One of the most common complaints of denture wearers in Vancouver is that the dentures frequently slip or become loose. Fortunately, there’s a better solution for these patients—implant supported dentures. Here are answers to the questions that patients often ask about implant-supported dentures.
Q: What are implant-supported dentures?
A: This tooth replacement technique takes advantage of modern dental technology to improve on the traditional denture. Implants, which look like small titanium screws, are placed into the jaw then fitted with clip attachments, which, in turn, secure dentures in the mouth.
Q: Can implant-supported dentures help to preserve my jaw bone?
A: Yes. The implants replicate some roots of the missing teeth, which makes erosion of the underlying jaw bone less likely. Regular dentures, on the other hand, do not have any structures that anchor the jaw bone, which can wear away over time through a process known as resorption.
Q: Do implant-supported dentures keep their fit over time?
A: With regular dentures, as the jaw bone erodes and its shape changes, the dentures slowly lose their fit. Because the implants prevent some of the resorption, the jaw’s shape remains more stable with implant-supported dentures and the fit is more consistent over time.
Q: Do implant-supported dentures need to be cleaned daily like regular dentures do?
A: Yes. Tiny pieces of food can still get trapped between the implant-supported denture and the gum, and the appliances still can accumulate tartar. You need to remove implant-supported dentures each day to clean them just as you would with regular dentures.
Q: How long does the treatment process for implant-supported dentures last?
A: After the implants are placed, they typically need to take four to six months to heal before the clip attachment can be added. During the healing phase, the dentures can be worn in the conventional manner.
If you are a denture wearer who is frustrated by the fit (or lack thereof) of your dentures, check with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for implant-supported dentures.