What are implant-retained dentures?
People who are missing multiple teeth have a few different options for dental restoration. While conventional dentures were a satisfactory replacement for the natural teeth for a number of years, thanks to consistent innovations in prosthetic dentistry, the replacement options available today are far better than conventional dentures. When the natural teeth are removed or fall out, their roots are no longer present to stimulate the bone and tissue that supports the teeth. This causes the bone to slowly resorb and the jawline to slowly deteriorate; conventional dentures, which rest on this bone, gradually become loosened and ill-fitting as the bone changes shape and size, adversely affecting the wearer’s ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. As the bone resorbs and the jawline changes shape, this also has adverse effects on the shape and structure of the face, creating a collapsed appearance. Implant-retained dentures provide a secure, stable dental restoration option that restores the strength of the bone and the shape of the jaw while also allowing the wearer to eat, speak, and smile just as they did when they had a mouth full of natural, healthy teeth.
Implant-retained dentures are dental prosthetics that attach to dental implant fixtures that are surgically placed into the bones of the jaw. Sometimes, it is possible to use as few as two or four dental implants to support an entire row of replacement teeth, though this is more easily accomplished in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw. Even with an entire row of teeth placed on just a few implants, implant-retained dentures are strong and stable, restoring the wearer’s ability to safely eat and securely smile. Because they are supported by implants, these dentures are not only secure, they have the added bonus of leaving the palatal taste buds on the roof of the mouth exposed, allowing the wearer to comfortably and fully taste and enjoy all sorts of food. This provides enjoyment, of course, but also helps the wearers of implant-retained dentures maintain healthy nutritious habits and can therefore help restore overall health.
Implant-retained dentures make the best use of available jaw bone and can therefore be a good dental restoration option for people who lost their teeth long ago and may have already lost a considerable amount of bone to resorption. The implant fixtures themselves serve a purpose similar to the roots of the teeth, strengthening and stimulating the jaw bone while also providing a strong support for the teeth. Implants therefore help the jaw bone restore and retain its natural shape and appearance, and the dentures they support help restore the shape of the face. Dental implants can be placed in a smaller amount of bone, even at an angle if necessary, and still support a straight, even row of prosthetic teeth, thanks to their design and mechanics. The implant fixture that is placed in the bone has a separate attachment, called an abutment, that holds the row of prosthetic teeth securely in the mouth; the denture snaps into place and can be easily removed for cleaning. The crowns in the denture can be crafted to match the natural teeth in color and luminosity, providing their wearers with a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.