Time to Talk About - Using Dental Implants to Anchor Dentures
It’s not at all unusual for patients to experience slippage in their dentures over time. This can be more than embarrassing and annoying, it can also lead to problems with eating, which can actually cause patients to become under-nourished. A great solution to such problems is using dental implants to anchor dentures.
Implant-supported dentures
Known as "implant-supported dentures," a set of replacement teeth can be fabricated for you that are anchored by dental implants, rather than simply resting on your gums, as do traditional dentures. These new dentures will more often than not make it easier to chew all types of food; reduce denture slippage; eliminate the need for dental adhesives; and will look and function much more like your natural teeth, restoring your confidence in your appearance – and your smile.
There are essentially two types of implant-supported dentures: removable or "clip-on" dentures, and non-removable or "permanent" dentures. Both are anchored through the use of dental implants but, as the names imply, one type can be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance, while the other performs just like the teeth you were born with and are a permanent replacement for them.
For patients who choose implant supported dentures, we are commonly told that they are far more comfortable dentures than traditional dentures. Our patients have also told us that, because their anchored dentures eliminate slippage and other embarrassing problems, they lead to an increased sense of self-esteem. Plus – they smile much more often!
As with any dental procedure, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. If you are currently struggling with your dentures, or would like to consider implant-supported dentures as a tooth replacement therapy for any reason, you should visit your dental health professional for an evaluation of your individual situation, and to determine if you are a good candidate for using dental implants to anchor dentures.
Dr. Kaushal Dhawan and staff at The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry are available to help you determine effective solutions to all of your dental problems. If you would like more information from your Littleton area Prosthodontist, please call to make an appointment today.