Most of us know that dentures are false teeth. But different types of dentures can change the way you chew, eat, and speak. Understanding the benefits of dentures that fit onto implants may sway you to invest in a set.
There are major benefits, and a couple of drawbacks, in choosing dentures that work with oral implants. A consultation with your denture specialist is always the most important step in selecting the best style of dentures, but a basic understanding will help you make your decision.
All types of dentures have the same essential purpose: to imitate and replace the function of natural teeth. Teeth may be lost or damaged due to dental trauma, tooth decay, or gum disease. Dentures simulate original teeth and make it easier to:
Now, there are a few options when it comes to selecting your dentures. Depending on the status of your existing teeth, the health of your jaw bone, and budget, your prosthodontist (a dentist specializing in dentures) will recommend a specific style of denture.
Think of the dentures characterized in cartoons, falling out while an old man’s talking. It’s not that dramatic in real life but these are known as complete, or conventional, dentures. Complete dentures adhere to the gums with suction and sometimes with the use of dental adhesive. They are easily removable and typically taken out while sleeping.
Partial dentures are for replacing only a few missing teeth. This type of denture usually secures to existing teeth with clasps and can also be easily removed for cleaning.
Overdentures are placed over the gums, resting on implants (screws) that have been surgically installed into the jawbones. Often the dentures themselves will snap in onto mechanisms at the end of the screws, which keeps the dentures more secure.
A snap-in format overdenture can be easily removed for cleaning as well. Snap-in dentures are ideal for patients with most or all of their teeth missing or damaged.
This is the most permanent type of denture and also secures on implants that have been screwed into the jawbones. Also known as fixed dentures, this type is designed to be removed only by a dentist. The name indicates all teeth installed on four implants, which is enough to secure an entire set of false teeth.
All-on-four dentures can be cleaned and polished just like a regular set of teeth. And it is important to maintain oral care, as gum disease can still occur with all-in-four dentures.
</PThe Benefits of Dentures on Implants
Because they are only secured with suction, conventional dentures are much more prone to slipping or falling out compared to snap-ins or all-in-fours. By the same logic, fixed dentures are more secure than removable overdentures. Beyond being substantially more secure, there are some other benefits to dentures on implants:
For comfort and keeping your artificial teeth in the right place, dentures over implants is an obvious choice. But there are some obstacles when choosing implant dentures:
If you’re not overly concerned with budget, at least explore getting dentures on implants when replacing your original teeth. Overdentures and all-in-four dentures will help you get a smile that resembles the one you were born with.
If you value eating the foods you enjoy and aren’t willing to compromise eating your favourite meals, then it may be worth splurging for implant dentures. Remember there is less risk of dentures falling out when speaking and that implants are always a more permanent solution.
Understanding the benefits of dentures over implants is the first step to making sure you make the best choice to replace your teeth. Discussion with your dentist about denture options is the best way to make sure you’ll be happily chewing, speaking, and smiling again!
