Implant dentures are more stable and functional than traditional dentures, but they’re not all created equal. There are many different approaches to attaching dentures to implants. Each method has its benefits and disadvantages.
This page explains some of the basics about your attachment options, but the best way to determine which is right for you is to talk to a denture dentist in person. Please call (02) 9686 7375 or email us to schedule an appointment with a Sydney denture dentist at My Hills Dentist in Baulkham Hills.
Implant-Supported vs. Implant-Retained Dentures
One of the most important options you will have to decide is if you want your dentures to be supported or retained by your dental implants.
Implant-supported dentures are designed to take biting force and transfer it into your jawbones, similar to the way your natural teeth do. These dentures will give you the best biting force and the most natural chewing action. But they will also be more susceptible to wear and breakage. And because dental implants don’t have the same cushioning ability as natural teeth, we have to be especially careful about designing your bite to prevent implant failure from overstress.
Implant-retained dentures are held in place by your dental implants, but they put most of the bite force onto your gums the way other dentures do. You may still have some diet limitations and will likely have to learn to chew in a slightly different way, but overall you will have good function for your dentures. And they generally won’t slip out when you’re eating, talking, or laughing.
Implant-supported dentures require more dental implants and tend to be more expensive than implant-retained dentures. There is a wide range between the two options, and we can talk to you about your goals and design a treatment that optimizes your results.
Fixed vs. Removable Implant Dentures
You can also decide whether you want your implant dentures to be fixed or removable. Fixed dentures are permanently attached to your dental implants, and are typically used only for fully implant-supported dentures. These days, this is relatively uncommon.
More common is what are known as “hybrid” implant dentures. These are technically removable, but they’re affixed to your dental implants with screws. Your dentist can remove your dentures, but you can’t. These are also used for implant-supported dentures and they help ensure that your dentures won’t be dislodged by vigorous chewing action or other stressful jaw actions. These dentures don’t have to be removed for cleaning every night, and they are quite secure.
Removable dentures are designed to be removed regularly for cleaning and other maintenance. They are more often used for implant-retained denture designs. There are many different methods for securing removable dentures, including bars, ball-and-socket fixtures, and implant locators. These technologies are changing all the time, and there are better options today than even just a year or two ago. Nowadays there are many options that are both easy to use and highly secure to minimize movement of dentures and the risk of dislodgement.
Are you considering implant dentures and want to know more about your attachment options in the Sydney area? Please call (02) 9686 7375 or email us for an appointment at My Hills Dentist in Baulkham Hills.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
