How Do Implant Dentures Work?
/How Do Implant Dentures Work?
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are an excellent alternative to traditional dentures. They are a modern approach that takes advantage of advances in dental technology that can give you the confidence in knowing that your dentures are secure. These dentures are connected to the mouth through sturdy metal implants rather than an adhesive.
They are typically implanted on the bottom row of teeth but are appropriate for the top as well. Some people have them on just the top or bottom, and some people have a full mouth of implants. Whichever situation you are in, dentures with implants are almost always a better choice than traditional dentures.
How They Work
Before your dentures can be placed in your mouth, you will have an appointment for the placement of the implants. The implants themselves are like small, metal screws that are placed into the bone. These are the anchors that will hold the structure of the dentures in place. Once the implants have been placed into the bone, it takes a few months for them to bond.
While you are waiting for your implants to settle and bond with your jawbone, you can wear temporary replacement teeth. At a second appointment, extensions will be attached that will serve as a foundation for the dentures. Your dentures will be secured to the implants with metal posts called abutments. You will be able to unclip and remove your dentures when you need to, but they will stay in place when in your mouth.
Advantages of Implant Dentures
Natural Appearance
Dentures that are secured to the mouth through implants have a natural appearance. In fact, most people will not be able to tell that you are wearing dentures at all unless you decide to tell them.
Normal Speech
Sometimes people with traditional dentures have problems speaking and being understood. Your speech will be completely normal when your dentures are attached using permanent implants, allowing you to be confident when you are speaking to a group or in an intimate conversation.
Comfort
In addition to looking natural, they also feel natural. They don’t move or rub and irritate the inside of your mouth, and you don’t have to worry that something you eat will cause you to experience swollen gums or pain. You will also avoid sudden gagging that can occur when traditional dentures move back into your mouth.
Dentures with implants are so comfortable that you are likely to forget you’re wearing them.
Stability
Dentures with implants are much more secure than traditional dentures. They stay in place, so you won’t have to excuse yourself to apply adhesive or to move them back where they belong. You can be secure that they won’t pop out of your mouth when you bite down on your food or speak with enthusiasm.
Preserves the Bone
Dentures using implants are healthier for your mouth than traditional dentures. That’s because traditional dentures actually cause bone loss around the area where there is nothing between the bone and the gums. The force of chewing can also contribute to the deterioration of the jawbone.
Traditional dentures typically lead to about 70% loss of bone density in the first few years.
Integrates With the Natural Bone
Your dentures with implants will not only prevent bone loss, but they will actually bond with your jawbone. This is part of what gives them a natural feeling and appearance. They work seamlessly with the natural, regular structure of your mouth.
Saves Your Smile
The bone loss from traditional dentures is what causes loose skin around the jaw, causing you to appear much older than you did before the damage to your bone. This also can cause the mouth muscles to begin to droop, altering, and damaging your smile. Because dentures with implants save your bone, they also preserve your natural smile.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are synthetic teeth made to replace natural teeth that have become damaged to the point that they are no longer useful or are causing problems like infection and pain. Some dentures, called partials, are made to replace only some of your natural teeth. However, most dentures are sets that replace the entire top or bottom row of teeth and sometimes replace all of the teeth in your mouth.
People have been wearing dentures throughout history. The earliest record is from 7th century BC when people wore teeth taken from animals or other people. The practice became popular in the 1700s when it was uncommon to reach the age of 50 with a full mouth of teeth. George Washington is a famous historical figure known for wearing dentures, although it is a myth that they were made of wood.
Do I Need Dentures?
You will see signs developing over time if dentures are something you will want to consider. If you begin having serious problems with your natural teeth, you will want to ask your dentist about dentures. You can visit our office for an evaluation and more information about whether dentures are a good option for you.
Some of the indicators you might notice are the reoccurrence of severe toothaches. This can indicate decay deep in your gums and may possibly be too extreme to be solved with a root canal. Other signs include gums that are chronically irritated, bleeding, or swollen. You may also have teeth that shift and move inside your mouth, and you may find that chewing is painful. If you have lost some or all of your teeth, you should consider dentures.
Traditional Dentures
You may be familiar with traditional dentures that your parents or grandparents might have worn. These synthetic teeth are fully removable and are attached to the gums with an adhesive or paste. Traditional dentures have a reputation for shifting inside the mouth and even falling out unexpectedly, often causing embarrassment to the person wearing them.
Knowing that your dentures could make themselves obvious at any time makes many people who wear them self-conscious. People who wear traditional dentures may avoid going out in public or may lack confidence when talking to people because they can’t be sure that their dentures will stay secure. Other downsides are that traditional dentures can cause loosening of the skin around the jawline, and your face shape can change and make you look older.
How Are Dentures Created?
Materials
Most dentures are made using either high-quality acrylics or porcelain. Acrylic teeth are exceptionally strong and resistant wear. They last a long time and can stand up to chewing a biting. Some patients may be allergic to acrylic, so it is important to find this out.
Porcelain is a material that is often used for front teeth because it makes the dentures look indistinguishable from real tooth enamel, although acrylics are a better choice if your synthetic teeth are going to be in any kind of contact with natural teeth because they can cause damage to the original teeth.
Frame
The first part of the dentures to be created is a sturdy mounting frame made with metal and plastic that is almost indestructible. It is created specifically for the patient’s mouth. It is lightweight for comfort and can be adjusted for a perfect fit.
Dentogenics
Dentures are designed using a process called dentogenics. This allows the dentures to fit the patient’s face by taking into account various measurements as well as factors like gender and age. Dentures can even be created to make a person’s smile look younger by adding slightly longer teeth in the front.
Mold
A mouth mold can be created for the dentures by using a wax impression of the patient’s teeth, although sometimes the mold can be created through digital images instead. To create a wax impression, the patient bites down into wax until the proper shape is formed. Then the wax hardens to form the proper impression. The mold is then made from this wax piece.
To create the dentures themselves, the materials being used are poured into the mold and allowed to harden. Then the fully formed dentures are popped out of the mold.
Shaping
The fit of the dentures is then checked against the wax impression. There are usually very small discrepancies between the impression and the finished product. The finishing touch is to sculpt and scrape it until it is the perfect fit.
Fitting
Once the dentures have been created, they are sent back to our office. We make an appointment for you to come in and try them, and we make any adjustments needed at that time.
Cleaning
Just like your natural teeth, you will need to clean your dentures to keep your mouth healthy. Every day in the morning and at night, you will remove the detachable parts of your dentures. Then you will carefully clean the abutments and the gums around them. It is especially important to keep the abutments clean and clear of any debris.
You will then brush each part of the dentures themselves just as you would natural teeth. Be sure to clean all sides and surfaces of your dentures.
Maintenance
Remove your dentures at night to avoid getting them dirty and to protect against infection or any bacteria that might collect around them. You will also be protecting them against damage that can occur while you sleep. Also, avoid any exceptionally hard or sticky foods that can damage your dentures.
Visit our office on a regular recommended schedule to keep your dentures in top condition. We will check your dentures and your mouth and make any adjustments that are needed for your comfort. We will periodically replace any parts that are wearing out, and we will provide care to keep your gums as healthy as possible. It is important to see us regularly to be sure that your dentures are working properly.
Implant dentures are the best alternative to your natural teeth, and you will love the way they look and feel. You will regain your confidence and drop any insecurity that cosmetic issues with your mouth have caused. To talk about your denture needs, contact us at Mas’ood Cajee, DDS, MPH in Manteca, CA. We will evaluate your dental situation and help you create a plan for the future of your smile. You deserve to have strong, beautiful teeth, and we can help you get there.
