Implant dentures, or implant-supported dentures, are a type of overdenture that rests on top of your gums, with your artificial teeth attached securely to the gum-colored mold. However, while conventional overdentures are attached using adhesive, implant dentures are attached to – yes you guessed it – implants. These are a series of titanium posts that have been pre-inserted into your jaw via your gums that will see the bone heal around them to secure them in place. Once the implant posts are permanently anchored, the overdenture can be attached to them, clipping perfectly into place. This gives it greater stability – just one of the benefits associated with choosing implant dentures over the conventional variety.

Benefits of implant dentures

There are a range of benefits associated with implant dentures. These include:

• Greater stability and security
• Improved functionality since they can withstand stronger biting forces than regular dentures
• Less restriction on what you can eat
• Prevents the deterioration of the jaw bone which is common after tooth loss since there are no natural roots to stimulate healthy bone: in this case, implant posts take the place of tooth roots to keep the bone strong
• Dentures that look natural and feel comfortable

Candidacy for implant dentures

There is one key element that stands in the way of you getting implant dentures – the health and quality of your jaw bone. For implants to be successfully anchored into the mouth, there must be enough healthy bone in the jaw. If there isn’t, there is a chance that the bone won’t fuse around the implant posts properly. This can lead to implant instability and potentially, implant failure. For this reason, the health and density of a patient’s jaw is assessed before any sort of implant-based procedure.

I’ve been told that my jaw can’t support implants – what can I do?

Fortunately, even if you have been told that the bone in your jaw isn’t capable of supporting implants at this time, it doesn’t mean game over. Bone grafting, which is a process of taking your own bone from another part of your body, or artificial bone and grafting it onto the jaw, can stimulate fresh bone growth that makes implants possible. You will just need to wait for the graft to take before you can get your implants. The team Vero Dental Spa can provide a thorough assessment and consultation, we are one of the most experienced at placing dental implants in Vero Beach, FL.

Other indicators that someone is a good candidate for implant dentures

Generally, patients who are considered to be good candidates for implant dentures:

• Are in good general health
• Have healthy gums
• Are missing most or all of their teeth in their upper or lower arch (and are prepared to have any remaining teeth removed in order to have a denture)
• Are non-smokers. This is important because patients who smoke are at greater risk of periodontal disease – something which can put implants and implant-supported solutions at significant risk

If you are missing most or all of your teeth in your upper or lower arches and this is your first tooth replacement solution, or if you already have traditional dentures but are looking for a superior solution, implant dentures could be just what you are looking for. Contact your trusted Vero Beach Dentist at Vero Dental Spa today to learn more or to schedule an appointment to discuss your suitability for implant dentures.