth (dentures) is custom-made even before pulling out the original set. Once the old teeth are pulled out, immediate dentures can readily replace them. Conversely, conventional dentures need time to get prepared. You need to stay toothless for a while (in case you are getting complete dentures) before you get your new set of teeth. That was the basic concept of the working of dentures. However, dental technology has come a long way in replacing traditional dentures with the implant-supported dentures.

Although costly, implant-supported dentures are cost-effective in more than one way! Maintenance hazards, general wear and tear are far less than the traditional ones. Denture care and maintenance are very simple and quick. The longevity of implant-supported dentures serves as their USP!

What are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are ones that are fixed to the gums by implant technology, i.e., with the aid of titanium posts.  The posts are embedded surgically in the jaw, where they are anchored firmly by the surrounding bone. The dentures that are made in the laboratory have attachments placed on their undersides. When the restoration is placed inside the mouth, it snaps onto the implants and the dentures remain firm and stable in their place.

Thus, the common advantages of implant-supported dentures can be listed as follows:

  • For patients with an uncomfortable or loose-fitting denture, the implant-supported ones are more comfortable and convenient. Individuals opting for these are thus more confident while they talk, laugh, or eat in public. The worry of false teeth slipping or falling out no longer exists.
  • Slurred speech and clicking noises are common problems associated with conventional dentures. Implant-supported dentures help you talk easily and in a more clear and natural voice.
  • The look and feel of implant-supported dentures are more natural. This is because less plastic is required for their retention.
  • The issues of bone loss and jaw shrinking can take place with traditional dentures but with these fixed restorations, those issues no longer persist.
  • And the best thing is—no use of adhesives! With the support of titanium posts, adhesives are not required anymore!

You will be amazed to find that the material titanium stimulates jawbone development. In that way too, implanted dentures are far better for your dental health than conventional ones.

Variants of implant-supported dentures

There are basically two types of implant-supported dentures:

  • The ball-retained dentures and
  • The bar-retained dentures.

Both the types include a gum-colored acrylic base fitted with natural-looking acrylic teeth. A minimum of two implants is required for proper support in each case.

Bar-retained Dentures

Bar-retained dentures consist of a thin metal bar attached to implants on both sides. They are placed in the jawbone. Either the bar or the denture is fitted with fastening devices. After being placed over the bar, the denture remains attached by the help of clips or fasteners.

Ball-retained Dentures

Ball-shaped metal parts are attached directly to implants in the jaw. The balls are aligned with corresponding sockets on the denture. They are thus tightly secured.

Both variants of implant-supported dentures provide a perfectly fitting, natural-looking and comfortable restoration of your missing teeth. All you might be concerned with while walking in for implant-supported dentures is the expense. Visit or call up your dental office to find out about affordable implant-supported dentures in Nashua, NH. Your dentist or his office could provide you with workable solutions so that you may be able to afford these dental restorations.

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