Implant-Supported Dentures
Regular dentures are removable trays of false teeth that rest against the gums. With implant-supported dentures, the denture is supported by and attached to implants. An implant-supported denture can be used when a person has enough bone in the jaw to support implants, even though they don’t have any teeth. The denture has special attachments that snap onto the implants, providing a more stable fixture. Studies have shown that older patients with snap-on dentures have a longer lasting and higher quality life than patients without implant supported dentures.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Are Made
There are two ways that implant supported dentures can be made. One way is to make a full denture first, and then place the implants and attach the snaps. This option is great for patients who already have a full denture and are interested in an upgrade. The second option is for patients who have teeth. Implants can be placed first, and then the denture is made and attached to the snaps. This is a great option for patients with teeth who are transitioning to dentures.
Either way, once the implants and dentures are complete the implant-supported denture is stable and easy to speak and eat without the denture becoming loose. The implants securely hold the denture in place, rather than a regular denture that relies on the suction between a full denture and gums.
To learn more about implant-supported dentures, contact Bay Hills Family Dentistry today.