If you suffer from oral health problems, dentures can help to improve your quality of life and provide you with a sense of normalcy. The only catch is that dentures need to be replaced periodically, which can get expensive. However, implants can also be used to attach your false teeth: they hold the dentures securely in place so they feel more stable. Implant-supported dentures require less care than traditional dentures and might not need replacements as often as you would without them.
Implants support your dentures by;
1) Increasing retention of the dentures
This is what keeps the dentures in place. The implant holds the denture in place, supporting your teeth and holding them together. Your prosthesis is bonded to the natural structures of your jaw and mouth, so there is less chance that you will dislodge it.
2) Increasing aesthetic continuity
The center part of a denture is known as the “peg” because it is attached by a metal fitting that looks like a giant needle, called a “peg” or “filling.” Without implants, a peg can make your dentures look unformed and unconvincing; however, the center of dentures looks more like natural teeth. The implant will bond to surrounding structures in your jaw, making them less “open” and more like natural teeth.
3) Decreasing movement
If you wear a denture not supported by an implant, it is likely to move around. To move your dentures, you need to adjust their position on your teeth with a bit of tooth movement. This can lead to the denture slipping and becoming dislodged. However, with implants, there is only a small amount of tooth movement necessary to fix the position of your dentures.
4) Decreasing complexity
Often there is an increase in the number of features and attachments you need to make your set more aesthetically appealing, confident, less obvious, and comfortable. The need for these attachments can increase complexity and perhaps make your dentures more uncomfortable to wear. However, implants can be placed directly into your jaw not to protrude as comparable implant-supported dentures do. This can reduce the need for additional attachments to secure the false teeth.
5) Limiting malocclusions
Dentures are commonly used to correct malocclusions such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. When your teeth are misaligned, it can result in other issues like teeth falling out or gum disease. However, implants help align your jaw and teeth so that maloccluded teeth can be restored. This is ideal for patients who need orthognathic surgery or whose denture alignment does not align with the rest of the face.
6) Facilitating improved oral health
It is no surprise that using dentures can decrease your oral health. Using dentures can expose the root surface of your teeth to plaque, bacteria, and other materials you might not otherwise be exposed to. This can lead to periodontal disease and even tooth loss. Implants eliminate this risk, keeping your teeth healthy by providing a fixed abutment that does not require movement of the jaw to hold it in place.
7) Minimizing the risk of nerve damage
Some of your natural teeth are sensitive and can be easily damaged by the sharp edges in conventional dentures. However, implants can be placed directly into your jaw, so there is no need for an incorrect fit to cause damage.
8) Increasing comfort
You can eat and drink more easily with an implant-supported denture than you can with a conventional denture. You will move around more freely, which often increases your quality of life.
9) Improving the aesthetic appearance of your denture
Implants are a good way to improve the aesthetic appearance of your denture. It can look more natural and can give you a more confident smile. But implants don’t only make your dentures look more pleasing; they also improve their stability and comfort, which could help to reduce irritation and discomfort that might occur due to movements within your mouth.
Like all dental procedures, the cost of implant-supported dentures will vary depending on how much your dentures need to be replaced and how advanced your dental problems are. However, because implants can limit the number of adjustments you need to make to keep your false teeth attached, they may save you money in the long run.
In addition to saving money on replacements, getting the one day implants can provide a more stable denture that requires less maintenance than traditional dentures. All in all, implants can be an excellent option for restoring the health of your teeth and increasing your confidence.