An implant-supported denture is a type of denture that is retained by and attached to multiple dental implants. They look similar to traditional full dentures, but the main difference is that these dentures are firmly retained by implants instead of simply resting on the gums. This particular characteristic makes them much more comfortable and long-lasting than regular dentures.
These dentures, also known as implant-retained or snap-in dentures, are connected to the implants through a special system. In this system, the implants house small accessories known as precision attachments. The shape of these attachments is then perfectly reproduced in the base of the denture, achieving an exact fit between the two components.
These dentures can either be fixed or removable. . All of them look just the same: they have an acrylic base that looks like your natural gums and acrylic or porcelain teeth that closely mimic natural teeth. The only difference lies in the retention system that each denture use. Fixed implant-retained dentures are commonly known as zirconia bridges, and removable ones can be divided into two groups. Depending on how the dentures are retained, dentists classify removable implant-supported dentures into two types: bar-retained or ball-retained.
In bar-retained dentures, there is a thin metal bar that follows the curve of your arch and connects all implants. This bar is firmly attached to the implants in your jawbone by a clip system. The denture fits over the bar, and small accessories help to clip it into place.
In ball-retained dentures, each implant houses a ball-shaped metal attachment that perfectly fits together with small rings placed in the acrylic base of the denture.
A zirconia bridge is a mill prosthesis that is screwed to the dental implants. This type of denture isn’t removable (only the dentist can remove it), so patients need to be extra careful with oral hygiene and visit the office regularly for cleanings.
These dentures are an excellent choice if you are missing multiple teeth. They have many advantages over other teeth-replacing options, including:
Snap-in dentures have excellent retention. This means that your denture won’t move around your mouth – no matter how hard, chewy, or sticky what you eat might be. With implant-retained dentures, you will attend social events and formal dinners without worrying about your smile!
lmplant-supported dentures look and function like natural teeth. They are custom-made to fit your face and general appearance, and our dentists work hard to get the esthetic results you are looking for. Nobody will notice you are wearing a denture!
These dentures are one of the most hygienic tooth-replacement solutions. Most types are removable (just like traditional dentures), so you can easily clean your denture and keep your mouth and implants healthy, preventing bad breath and gums disease. If you choose a fixed bridge, you can come to the office whenever you want to have your denture removed for a professional cleaning.
Dental implants are the only restoration that preserves bone tissue. When a tooth is lost, the body disintegrates (resorb) the bone tissue that used to anchor it – there’s no point in maintaining tissue that has no function. This resorptive process also affects the jawbone over time, causing alterations in its shape and the patient’s facial appearance.
Conventional dentures don’t prevent bone resorption, so they need continuous adjustments to fit properly. The jawbone changes its shape due to this resorptive process, so we need to adapt the base of the denture to this altered jawbone after a certain period of time. There’s minimal bone resorption with implant-support dentures, so you won’t need to worry about how your denture will fit in the future.
Let our experienced team of dentists help you determine which type of denture is appropriate for you!
ContactThis procedure involves multiple steps, including:
The staff will take a special x-ray known as a CBCT to give a 3-D view of the jaw bone. Impressions will be taken as well. This will then be uploaded to a computer program whereby the surgery will be planned virtually.
The first step is to place the dental implants. Our team carefully plans where to screw the implants to get the best possible retention. After applying local anaesthesia, we make a small incision in the gum tissue and screw the implants into the jawbone. When the surgery is finished, we close the wound with stitches and wait for the gum tissue to heal.
Once the gum tissue has recovered from the surgery, our team will reopen the wound to expose the implants and screw the precision attachments.
Dental implants need some time (four to six months) to fuse with bone tissue. This process is known as “osseointegration” and is essential for the correct integration of the implants into the jawbone. Until the osseointegration is completed, we will place a temporary denture. You might also need to come to the office regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
After those months, we will ask you to come back to the office so that we can take the final impressions. They will be sent to the dental lab with our detailed instructions on how to manufacture your denture.
Once the dentures are back from the laboratory, our team will fit them and make any necessary adjustments. The moment will have finally arrived: you will get to see your brand new smile!
Maintaining oral health is crucial if you decide to get a snap-in denture. Acrylic or porcelain teeth won’t be affected by decay, but bacterial build-ups can still cause periodontal problems. And dental implants are also affected by periodontal disease.
Our team insists on the importance of keeping both the denture and the attachments clean. Periodontal disease can compromise the long-term success of the treatment, so good oral hygiene and frequent visits to our office for professional cleanings are key to ensuring that your new smile lasts forever!
Visit our office today and learn more about implant-retained dentures!
Schedule a consultThis procedure takes at least two surgeries and a minimum of 5 months to be completed. It is essential to wait for the correct integration of the implants to get long-lasting results. Although the duration of the treatment might not seem ideal at first, the long-term benefits of implant-supported dentures outweigh any initial wait or discomfort.
This option is excellent for those patients missing all teeth in a dental arch. However, our dentists need to examine your case to tell you whether this option is suitable for you. They will take some x-ray and indicate some other 3D studies to confirm that you have enough bone tissue to have the implants placed. If that’s not the case, our team will suggest an additional procedure to recover bone tissue, known as bone grafting.
The cost of these dentures varies from patient to patient, so it is difficult to set an estimated price. It will depend on many factors, including the number of implants that will be placed, the retention system required for your case, and whether you need extra procedures like teeth extractions or bone grafting. If you are interested in this type of denture, we advise you to schedule a consultation to get a detailed quotation.
Snap-in dentures lifespan is hard to predict, but you can expect your denture to last up to 15 years when properly cared for. It might need to be replaced after that time, but the good news is that the procedure will be much simpler on this occasion. You will only need to come to the office for new impressions, and in a few days, you will have your new denture fitted. Don’t worry about the implants – they can last forever!
Our team of dentists has vast experience and is committed to finding the best teeth replacement alternative for you. They will be happy to answer your dental questions and explain in detail all the procedures so that you have no doubts about the future of your smile. If you are looking for a new dentist in SW Calgary that you can trust, Macleod Trail Dental is here to help!
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