How long do implant-retained dentures last?
Implant-retained dentures are commonly known as clip-on dentures. These dentures snap on to dental implant fixtures that are surgically placed into the jaw bone and can be easily removed for cleaning. Because they are securely affixed to the implant fixtures, they provide comfort and confidence that are uncommon with conventional dentures. And, because the fixtures themselves stimulate the health and growth of the bones in the jaw, implant-retained dentures enhance the health of the bone itself, encouraging even greater stability. Implant-retained dentures also allow the wearer to eat foods they may have long ago dismissed, though it is still not advisable to bite directly down on large or hard pieces of food while wearing implant-retained dentures. Otherwise, however, wearers can securely resume preferred eating habits that may not be possible or comfortable with conventional dentures.
It takes about four to six months for the implant fixtures to heal and become fused with the bone, which occurs in a process called osseointegration. While they are healing, the wearer can use a temporary denture; once healed, the new denture can be placed. Because it is designed to be easily removed for cleaning, there may still be a little bit of “give,” or movement, when the denture is clipped on, though this is normal and to be expected. Though they do, on occasion, fail, dental implants can be expected to last at least 15 years, if not longer. Most implant failure can be connected to behaviors and habits of the wearer and is caused either by peri-implantitis or failure of the implant to fuse to the bone. These problems are related to inadequate oral hygiene, smoking, and the overall health of the patient. For this reason, it is imperative that the patient is transparent with their dentist about hygiene habits and medical history, so that any necessary precautionary measures may be taken. It is also imperative that the patient continue to visit the dentist for semi-annual checkups and professional cleanings, to make sure the implant fixtures themselves are clean and the surrounding tissue remains healthy. Proper home care is also necessary, as implant failure can result from an overwhelming buildup of impacted food or bacteria between implants, under the prosthesis.
The dentures themselves have an average lifespan of about 7 years before they begin to show evidence of wear and possibly become stained. The small rings that hold the denture onto the implants should also be replaced periodically, usually every year or so, and more frequently if a very tight fit is desired; the cost for replacing these is negligible. While it may be possible to convert an existing denture and use it as an implant-retained prosthetic, depending on the condition of the denture, it is vastly preferable and often easier to custom craft a denture specifically designed to fit with the implants. Overall cost of an implant-retained denture depends on a number of variables, including the number of implant fixtures recommended, the number of teeth that are being replaced, and the materials used to make both the implant fixtures and the prosthetic teeth themselves.