Dentures have been around for a very long time. From George Washington’s famous false teeth to ancient Roman and Etruscan archeological finds, we have evidence that humans have used crafted sets of teeth for thousands of years.
Here at Alaska Premier Dental Group, we’re excited to share with you the next evolution of the modern tooth replacement: implant-supported dentures.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Dentures need some method of staying secure as you chew and speak. Traditional dentures use a variety of adhesives to achieve this. Implant-supported dentures are no different than these traditional dentures except in their method of support.
These dentures are actually attached to several dental implant roots, making them more secure than any adhesive. In fact, some dentures can be made permanent when using dental implants. No need to take your dentures out at night or replace them in the morning, and no chance of forgetting or losing them.
About the Dental Implants
Dental implant placement is one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. Implants are long-lasting, comfortable, and custom-crafted. They are the only current dental restoration that replaces the entire missing tooth from root to crown, rather than just a portion of it.
They work by means of a titanium post, which is implanted into your jawbone. Once there, it fuses to the bone in a process called osseointegration. It is this fusion that makes the titanium roots so strong and effective at tooth replacement.
These implant posts are wonderful for a number of reasons. Just one of those reasons is that they can support full denture sets as well as individual crowns.
Custom Denture Options
Dentures come in more forms than ever before, allowing you to have the exact treatment that suits your specific needs. Some of these options include:
- Partial Dentures.
- Full Dentures.
- Permanent Dentures.
- Removable Dentures.
All of these styles are available as implant-supported sets.
Partial or Full Dentures – If you are missing all of your teeth, a traditional, full set of dentures might be the order of the day. However, it is not uncommon for people to be missing multiple teeth but not all of them.
In these cases, we are able to create an appliance for you that replaces what you need, without damaging or removing any of your natural teeth. This appliance is referred to as a partial denture, and it is an excellent option for many patients.
Permanent or Removable – Dental implants make permanent dentures possible in a way that has never before been available. Just as a single dental implant is a permanent replacement for your missing tooth, a permanent denture set can do the same for multiple gaps or even your whole set of teeth.
Permanent solutions are not for everyone, however. In this case, there is good news for you! You do not have to rely on other methods of adhesive in order to have removable dentures. Dental implants can easily be fitted with a connector that allows a denture set to snap into place. No adhesive required.
The All-on-4® Treatment Concept
Implant-supported dentures do not require an implant post for every single tooth. In fact, this treatment system uses four strategically-placed denture implants to anchor the whole set of replacement teeth. With this concept, the amount of needed dental work is kept to a minimum. Even patients with limited bone tissue may be able to experience the benefits of permanent dentures.
Patients also recover more quickly from procedures that use the All-on-4® treatment concept, allowing them to easily enjoy dentures that feel more natural, comfortable, and secure. To find out more about the All-on-4® treatment concept, feel free to contact our office with any questions.
Am I a Candidate for Denture Implants?
If you are in need of dentures and you have plenty of jawbone strength, then absolutely yes!
Having sufficient bone strength and density is vital for a successful implant, and not everyone will qualify. However, there are also many treatment options to improve the bone. Talk to us today about scheduling a consultation so that we can help you determine if this path is an option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions you might have about dental implants and what can be done with them are answered on our Dental Implants page under the FAQ section. If your question is not answered there, call our office to get answers. You can also visit our other pages to learn more about what we can offer and how it can help you.
Talk to Us Today About Your Implant-Denture Options
Removable and permanent options for implant-supported dentures are available at our Anchorage office. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you may have about your denture options. We look forward to creating a unique and personalized treatment plan that will fit your needs and heal your smile.