What are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant supported dentures are the best of both worlds. It is a teeth replacement solution that combines two technologies. As technology continues to advance and influence the dental industry this solution gives you, the patient, an advanced solution when it comes to replacing much needed teeth. Let’s step back, look at both solutions independently and then bring the attributes together of each to give you this solution which will have you considering implant supported dentures for your teeth replacement needs.
Conventional Removable Dentures
This solution has been around for centuries and includes both complete dentures and partial dentures. The important takeaway is they are designed to be removable. They are to be taken out every evening for hygienic purposes. You clean and soak the removable dentures overnight and then you also brush your arches and your tongue. This practice works for both full set of dentures and partial dentures, which uses your remaining natural teeth to help secure the artificial teeth in your mouth.
The Process of Fabricating Dentures
The first step is to make an impression of the upper or lower arch in which the denture is being used to replace your natural teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where an acrylic tray is fabricated in a natural flesh color. Artificial teeth are then placed into this acrylic tray. These artificial crowns are made from either porcelain or ceramic. The final product is placed on your arch and once approved will be held in place every day with a mild adhesive. Partial dentures follow the same process and add a metal framework and a clasp to snap the tray to your natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Solution
Having become the recent gold standard for replacing teeth, the dental implant solution is not a removable product but permanent. This solution comes with a price, it is far more expensive than dentures. The first step here is to administer a local anesthetic, then a small incision allows the dentist to drill a small hole in the jawbone. A titanium post is inserted into this hole. After a healing period where the post fuses to the bone then an extension is put on the post allowing the final step, an artificial crown affixed to this post. This is the strongest replacement available and allows chewing and biting sensations to be more natural.
The Combination of Both Solutions to Deliver Implant Supported Dentures
You are combining the best of both. You start with four or six implant titanium posts that are allowed to fuse to the bone. Then the conventional denture is fabricated as described above, only this version has small cups or receivers that match up with those posts. The tray snaps on to those posts and you have a replacement teeth solution that combines state of the art technologies.
The Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures
The first benefit is this solution is more affordable. The second important benefit is the strength and security of staying in place. The third is that the posts also ensure the prolonged health of the jawbone. Your speech will be better as will the biting and chewing sensations.
