Dentures fit differently for everyone based on the shape of their mouths and bone quality. For some people, denture fit poses a real problem.
Implant-supported dentures provide a reliable alternative to traditional dentures for many people and give them the freedom to eat, speak, and laugh without concern of an embarrassing denture malfunction or the painful sores that can come from ill-fitting dentures.
Some people who can benefit from implant-supported dentures include:
- Those with bone loss.
- People who love variety in their diets.
- Those with full social calendars.
- Patients with dentures that slip or fall.
- Athletes and physically active people.
- Patients due for new complete dentures.
- Patients who want to look and feel their best.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Work.
Dental implants boast health benefits beyond that of any other tooth replacement option. Patients with dentures can also enjoy these benefits when combined with custom dentures. Dental implants, made of titanium, naturally integrate with the jawbone over the period of several months. Dr. Dicello will place 4-6 dental implants on each arch to act as anchors that hold dentures in place.
Implant dentures will remain stable, even when eating crunchy, fresh foods that cause other dentures to rock or shift.
Typically, two types of implant-supported dentures can give patients a solution – ball-retained and bar-retained.
Bar-retained implant dentures gain stability from dental implants fitted with a bar clasp that secures dentures in place, while ball-retained implant dentures rely on small ball-locks that allow patients to snap in dentures. Both designs are removable for cleaning and maintenance and dramatically improve both fit and function.
What to Expect with Treatment
Evaluation - As with all types of dental implant procedures, we must determine if you have enough healthy bone to support dental implants. Insufficient bone will not automatically disqualify you from implants. Bone grafting can improve bone and make treatment possible.
Surgery – Dr. Anthony Dicello will surgically place the implants. This will be done comfortably and efficiently in our office under local anesthetic. Most patients have minimal discomfort.
Healing – It takes some time for the dental implants to integrate with bone properly. This is essential so that the implants can support the load from chewing. For most people, this process takes about 3-6 months.
Denture design and delivery – We pride ourselves in designing dentures that look natural and fit comfortably. Once your dental implants are ready, we will fit your dentures and show you how to maintain them.
Implant-supported dentures have given so many of our patients their vitality again by eliminating discomfort and worry.
To learn more about implant-supported dentures, contact our Peoria, AZ dental office. Our dedicated team will find a solution to help you smile again!