Dental health significantly impacts overall well-being. In addition to your smile and dental function, it can also influence self-confidence, speech, chewing ability, and even jawbone health.
For certain cases of tooth loss, denture implantation is the best solution. With the right type, patients can enjoy stability and other functional and aesthetic benefits. However, several care practices will preserve the quality of the denture over time. Let’s explore these below.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures combine dental implants and dentures. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, implant dentures are anchored to the jawbone using titanium implants, ensuring superior stability and comfort. These dentures can be fixed permanently or are removable, providing flexibility to meet individual needs.
This innovative treatment addresses the limitations of traditional dentures, such as slippage and discomfort, by securely fastening the dentures in place, mimicking the function of natural teeth.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
Denture implantation offers numerous advantages over conventional dentures, making them an ideal choice for patients seeking a durable and comfortable solution:
Stability and Comfort
Traditional dentures can shift and slip, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Implant dentures remain firmly anchored, allowing you to speak, chew, and laugh confidently. This stability also eliminates the need for messy adhesives.
Enhanced Chewing and Diet
With implant dentures, patients regain the ability to chew more effectively. This means a more varied diet, including nutritious foods like raw vegetables, nuts, and meats, which may be challenging with traditional dentures.
Jawbone Preservation
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss typically associated with missing teeth. This stimulation preserves facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance common in long-term denture wearers.
Natural Appearance
Implant dentures are custom-designed to match your facial features and preferences, resulting in a natural-looking smile. They restore both function and aesthetics, boosting self-confidence.
Long-Lasting Solution
While traditional dentures may require frequent adjustments and replacements, implant dentures are a long-term solution. They can last decades with proper care, making them a cost-effective investment.
Improved Oral Health
Unlike bridges, which may require altering or removing adjacent teeth, implant dentures preserve natural teeth. Their function can also reduce gum irritation and improve overall oral hygiene.
The Implant Denture Process
Getting implant dentures typically involves several stages, ensuring a customized and effective solution.
1. Consultation and Evaluation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. To get the best results, your dentist will use advanced 3D imaging technology to assess your oral health, bone density, and suitability for implants. They will also discuss your goals and recommend the best treatment plan.
2. Implant Placement
The dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. These titanium posts act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for the dentures. Healing can take several months, during which the implants undergo osseointegration and integrate with the bone.
3. Temporary Dentures
While your implants heal, temporary dentures may be provided to ensure functionality and aesthetics.
4. Attaching the Dentures
Once the implants have healed and are fully integrated, your dentures are securely attached with a bar-and-clip system, which makes them removable or fixed to the implants as a non-removable addition.
5. Final Adjustments
Your dentist ensures the dentures fit comfortably and function properly. Adjustments may be made to ensure optimal alignment and bite.
How to Care for Implant Dentures
Taking proper care of implant dentures is critical to maintaining optimal functionality, aesthetics, and longevity. While denture implantation is more durable and secure than traditional dentures, they still require regular attention to ensure they remain in excellent condition. Here’s a guide on how to care for your implant dentures:
Establish a Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining a consistent cleaning routine is essential to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from your dentures and gums.
- Brushing: Brush your implant dentures and gums at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush (or one specifically designed for dentures) and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Flossing or Interdental Cleaning: For fixed implant dentures, clean around the implant posts and prosthetics with a special interdental brush. Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean around the implants and under the denture framework.
- Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash: Incorporate an antimicrobial or dentist-recommended mouthwash into your routine to keep bacteria at bay and maintain fresh breath.
Rinse After Meals
Food particles can become trapped around the implant attachments, increasing the risk of infection or inflammation. Rinse your mouth with water after meals to dislodge debris. For removable implant dentures, you can take them out briefly to thoroughly rinse the dentures and your mouth.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental check-ups are vital for the long-term success of implant dentures.
- Professional Cleanings: Schedule cleanings every six months (or more frequently, if recommended) to ensure the implants, attachments, and gums remain in good condition.
- Monitoring: During your visits, the dentist will examine your implants for signs of wear, infection, or other issues, ensuring any problems are addressed early.
- Adjustments: Over time, changes in your jawbone or gum tissue may affect the fit of your dentures. Regular dental visits allow for timely adjustments to prevent discomfort and maintain functionality.
Handle with Care
Removable implant dentures are sturdy but can be easily damaged if mishandled.
- Safe Handling: When cleaning your dentures, do so over a soft towel or a sink filled with water to cushion the fall in case you accidentally drop them.
- Avoid Excessive Force: Use gentle pressure when brushing or handling your dentures to prevent the implant attachments from loosening or damaging.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Certain habits can compromise the integrity of your implant dentures or the surrounding structures.
- Smoking: Smoking can delay healing, increase the risk of gum disease, and negatively impact your implants’ lifespan. Smokers should consider quitting to protect their implant investment.
- Chewing Hard Objects: Avoid biting into hard items like ice, pens, or hard candies. These can crack or damage your implants.
- Teeth as Tools: Never use your dentures to open packages or bottles, as this can weaken or break them over time.
Find Quality Implant Dentures at Archpoint Implant Dentistry
Implant dentures are a groundbreaking solution for those seeking a stable, durable, and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. By offering superior functionality, aesthetics, and long-term benefits, they restore more than just your smile — they enhance your quality of life.
Archpoint Implant Dentistry provides state-of-the-art dental care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our experienced implant dentists provide the highest standard of care. Book an appointment with Archpoint today.
