What is an implant-supported denture?
Implant-supported dentures are basically dentures with implants underneath, where you can place the denture on them to help keep it in place. The traditional one is, let's say, the top one, which relies on suction only. Traditional dentures stay in the mouth by suction. Then, an implant-supported denture uses implants to anchor the denture in place.
What is the process for getting implant-supported dentures?
Basically, first things first, you have to consider that there is healing time and there's a process. It depends as well, because there are two types. One is the denture, even though it's implant-supported, it can be removable. It's kind of like it just snaps in. The other type is the fixed one, where they can screw it in. It can only be removed by a dentist. Those are the two kinds of dentures supported with implants.
The process is: first, if you just want the removable one, you can have the regular denture fabricated, then have the implant placed, wait for the implant to bond to your bone, and then you can get a new denture or modify the existing denture with some attachments. The other option is to have implants placed, and they can also make you a temporary implant-supported denture in the meantime while your implants are healing. You also need to consider that it will take multiple visits, and you have to keep up with your appointments and have patience as well.
What is the difference between a snap-on denture and a fixed denture?
The difference between a snap-on denture and a fixed denture is that the snap-in denture is still removable. You can remove it yourself. There is an attachment that you snap the denture into, and then you can remove it yourself. The other one, which is the fixed one, we screw the denture into the implant that's attached to your bone, and only a dentist can remove that. You cannot remove it. It stays in your mouth, and only a dentist can do that.
Who is a good candidate for an implant-supported denture?
A very good candidate for an implant-supported denture is, first of course, someone who has healthy bone. Even though they have teeth that are already missing, as long as they have good bone there, they would be a very good candidate for implant-supported dentures.
What are the benefits of an implant-supported denture?
The benefits of an implant-supported denture are, of course, that the denture stays more stable and stays in place. It doesn't really come off. It's tight. The patient feels more secure in that scenario. But traditional dentures, especially on the bottom, just do not stay. They just float around. That is the problem with the bottom full denture. It just does not stay. But the implant-supported denture, even though it's removable, is still more stable.
It's supposed to be the same. The only difference with a traditional denture, by the way, is that with the top one, the whole roof of the mouth, including your palate, is covered because traditional upper dentures rely on suction. So the whole palate is covered. But if you go for the implant-supported denture, you can eliminate the palatal coverage, so it can be more like a U-shape. It helps the patient because they have more room for their tongue on their palate, and it feels more easily adaptable and easier to get used to.
What should a patient expect during treatment of getting implant-supported dentures?
The patient should expect that it's a long process and that it will take patience. There is a healing time, and there will also be dietary restrictions. For a few days, if they have it done, they may need to follow a soft diet and will need multiple visits to the dentist during their implant treatment.
What is the difference between upper and lower implant-supported dentures?
There is a big difference between upper implants and lower implants. The upper implant usually tends to need more most of the time. Ideally, it's at least six. For the lower denture implant-supported, at least four. That's how they differ. Also, with the upper implants, you have to consider the location of the maxillary sinus, and with the bottom one, you have to consider the mandibular nerve as well.
How much do implant-supported dentures cost?
It depends on what kind of implant-supported denture you want. Of course, the fixed one that you screw in is more expensive because you need more implants to support it. For example, with the top one, if you're going to go for the fixed one, you need at least six. But if you just want the snap-on, you can get away with just four implants. That changes a lot of the factors. Also, with the top one, or the bottom one as well, you might need some bone grafting, or on the top one you might need some sinus lift. It depends on the structure there, and the best way to find out, because it has to be case-by-case, is to definitely go see a dentist.
If you're talking about affordability, of course, implant-supported dentures are more costly than traditional dentures. You are looking at maybe 10 times more than traditional dentures. I would say affordability may be available through financing. That's one way, and it depends as well on your coverage, but of course, there's always financing available.
What should I do if I am interested in implant-supported dentures?
First things first, is to find out in your area which office offers that kind of service, because not all offices have that service available to the patient. The best thing is to go see your dentist; they will know who to refer you to if you need that kind of service.
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