Implant Supported Dentures
 There are many issues that can result in tooth loss. While one of the most common is gum disease, teeth can also be lost due to facial trauma or severe tooth decay. In some instances, the teeth come out on their own, in others, they need to be extracted. No matter what causes your tooth loss, many problems follow. Suddenly, tasks like eating and speaking become more difficult. You find your confidence plummeting because your smile is not what it used to be.
Your jawbone begins to weaken due to lack of stimulation, which causes the bone to change shape and alter your bite. Significant tooth loss, such as the loss of an entire arch, can also cause your facial features to begin collapsing, aging you several years. If you are missing a full arch of teeth, Dr. Gary Mangieri can help with implant anchored dentures.
Traditional Dentures
Dentures have been around for a long time. Over the years they have undergone numerous improvements designed to make them more natural and to feel less bulky. Much like older forms of dentures, modern dentures are a removable prosthesis that consists of false teeth set into a base that is supported by your gums.
Most modern dentures have acrylic resin teeth, a material that can be made to look just like natural teeth, and an acrylic base that is colored to look just like your natural gum tissue. While dentures have undergone numerous changes over the years, they still have many disadvantages. They require additional care every night, which can become tedious. They rely on your gums for support, which can cause discomfort. They can slip out of place in your mouth, causing embarrassment and sores.
Additionally, dentures do not stop bone loss in the jaw, an issue that causes your bone to weaken and change shape. Over time, your dentures will no longer fit properly and will need to be replaced.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant anchored dentures provide you with a unique alternative to traditional dentures. With this treatment your replacement teeth, ceramic crowns, rely on titanium posts for support rather than your gums. The titanium posts are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Your bone fuses to the posts, stabilizing them within your jaw. This turns the posts into secure, sturdy roots. This treatment is designed to be long-term and can even last a lifetime. There are a few different types of implant anchored dentures, including:
| • |
Fixed or screw retained. This is the most common type of implant anchored dentures. Treatment uses 6 to 8 titanium posts to support an entire arch of teeth.
|
| • |
Bar-retained. Bar-retained dentures also use 6 to 8 posts. With this treatment, however, a titanium bar is attached to each post, connecting them. Your new teeth clip into place on the bar. |
Why Get Implant Supported Dentures?
There are several benefits to implant anchored dentures.
| • |
The crowns look exactly like your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell that your teeth are ceramic.
|
| • |
Implants feel completely natural.
|
| • |
They are much more comfortable. Your teeth are supported by the posts instead of your gums.
|
| • |
They are held securely in place. They will not slip, move, or fall out.
|
| • |
The posts stimulate your jawbone just like the roots of real teeth, stopping and preventing bone loss. |
For more information on implant supported dentures, and if they are the right solution for you, call Gary C Mangieri, DMD PLLC today at 412-366-0668.
|
