Implant Supported Dentures

If you need to replace all of your teeth at one time or already wear a conventional denture, you may want to consider the added advantages of implant supported dentures.

Implant supported dentures are like conventional denture designs, except that they have 2-4 locators underneath the base, allowing them to “snap” or “clip” onto supporting dental implants.

At Sachem Dental Group we recommend implant supported dentures for people who:

Have difficulty securing a conventional denture

Experience problems with their appliance slipping or rubbing

Have too little bone for full mouth implant restorations

Are looking for an alternative to other types of dentures

Benefits of Overdentures

Overdentures offer the best of both worlds when it comes to affordable dentures and implant supported designs. Because they’re affixed to just a few implants, you’ll get added stability and comfort while you’re talking and eating. You won’t need any messy pastes or adhesives to help hold them in place.

Plus, stabilized dentures are easy to care for. Simply remove them at the end of each day to clean them with a gentle brush and effervescent cleanser. There are no fixed bridges or appliances to clean around with special hygiene aids.

In some cases, our Long Island dentists can retrofit your existing denture to help you get a better fit over 2-4 new implants.

How Many Implants Do You Need for a Stabilized Denture?

A typical implant supported denture will only need 2-4 implants total, depending on if it’s your upper or lower arch. In most cases, we’ll use two implants for lower appliances and four for upper prosthetics.

Since implants are so durable, they’re able to secure a full-arch prosthesis without requiring an individual implant for each tooth that’s missing. That’s why we’re able to typically offer implant stabilized dentures in Suffolk County to people who might not otherwise qualify for traditional implant therapy.

Implant Dentures vs. Traditional Designs

A traditional denture rests directly on top of your gum tissues. It creates a seal between the lining of the appliance and your mouth, helping hold it in place. This seal is stronger for upper appliances, but your lower denture relies more on lips, cheeks, and tongue muscles to hold it securely.

Unfortunately, some people have trouble getting a good seal and secure fit during the day. This problem can be caused by a narrow bone ridge (loss of bone support) and changes in oral anatomy over time. The older dentures are, the more likely they will need to be re-lined, adjusted, or replaced to keep them comfortable.

On the other hand, we can affix 2-4 implants in your mouth and add locators under a denture, giving them a firm attachment inside of your mouth. That way when you wear them, your denture won’t move, shift, or rock throughout the day.

At Sachem Dental Group we recommend implant supported dentures to our Long Island patients that don’t qualify for traditional implant treatments or have difficulty wearing a conventional denture. If you decide to try a traditional denture first, you can have the option of coming back to our Suffolk County office later to have implants added at a later date.

Caring for Your Removable Implant Denture

You’ll want to care for and clean your implant supported denture the same way you would a traditional removable “plate.” Here are some important steps to keep in mind:

When possible, rinse your denture between meals. This step will prevent food particles and odorous buildup from accumulating throughout the day.

Remove your denture nightly. Prolonged wear can lead to oral infections and anatomical changes in your bone and gum tissues.

Soak your appliance in a gentle effervescent denture cleanser overnight. Be sure to use cool or lukewarm tap water, as hot water can cause warping and change the shape of your prosthesis.

Next morning, use a denture brush to remove any loosened buildup and then rinse your appliance thoroughly.

Before putting your denture back in, use a soft washcloth to clean the inside of your mouth and an extra-soft bristled toothbrush to clean around each of your supporting implants. Tap water is fine. If desired, follow with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Schedule six-month checkups with our implant dentists in Long Island to ensure your prosthesis and supporting implants are performing as desired. Regular checkups and implant cleanings will help prolong the life of your investment.

Retrofitting an Existing Denture

Depending on the design and age of your denture, our Suffolk County dentists may be able to retrofit it to snap onto new implants. Even if your denture wasn’t originally designed or placed in our Long Island office, we may be able to help.

After installing 2-4 implants, we’ll take an impression and use the mold to adjust and install attachments underneath the lining of your appliance. Although it’s not always an option, you may want to look into retrofitting before having a new denture made altogether.

Permanent vs. Removable Implant Dentures

Some people opt to wear a permanent implant denture instead of a removable supported one. The difference is in how many implants are used, the way the prosthesis is anchored, and the overall shape of your denture.

For example, permanent implant dentures have a contoured, “U” shape that follows the natural curve of your arch. It doesn’t cover the roof of your mouth, but rather frees up extra space inside your mouth. Some people find that they talk and eat easier with this streamlined appliance.

However, permanent implant dentures generally require a lengthier treatment process and cost more than a removable design. They also require enough bone support to anchor a prosthetic 24-hours per day.

At Sachem Dental Group, our implant dentists in Long Island will discuss both options with you so that you can make an educated decision about your smile’s future. When possible, we want to present the best 2-3 choices available, so that you can select the one that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Creating Smiles for Over 35 Years

We invite you to schedule an implant supported dentures consultation at Sachem Dental Group today! Flexible financing plans are available.