Everything you need to know about implant retained dentures

Complete tooth loss is a common problem, and there are several solutions available for restoring multiple teeth. One of the most popular and affordable options is an implant retained denture, also called an overdenture. With this solution, you can enjoy teeth that feel much stronger and more stable and function much more like real teeth.

What is an implant retained denture?

Ordinary dentures rest directly on the gums relying on suction for retention, and often shift around uncomfortably. With an implant retained denture, you have an ordinary looking denture, but it has special attachments on its fitting surface. These clip onto dental implants inserted into your jawbone. The beauty of this solution is that relatively few dental implants can hold a complete upper or lower denture in place. Sometimes as few as two dental implants will secure a loose lower denture.

The dental implants are inserted into your jawbone during a short surgery and are left to heal for three to six months. Once healed, we fit special attachments to the implants that allow you to clip a new denture firmly in place. If you have a relatively new denture, we might be able to adapt it to fit over the implants. Once the implant denture is in place, you can remove it when necessary for regular cleaning and maintenance.

What are the advantages of implant retained dentures?

The major benefit of an implant retained denture is increased denture stability. You will not need to worry about the denture becoming loose or moving around embarrassingly whenever you eat or talk. Your biting strength is increased so you can enjoy a greater range of foods comfortably. There is no need to use messy and expensive denture adhesives and worry about dentures rubbing uncomfortably and creating sore spots that can take ages to heal. Because your dentures are held firmly in place, you’ll find it easy to talk without worries that your dentures will click embarrassingly.

When you can eat a wider choice of foods, it can help to improve your overall nutrition, protecting general health. If you choose to replace an upper denture with an implant retained denture, you will notice it is designed differently. Instead of covering your upper palate, the denture is designed in a horseshoe shape which can help improve your sense of taste.

The actual implants help to protect the bone around them. The entire tooth is removed when you lose teeth, including the tooth root. Your tooth roots provide valuable stimulation to the surrounding bone, ensuring it remains strong and healthy and does not resorb. Tooth loss results in bone resorption, so the bony arch that originally supported your teeth becomes narrower and less able to provide denture retention. Dental implants are the only treatment that artificially replaces an entire tooth, providing a similar level of stimulation to the surrounding bone and protecting the jawbone.

Best of all, dental implants are suitable for most people. When you visit our practice for your initial consultation, we can tell you much more about the entire exciting process.