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What You Need To Know About Implant-Supported Dentures

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When you're missing all or most of your teeth, dentures are usually the best option. However, instead of getting traditional dentures that constantly move and slip, consider denture implants. If you're finally ready to replace your missing teeth and get a smile worth showing off, check out these facts about implant-supported dentures.

They Are Removable but Don't Move

Traditional dentures need sticky paste or adhesives to stay in place, but these often fail, allowing the dentures to slip and move. Implant-supported dentures use implants to keep them in place, which create a better hold. Like traditional dentures, the implant-supported dentures are removable, so you can take them out for cleaning. However, they snap into place, making it nearly impossible for them to move when you are talking, laughing or eating. This means you won't struggle through the same adjustment period you would with traditional dentures, and you don't have to avoid difficult-to-eat foods, like corn on the cob.

You May Need a Bone Graft

When you have teeth, they stimulate the jawbone to keep it solid enough to support the teeth. However, when teeth are gone, the jawbone has nothing to do, so it atrophies. When you have traditional dentures, your jawbone continues to shrink, but implant-supported dentures sit in the jawbone and stimulate it, keeping it full. However, if you're teeth have been missing for a while, you may need a bone graft to provide enough volume to your jaw to support the implants. The bone is usually taken from another part of your body. Once the bone bonds and heals, your jaw is strong enough for the implants.

They Are an Expensive Option

Traditional dentures cost about $600 to $8,000 for a full set, depending on the quality of materials. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, cost about $7,000 to $90,000, which is just too expensive for many people. However, because they are so durable, with proper care, implant-supported dentures could last you the rest of your life, making them a permanent fix for your missing teeth.

Gum Disease May Prevent You From Getting Them

Severe gum disease causes teeth to become loose by affecting the tissue that holds the teeth in place and by softening the jawbone. If you have uncontrolled gum disease, your dentist may determine you aren't a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. Even if you only have the first stages of gum disease, you need to get it under control before getting any implant. Gum disease increases the chances of implant failure. Plus, whether you have gum disease or not, if you don't have the dedication to good oral hygiene, you may develop peri-implant disease or gum disease around the implant.

You Can Also Get an Implant-Supported Bridge

If you are only missing some of your teeth, you may be considering a partial denture, but instead, consider an implant-supported bridge. Like a regular dental bridge, an implant-supported bridge can replace several missing teeth in a row. Instead of using existing healthy teeth as the anchors, however, implant-supported bridges use two (or more depending on the size of the bridge) implants. For example, if you have four teeth missing, the implant-supported bridge will consist of four fake teeth and two implants. Unlike implant-supported dentures, the bridge isn't removable, so you'll need special floss to clean under it.

Stop struggling with missing teeth. Traditional dentures are not the only option any more. Implant-supported dentures provide a more functional way to replace your missing teeth while also keeping your jawbone full and strong. For more information about implant-supported dentures and other implant options, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area to schedule a consultation. 


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