(Newswire.net — October 15, 2019) — What are implant supported dentures? Basically, they’re one of the two most popular overdenture options (the other one being implant retained), but also the most complicated one. The implant retained vs implant supported dentures debate has made us believe that one denture is better than the other, but truth be told, they all have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The implant dentures pros and cons range from price to safety, so either way, it’s not an easy choice, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their specific procedures (you need to know how to take care of and how to clean permanent dentures after they’ve been implanted, for example).
What Are Implant Supported Dentures?
If you’re planning on getting an implant supported dentures, this article will shed some light on some important facts you need to know so you can be fully prepared of what’s to come.
Implant Retained Vs Implant Supported Dentures
Perhaps the main difference between the two is that the implant retained dentures are removable dentures that require fewer implants than the supported dentures, whereas implant supported dentures requires several.
There are two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained dentures (a thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jaw and attaches to some implants in your jawbone; the denture fits over the bar and is securely clipped into place) and ball-retained dentures (each implant holds a ball-shaped metal attachment that fits into sockets). Although your dentist will be the one to decide which is the denture you actually need, implant-supported dentures are usually the option for people who don’t have any teeth in the jaw, but enough bone to support implants. Basically, they’ll become your new, permanent (albeit artificial) teeth.
Procedure
The implant process is rather lengthy, but it’s meant to be this way to ensure a careful procedure and avoid any potential complications. Although it’s not entirely the same in some cases, you can expect the procedure to go this way:
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Initial Consultation: You need to visit a dental specialist called “prosthodontist” who’ll examine you, create impressions of your teeth and gums and, later on, make you a temporary denture that will help him determine the best teeth position in the final denture.
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First Surgery: An incision is made in the gum where the implants will be placed and then stitched. You’ll have to wait around five to six months without making any pressure until the new surgery comes. You’ll also have to go under sedation for this procedure as you would with a bone graft or any other intensive procedure.
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Second Surgery: After an X-Ray exam determines if you’re ready for this surgery, they’ll make another small incision in your gum to expose the implants and place a healing cap (collar) on the head of each; two weeks later, once you’ve fully healed, they will be replaced with regular abutments. Finally, they will make an impression of your gum tissue and abutments in order to prepare your future denture framework and teeth.
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Denture Try-In & Insertion: You will try on your denture for the first time at this stage. If the framework fits, the teeth are secured in the denture permanently.
How to Care for Your Supported Dentures
You’ll have to remove your denture at night for cleaning and also clean very carefully around the attachments. Also, you’ll have to be careful when you eat: it’s possible that your denture can move a bit when you take a bite and damage your gums. Check your dentist immediately if this happens!
Keep in mind that you’ll have to avoid hard bites and sticky foods, as they can damage the denture, from now on, and that the bar-retained denture needs to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Also, sometimes the teeth might come loose, so you’ll have to fix them often if this happens.
Now, some final considerations.
How long do implant supported dentures last?
Normally, and without implants, dentures can last about 5-10 years, until the teeth becomes loose.
What is the difference between permanent dentures and implants?
Dental implants are permanent and natural looking, and they fully restore your biting and chewing ability. Dentures are removable replacements that need extra care.
Are partial dentures better than implants?
Sadly, and despite them don’t require surgery, they are not as stable or comfortable as dental implants. They’re cheaper, but they won’t fully restore your eating and speaking ability.
Bottom Line
Let’s summarize: what are implant supported dentures? They’re a more stable denture type that is implanted directly onto your teeth gum, so, although more expensive, they tend to be a better option over normal dentures. So, whenever you wonder about implant retained vs implant supported dentures, take into deep consideration the implant dentures pros and cons, and keep in mind that you need to know how to care, maintain and how to clean permanent implant dentures, as these need extra medical considerations. Despite this, their benefits are multiple and long-lasting.