An Even Better Way to Enjoy a Complete Smile
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are a few different things that need to be considered—and while it’s easy to think about appearance first, the truth is, functionality is just as important. This is why implant dentures are often considered a superior form of tooth restoration; they combine all the best parts of dentures with the ingenuity of dental implants! If you’re ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michelsen to see if implant dentures are a suitable solution for restoring your smile, just contact our office in Orange today.
Why Choose Michelsen Dental for Implant Dentures?
- FREE Dental Implant Consultations
- Dental Implant Surgery Completed In-House
- Insurance Accepted & Financing Options
What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are secured directly to your jaw, unlike traditional dentures, which sit atop your gums and rely on suction, muscle control, and adhesives to remain stable. Instead, the dental implant posts fuse with your jaw tissue and form a strong bond, letting them become replacement tooth roots. From there, dentures are attached to the top the restore the visible portions of the teeth. There are two types of implant dentures: fixed and removable. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option better suits your needs.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
Sometimes called permanent implant dentures, many patients prefer this solution since their replacement teeth stay fixed in their mouth, only ever removed during dental appointments for maintenance. This option usually requires more implant posts, meaning that a patient also needs a certain amount of jawbone density.
Removable Implant Dentures
With removable implant dentures, the replacement teeth that rest atop the implant posts are fully removable, meaning that patients can easily clean and care for them. This option also requires fewer implant posts, meaning it’s ideal for patients who’ve suffered severe bone loss in their jaw.
The Implant Denture Process
Getting implant dentures normally requires a few key steps:
- Initial Consultation – Dr. Michelsen will need to meet with you to discuss your smile goals and note the extent of your tooth loss, as well as your current oral health.
- Implant Placement – The implants are placed at precise angles and locations, directly into your jaw tissue. Anywhere from four to eight posts can be used, depending on your needs.
- Osseointegration – The posts will need several months to fuse with your bone tissue, which is what ensures a stable bond for your replacement teeth.
- Delivery of Restoration – Once your posts are all set, you can return to receive your custom-made dentures, which attach to the top of the posts via connector pieces.
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Patients who are missing one or both arches of teeth are normally good candidates for implant dentures, but Dr. Michelsen will need to confirm a few other things first during your consultation. You’ll need to be in decent oral and overall health, since an oral surgical procedure is required. This also means you cannot have gum disease, since it poses a direct threat to the implant posts. Patients must also have a sufficient amount of remaining jawbone density to accommodate the implant posts. Luckily, treatments like periodontal therapy and bone grafting exist to ensure that a patient’s mouth is fully ready for implant dentures.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Implant dentures offer several advantages that traditional dentures simply cannot match, including:
- The implant posts prevent further bone loss in your jaw, which is something that traditional dentures cannot do since they don’t provide the same level of healthy stimulation.
- While patients with traditional dentures may struggle to bite or chew certain foods, those with implant dentures enjoy a greatly restored bite force.
- With the right care, including daily brushing, flossing, and routine preventive dentistry, implant dentures have the potential to last for decades or even a lifetime.
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