Dentures Supported by Implants
Implant supported dentures are a type of denture which is attached to implants for support. They have special attachments which fit onto the implants and allow removal for maintenance.
Dental health care is of core concern to everyone. As one gets older, it is one of the many health concerns that arise. Dental care necessitating implant supported dentures may also arise as a result of dental disorders which necessitate teeth replacement. One has an option to either opt for dental dentures or porcelain teeth. However, implant dentures are preferable over porcelain teeth since they offer a better cosmetic effect especially for patients whose bone and gum have shrunk away. They are also easier to maintain and clean compared to porcelain teeth. Implant supported dentures also are cheaper than porcelain bridges and crowns. Implant dentures are suitable for all people provided they are non-smokers.
How they work
There are two types of implant supported dentures which include ball retained or stud attachment dentures and bar retained dentures. Acrylic bases are used to make the dentures since they can easily be mixed to achieve the same color as that of the gum. Afterwards, the new teeth are fitted on to the base. Ball-retained dentures are more common compared to bar retained dentures due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
On the other hand, bar retained dentures employ a metallic bar which is fitted onto the jawbone lining. Attachments such as clips are fitted on to the bar or the denture and at times both. The dentures are fitted over the bar and clipped into place by the attached clips. For ball retained dentures, implants on the jaw bone hold a mental attachment where other denture attachments are fitted. They function like a press-stud mechanism which hold the dentures firmly in the mouth but allow removal for maintenance purposes.
Implant supported denture processes
The initial process involves a health review of the patient’s health and dental records. X-rays are taken in order to model the new dentine and get an impression of the gum and teeth. The front of the gum is often preferred for attachment of implant since the jawbone takes longer before it is eaten up. The process involves two surgeries that may span slightly over a year for the complete treatment.
During the first surgical procedure, implants are fitted beneath the gum onto the jaw bone which is then left to heal. The second procedure involves the placement of abutment on the implant so that they appear over the gum. After the first surgery, a period of three months is allowed before further treatment if the treatment was done on the lower jaw. Six months are observed after the upper jaw is treated. After the surgeries are complete and the jaw is fully healed, a reline on your gum is done to minimize the pressure excreted on the gum. Finally, press studs are placed in the implants, and new dentures are fitted. Besides the advanced technology applied for implant supported dentures, they require expertise to avoid ill-fitting dentures.
