Implant-supported dentures vs Removable Dentures Dentures are one of the most commonly used dental treatments to fix missing teeth and enhance chewing. Dentists have been using denture technology for teeth replacement for centuries. And today's dentures are much more advanced and not like the previous iterations. They look, act, and feel like the natural teeth being replaced. Our dental professionals at Durham Prosthodontics build dentures for not only comfort but also aesthetic appearance. There are different types of dentures, including complete or partial dentures that are removable, as well as implant-supported dentures. Complete and Partial DenturesComplete dentures are used when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. They consist of a full set of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic base that rests directly on the gums. Partial dentures are ideal when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework. They clip onto the remaining natural teeth for support. Both complete and partial dentures restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence, while also preventing facial muscles from sagging due to missing teeth. The process of getting removable dentures involves several key steps. We will begin with an initial consultation, in which we will assess your oral health, including gum tissue and any remaining teeth, to determine if complete or partial dentures are the right option. If necessary, tooth extractions may be performed before starting the denture process. Once your mouth is ready, impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth are taken to create a model for the dentures. Precise measurements are also recorded to ensure the dentures fit properly and align your bite correctly. Before the final dentures are made, a trial set may be fitted to check for comfort and appearance. Adjustments can be made to ensure a perfect fit. After the trial phase, the final dentures are created and fitted. Further adjustments may be made to ensure the dentures are secure and comfortable. Implant-Supported DenturesAn overdenture, also known as an implant-supported denture, is still a denture, yet they are attached to dental implants by becoming a permanent part of the mouth. The dental implants, themselves, are small titanium objects that resemble screws. The denture consists of two main components: the base and the teeth. The base of your denture is made to resemble a natural gum line. It is a plastic material that is used for this. The artificial teeth, then, are made to resemble natural teeth. They can be fabricated from many different materials, including glass ionomer, porcelain, composite resin, and numerous others. For removable dentures, there will also be clips or wires attached to them that can snap onto the implants. In order to determine if you are able to receive dental implants, our prosthodontist will first take dental x-rays to check the strength and size of your jawbone. Then, once you are approved, we can obtain a dental impression. Our dental lab then uses it to manufacture your implant-supported denture. During your dental surgery, we will make an opening in your gum to access the bone. A hole is drilled into the bone once it is accessed, and this is where the dental implant is placed. A healing cap will cover the incision and the entire structure is then covered with the gum tissue. This is sutured over the dental implant which is given a few months to heal. During this time, it will meld with your natural tissues. After your recovery is complete, we can reopen the gum to expose the dental implant. You will receive a local anesthetic for this. For removable dentures, we will demonstrate how to clasp them to the dental implants. For fixed dentures, we will permanently set them onto the implant with dental cement. The dental cement hardens when we cure it so that it maintains its position. |
Contact Information3709 University Dr Suite D Durham, NC 27707-6224 (984) 312-7056 info@mydurhamdentist.com Follow Us |
