What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
To put it simply, implant-supported dentures are full dentures that can replace a complete set of missing teeth, similar to traditional dentures. However, implant-supported dentures do not rely on adhesive to stay in place, rather, they are able to be affixed to your gums with dental implants. Dental implants are artificial titanium "roots" similar to small screws that are screwed into the jawbone below the gums. Usually, titanium is used for dental implants because it is compatible with the human body and does not cause any allergic reactions. Implant-supported dentures are able to snap onto the implants and exactly imitate your natural teeth, which ensures comfort and function just like a natural tooth. Dentures and bridges supported by implants do not slip, which is a great advantage when eating and speaking. This secure grip also provides a more natural feel when worn.
In case of complete tooth loss, implantology offers two options of implant-supported dentures, bar-retained and ball-retained. The differences between these methods lie in how the denture attaches to the implant. In both cases, the denture will be made of an acrylic base that will look like rubber. Attached to the base are porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth. Both types of dentures need at least two implants for support. With four, six, or eight implants (depending on what your dentist decides your case needs), a toothless jaw can be completely restored. The palate of the upper jaw remains free, it is not covered with material like with traditional dentures, and patients can enjoy food as with their own teeth.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage to implant-supported dentures is that they are more expensive than traditional dentures. However, it should be noted that there are many advantages to this solution that might outweigh the costs.
Advantages
* Implant-supported fixed prosthesis allows for normal chewing as well as improved smile and facial harmony.
* A fixed prosthesis is comfortable and discreet because the prosthesis does not create any unpleasant friction (unlike conventional prostheses)
* Upper dentures that are supported by dental implants usually do not cover the palate, making them less bulky. They do not interfere with speech or change the taste of food.
* There is a very low risk of the implant being rejected by the human body. Titanium is the most widely used material for implants and is biocompatible. This results in a very high success rate of treatment.
* Dental implants prevent loss of jaws and deterioration of bone stimulation and thus limit its resorption. On the other hand, conventional prostheses (which are not implanted) do not have this beneficial effect on the jaw.
* Implants allow an even distribution of chewing forces between the implants and the adjacent structures (gums, bones and remaining teeth), which helps reduce stress on them.
* The installation of a fixed prosthesis on implants does not require any changes in the structure of the adjacent teeth (e.g.: enamel application) compared to a traditional bridge that is not implanted.
* An implant-fixed prosthesis is very stable. The use of glue is therefore not necessary.
* You are not forced to permanently change your diet after treatment, which is often the case with removable prostheses that are not implanted.
* Implants and the prostheses attached to them cannot be affected by tooth decay.
