Dentures are a form of dental prosthesis that has been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The earliest forms used everything from wood to human or animal teeth to restore our smiles. Modern dentures take advantage of the revolutionary materials that have emerged from research and development in the dental industry. Restoring our smiles with dentures is about more than just making our smile attractive; it provides restored form and function to our teeth. Dr. Justin Liggett and the team at Morning Star Dentistry provide implant-supported dentures as a restoration option to Sonora, CA, and surrounding areas.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Are They The Right Choice For You?
When the subject of dentures comes up, most of us immediately think of a disembodied smile sitting on the bedside table in a jar of water. While familiar, this image doesn’t truly reflect the current state of denture technology or the options that are available to our patients. Implant-retained dentures are a modern solution to dental prosthetics that combine traditional dentures with mounting posts secured in the jaw. They provide a much more natural experience while remaining removable for easy cleaning.
Traditional dentures have several disadvantages over implant-retained dentures. Among them are a risk of falling out or slipping out of place while in use, resulting in embarrassment. They also are unable to help retain the bone structure of your jaw. The titanium implants used to support these dentures promote bone growth, meaning this style of denture strengthens your jaw. Further, wearing traditional dentures often requires you to limit or avoid certain types of food. Implant-supported dentures function more like your natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy more of your favorite foods easily. Finally, the stability of this style of denture means you can speak with confidence in a more natural style.
Caring for this style of denture is as simple as caring for traditional dentures. When it comes time to perform your nightly oral hygiene routine, you can remove them and clean them in the normal way. Unlike traditional dentures, you can easily wear them throughout the night comfortably, so the need for that glass of solution on the nightstand is eliminated. This ability also makes it easier to conceal the fact that you’re wearing dentures to the casual observer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for implant supported dentures?
You may be a candidate for an implant supported denture if you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth and have enough jawbone to support artificial tooth roots. If you don’t have sufficient bone structure, your provider may recommend undergoing a grafting procedure to help build up the jaw in preparation for implants. You’ll need to consult with an implant specialist to ensure that an implant supported denture is right for you.
What should I expect if I undergo an implant procedure?
Getting implant supported dentures is a multi-step process that generally requires 2 in-office surgeries performed several months apart. During the first visit, implants will be secured within their designated locations inside the jaw. They will then be left to heal over a period of 6 to 9 months. You may be fitted for temporary dentures to wear during this time. At the conclusion of your waiting period, you’ll return to your provider’s office to have the implants re-exposed and either an abutment or bar secured to them. Lastly, you’ll be fitted for your final dentures, which will contain connective hardware for easy attachment.
How will I need to care for my implant supported dentures?
Although implant-supported dentures are designed to remain in place without slipping, they must be removed each night for cleaning. You’ll also need to carefully brush around each attachment and soak them nightly.
Contact Morning Star Dentistry To Learn More
Our Sonora, CA team is here to help you make informed decisions about your dental care. If you want to further your understanding of implant-supported dentures, reach out to our office for a consultation. You’ll meet with Dr. Justin Liggett and our team, who will happily answer all your questions and concerns.
