To retain something means to hold it secure or keep it intact. If you were asked to hold onto an object securely, you’d likely tighten your grip or use two hands to hang on. If you were prompted to hold a person tightly, you might give them a bear hug or intertwine your fingers with theirs to keep them close. If you were asked to let go, you’d release your grip, removing your secure hold. When considering tooth replacement options, there’s a big difference between securing your denture firmly to the jaw with dental implants or allowing a loose traditional denture to float around in your mouth. Dental implants secure artificial teeth directly to your jawbone, resulting in the much more stable prosthetics known as implant-retained dentures.
Understanding Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are a blend of traditional dentures and modern technology. With implant-retained dentures, we firmly anchor your false teeth to the jawbone using titanium screws known as dental implants. This provides enhanced stability compared to conventional prosthetics that simply sit on the gums.
In addition to providing a stable base for dentures, dental implants are the only replacement solution that maintains jaw health by stimulating bone growth.
Implant-retained dentures are known by many names, such as implant overdentures and snap-on dentures. They’re typically attached to 4-8 mini dental implants, depending on whether you need top or bottom dentures. As the name suggests, snap-on dentures connect by snapping right onto the implants. This lets you remove them at night, giving you a convenient hybrid between conventional and implant dentures. However, even though implant-retained dentures are removable, they offer far more stability and functionality than traditional dentures.
Implant-Retained Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Implant-retained overdentures help you regain the speaking, eating, and smiling ability you once had. A study published in the International Journal of Prosthodontics demonstrates that patients with implant-retained overdentures reported significantly higher satisfaction and quality of life than those with conventional dentures. Some of the advantages of implant-retained dentures include:
- Increased stability: You won’t have to worry about slipping or floating dentures since the implants in your jaw provide a solid base.
- Improved comfort: No rubbing against the gums means less irritation and soreness. The implants also provide a more even dispersion of bite force, making eating a more comfortable experience.
- Better jawbone health: Implants help maintain the jaw’s structure by replacing the missing tooth roots that stimulate the bone. Conventional dentures don’t connect with the jawbone, so they can’t prevent bone loss like implant dentures can.
- Enhanced functionality: Eating and speaking confidently is easier since you know your dentures aren’t going anywhere.
- Impressive durability: Traditional dentures need to be relined and adjusted, and they are at an added risk of damage or loss. When properly cared for, implant-retained dentures can last for years and years.
The Process: From Initial Consultation to Renewed Smile
At The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Cleveland, TN, your journey to implant-retained dentures starts with a comprehensive consultation. Our skilled dentists assess your teeth and use X-rays to determine implant eligibility and safe placement. If you have traditional dentures, we’ll explore the potential conversion to implant-retained dentures using mini implants. This will depend on factors like the size and quality of your existing denture.
Once we determine how many mini implants are needed to secure your denture, we’ll place them in a single, minimally invasive procedure. Depending on your needs, we can connect a temporary or final denture right away. Since mini dental implants are immediately stable—unlike traditional implants—you’ll be able to use your new teeth right after your procedure. While minor soreness is expected for a day or two, most patients can quickly resume their normal routines!
Embrace the Future of Dental Comfort
Gone are the days of denture instability! Implant-retained dentures are a remarkable method for replacing a full arch of missing teeth. This innovative option can dramatically improve your dental function and quality of life.
If you’re considering implant dentures, we invite you to explore the possibilities by scheduling a free consultation at The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Take the first step towards a life of confidence with a smile that’s as stable as it is stunning.
