When it comes to replacing your missing teeth, like everything else in life these days, you have plenty of choices. Today, more and more dentists and patients are choosing to rebuild smiles using implant-supported dentures because they provide a security and longevity that simply can’t be matched by a typical prosthetic. Of course, implant-supported dentures are not one-size-fits-all. There are a few distinct types, and each one has their own qualities that might make them perfect for an individual’s smile. Which one is right for you? Today, we discuss each kind so you can better understand your choices.
Snap On Dentures
Like the name implies, these dentures attach directly to dental implants and are removable. They are very similar to a traditional overdenture, but a patient will have the added benefit of dental implants, which will keep the denture more secure and prevent the bone loss in the jaw that is common after tooth loss. In some cases, a patient’s traditional dentures can be “retro-fitted” to become snap on dentures, but more often a completely new denture needs to be created.
Lock On Dentures
As you can probably tell, these dentures distinguish themselves by not being removable. In addition to the added security provided by the dental implants, they also tend to look and feel more like natural teeth, creating a more lifelike solution overall. They are sometimes called All-On-4 dental implants, which refers to the fact that the denture is supported by 4 strategically placed implant posts.
Palateless Dentures
Many dentures, implant-supported or otherwise, have a plate that covers the roof of the mouth in order to make them more stable. This can sometimes diminish a person’s ability to chew and taste food, and for those with a sensitive gag reflex, it can make them extremely uncomfortable. Palateless dentures have a distinctive horseshoe shape that leaves the hard palate exposed, and this can improve both a patient’s experience and function with the denture.
Which One is Right For Me?
This decision is best left up to you and your dentist. The kind of implant-supported denture that is right for you will depend on a number of factors, such as how many teeth you want to replace, where those teeth are located, and the condition of your jawbone. The height and strength of your jawbone are essential to an implant-supported denture’s success, so this will be a determining factor as to which type will work for you.
No matter which type of implant-supported denture you choose, you can trust that it will give you a stability, strength, and natural-look that a traditional prosthetic simply can’t provide. To see how these options can help your particular smile, simply contact an implant dentist in your area, and before you know it, you’ll have a set of teeth that is strong, beautiful, and built to stand the test of time.
About the Author
Dr. Charles Parker is an implant dentist and denture specialist based in Texarkana who has been practicing in East Texas for nearly 40 years. He strives to provide every one of his patients with the perfect denture so they can always eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence. To learn more about implant-supported dentures, you can contact Dr. Parker via his website or by phone at (903) 935-6351.