Are Implant Dentures Right for You?

Implant Retained Dentures vs Removable Dentures

Some background information

If you or a loved one have missing teeth, you’ll need to find a solution to tooth loss that addresses your needs, fits into your lifestyle, and provides a comfortable solution. Over the years, technology advances in dentistry have created multiple solutions for replacing missing teeth. You might be familiar with traditional, removable dentures that were commonly referred to as false teeth, but did you know about the modern innovations available now? Implant retained dentures is a technique that has become increasingly popular within the last few years.

For years, dentures have been the go-to approach when replacing a significant amount of missing teeth. When you have missing teeth, the face can sag or droop, artificially aging a person. Dentures and/or implants can help make your face look more vibrant, healthy and natural. More importantly you’ll regain the confident smile you may have lost due to missing teeth.

While both solutions provide an effective solution for replacing missing teeth, there are differences between the two approaches to replace missing teeth. It’s important to have the information about both approaches. Only a well-informed patient, along with a professional examination and recommendation from a dentist or prosthodontist can decide what path of treatment is best.
As one of the areas only board-certified prosthodontists, Dr. Tracy Boldry will work with you and your family to determine which solution is the best approach to replace missing teeth.

What are dentures?

A denture is typically one surface of the mouth, either an upper denture or a lower denture. Because there are numerous cases where patients end up getting both an upper and a lower denture, the common plural form…dentures has become a catch-all, commonly used term. A denture can also be used to replace a row or group of missing teeth.

Simply put, a denture is a set of prosthetic or artificial teeth that are mounted into a plastic base designed to look like your own gums. An adhesive is used on the denture so that it remains tightly connected to the patient’s natural gums. Traditional dentures are removed nightly, and placed in a cleaning solution so that they are fresh and ready to be used the next day.

How Are Traditional Dentures Worn? 

-Traditional dentures sit on the gums
-Complete dentures are secured using the bodies natural suction and over the counter adhesive creams.
-Partial dentures – partial dentures are held in place by brackets that attach to your existing, natural teeth

Advantages of implant retained dentures

While traditional dentures provide a viable solution for missing teeth, implant retained dentures are a significant improvement for the patient. Although similar to traditional dentures in that the denture has a pink, realistic looking gum line, they are different in that they are held in place with titanium posts placed in the jawbone, below the gum line during a surgical procedure. Adhesives are no longer needed since the implants aren’t removable.

The Benefits of Implant Retained Dentures Include:

-No slipping or discomfort. Gone are the days of an ill-fitting or uncomfortable denture
-No food restrictions. You can eat all the foods you love, although we still aren’t going to encourage you to crunch ice or bite into extremely sticky foods.
-Made to last a lifetime. Routine cleaning is required…just like your real teeth.
-Bone loss – implants may not only stop bone loss, but in some cases the implants will actually stimulate new bone growth during the healing process. Without having natural or artificial teeth in place, the gums can deteriorate and eventually impact the jawbone and cause bone loss.
-Natural looking smile -Your face will return to a full and natural look from the underlying support of your new dentures.

Are Implant Dentures Right For Me?

While we would love to help everyone who needs dentures in the Kansas City area, unfortunately not everyone is a candidate for implant retained dentures. The ideal patient should have good oral health and be in condition to heal properly from the surgical procedure to place the implants.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Tracy Boldry, she will help you determine if implant dentures are possible for you. If you are a match, we’ll get started on your new smile. Not to worry though, if you aren’t a good candidate for implant retained dentures, we have many other services available to help you get the smile you deserve. Let us help you regain your smile and quality of life with dental prosthetics. Call our office today at (913) 631-2677 its time.