Dentures have been used for many years as a suitable method of replacing missing natural teeth. Whenever you lose your teeth due to injury or diseases, your dentist would recommend getting dentures to enable you to regain the functionality of your missing natural teeth.
However, even though dentures have a number of benefits, there’s no denying a plethora of drawbacks associated with them. For starters, there’s a tendency for conventional dentures to fall or slip out when being used, and this can be a daunting experience, especially when talking or eating.
Fortunately, the introduction of implant retained dentures changed everything in restoration dentistry.
This post takes you through all you need to know about implant retained dentures, what they are, how they work, and more.
What Are Implant Retained Dentures?
Implant retained dentures use dental implants to hold dentures in place. Dental implants are screwed into your jawbone and act like the roots of your teeth. The dentures are then clasped into these implants, offering superior stability and security, unlike conventional ones.
When getting these dentures, your dentist will install a few implants (ranging from two to six, depending on your specific needs and the number of missing natural teeth), supporting the false teeth fixed above them.
These implants resolve the various concerns raised by denture wearers, including the risk of dentures falling off or being unable to withstand certain foods’ weight or force.
What is the difference between implant retained and implant-supported dentures?
In essence, implant retained dentures are fasted to a titanium implant placed in the jawbone but can be removed by the wearer. They are also known as removable implant retained dentures. On the other hand, implant-supported dentures are fixed to the implants and can only be removed by the dentist.
Advantages Of Implant Retained Dentures
Implant retained dentures offer users a variety of benefits they would otherwise not get from traditional dentures. They include:
- Offers better stability
Implant retained dentures are more stable than traditional dentures, and you do not risk them floating or becoming ill-fitting when in use. This is because they are securely held in place by dental implants screwed into your jawbone.
- Better eating ability
Implant retained dentures offer a better chewing ability and stronger biting forces. These dentures are more like your natural teeth, meaning you can eat and chew your favorite types of food easily without limitation.
- Long-lasting solution
Implant retained dentures offer a more permanent solution to replace missing natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures prone to breakage, these dentures often last longer and can serve you for over ten years before needing a replacement.
- More natural appearance
Compared to conventional dentures, implant retained dentures appear and function more like natural teeth. It is quite difficult for anyone to identify them as prosthetics, as everything, from appearance to functionality, is just like natural teeth.
- Jawbone preservation
Implant retained dentures use dental implants that are securely screwed into your jawbone. This act preserves the jawbone and prevents it from shrinkage and further bone loss.
- More confort
Thanks to their better fit, implant retained dentures are more comfortable when wearing. Moreover, unlike traditional dentures, less friction is experienced on the gum tissues.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Implant-Retained Dentures
The process of getting implant retained dentures can be lengthy. This is why this option is best for those that are patient enough to see the treatment succeed. So, what is the procedure involved in getting implant retained dentures?
The initial consultation
When you go to the dentist for implant retained dentures, they will review your case, checking your medical and dental history during your initial consultation. They will then proceed to run several tests and scans of your teeth, such as a CT scan, which gives them a clearer picture if you are a good candidate for implant retained dentures.
During your first visit, the dentists also take impressions of your gums and teeth to determine if you have sufficient bone structure to support the introduction of dental implants. These impressions are also used to fabricate your temporary dentures.
Implant placement
The first surgery takes place here, and it involves the placement of dental implants. An incision is made in your gums, making room in the jawbone for the implants. If you require full mouth replacement with implant retained dentures, you may require more implants placed.
Once the implants have been installed, the dentist places a temporary denture or flexible dentures over the implants to boost your oral aesthetics as you await your custom dentures.
In some cases where the patient does not have sufficient bone structure to support implants, additional procedures may be necessary at this stage. The dentist may perform bone grafting at this stage, but if not needed, you will skip this step.
Abutment and denture placement
Four to six months later, you will head back to the dental clinic for the next stage, which involves the placement of the abutment. You have to give it time for the implants to heal and fuse with your bone.
This next process involves the placement of the abutment and can take up to two weeks. This is because your dentist may not directly place the abutment on the implants but may first put a healing collar or healing cap.
After placing the abutments, your dentist will thereafter take more impressions of your gums and abutments to enable them to create your permanent dentures.
Fitting and insertion of permanent dentures
In this phase, your dentist will try-in a mock-up of your permanent dentures. If no additional adjustments are needed, the mock-up is sent to the lab for the fabrication of your final dentures.
When ready, your new permanent dentures are securely fitted on your dental implant abutments.
Osseointegration
This is the period for the bone and implants to fuse and become adequately stable to support the dentures.
This process can also take months — 5 to 6 months for the upper arch and 4 to 6 months for the lower arch.
How Much Do Implant Dentures Cost?
There isn’t a fixed or standard pricing for implant retained dentures. This is because there are numerous factors that affect the total dentures cost. These factors include the number of implants used, the quality of dentures used, the dentist & their location, additional procedures needed, and more.
A custom set of standard dentures ranges between $1,500 and $4,000. Traditional implants cost between $1,600 and $2,500 per implant. Dental implants are not created equal, which is why you may even find some going for up to $10,000 per implant.
So, how much are implant retained dentures? When you add other procedural steps like sedation, surgery, and more, you can expect implant retained dentures cost to be approximately $10,000 – $30,000 for the entire procedure. Mini implant retained dentures cost much less. You can always search ” implant retained dentures near me” online to find more affordable options near you.
Who Is Suitable For Implant Retained Dentures?
All adults with good oral health are good candidates for implant retained dentures.
One of the key things that dentists look at is the availability of sufficient bone structure on your jawbone. This is because it must securely support the new implants when placed. If you do not have adequate bone structure, you may undergo additional procedures, like bone grafting.
You may generally have poor oral health or have undergone severe dental issues like root cavities. In this case, your dentist may cancel you out as a suitable candidate to receive implant retained dentures.
Implant Retained Dentures Before and After Results
Before settling on whether implant retained dentures are ideal for you, it would be prudent to look at other people who have used them and how it turned out for them. To help you further, here are some images of real users before and after implant retained dentures.
Customer Reviews of Implant Retained Dentures
Many people who have had implant retained dentures to replace their missing natural teeth have taken it online to share their experiences. Generally, most people love these permanent dentures thanks to their convenience, stability, and flexibility.
Here is an in-depth implant retained dentures reviews that we found online for your consideration:
FAQ
The process of getting implant retained dentures requires a minimum of five months. It might take even longer for some people, up to eight months, before you’re done with the entire process. However, you will have to add at least five to seven more months of osseointegration.
Implant retained dentures are worth it. They are a more natural-looking, permanent, effective, and convenient alternative to traditional dentures.
There are no dietary restrictions when eating with fully-healed implant retained dentures. They act just like your natural teeth, and you can eat your favorite meals again.
