The traditional treatment for patients missing all or most of their top, bottom, or both rows of teeth has always been dentures.
For patients hoping to achieve a more natural look and feel, however, implant-supported dentures offer the perfect balance between traditional dentures and replacing all of one’s teeth with dental implants. The dentists at StoneRidge Dental Care are pleased to offer patients a choice in their denture treatments, including implant-supported dentures.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are similar to traditional dentures, except that they are attached to and supported by several (usually four, six, or eight) strategically placed dental implants. Unlike a standard denture that rests on the gums, these restorations use the strength of the jawbone for anchorage. This creates a stable foundation that does not rely on suction or messy pastes, providing a level of reliability that transforms the patient experience.
The Benefits Of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures offer many benefits to patients, including:
- More natural look, feel, and function compared to traditional dentures
- No slipping
- No mouth blisters or sore gums
- No need for sticky dental adhesives
- Continue enjoying all of your favorite foods
- Easy to maintain and care for
- Speak, eat, and drink naturally
Implant-supported dentures offer many benefits and are a more cost-effective and less-invasive alternative to replacing all of one’s teeth with individual dental implants.
Types Of Implant-Supported Dentures
There are two types of implant-supported dentures that patients can choose from. Both are supported by strategically placed dental implants and offer the above-listed benefits.
Snap-On (Overdentures)
Snap-on dentures, also called overdentures, are a removable form of implant-supported dentures. They utilize specialized attachments that “snap” onto the dental implants. They can be taken off by the patient at night for maintenance and cleaning. Snap-on dentures are recommended for patients replacing the top, bottom, or both arches of teeth, offering significantly more stability than traditional “floating” dentures while remaining easy to handle.
All-On-4® Implant-Supported Dentures
All-On-4, or screw-retained, implant-supported dentures are typically fixed to four (or more) dental implants. The difference between All-On-4 and snap-on dentures is that All-On-4 implant-supported dentures are permanently fixed to the patient’s dental implants and cannot be removed for maintenance and repairs without a dentist’s assistance. This is the closest a patient can get to having their natural teeth back, as the bridge is streamlined and does not cover the roof of the mouth.
The Importance Of Jawbone Health
One of the most significant advantages of choosing an implant-supported solution is the preservation of your facial structure. When teeth are lost, the jawbone naturally begins to shrink or “resorb” because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth roots. Traditional dentures can actually accelerate this process due to the pressure they place on the bony ridges. Dental implants, however, act as artificial roots. They provide the necessary stimulation to keep the jawbone healthy and intact, which prevents the “collapsed” or aged facial appearance that often occurs with long-term denture wear.
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Right For Me?
Implant-supported dentures are a perfect tooth-replacement option for many patients. However, they are not always the best option for everyone. Candidates for implant-supported dentures are typically missing all or most of their teeth on either or both the top and bottom arches.
Additionally, patients must have generally healthy gums and bone with no signs of periodontal disease, must not smoke or use other tobacco products during the process, be willing to take on the dental implant placement process, and be healthy enough to undergo the dental implant placement procedure. Our team uses 3D CT scanning technology to evaluate your bone density and determine the most effective placement for your implants.
Restore Your Smile At StoneRidge Dental Care In Gahanna, OH
If you’re missing one or more teeth or have other concerns about your smile’s form, function, and appearance, we encourage you to schedule a smile restoration consultation with one of our dentists in Gahanna, OH. We offer a variety of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments. After examining your smile and talking with you about your smile goals, our dentists can recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact StoneRidge Dental Care today.