When you lose a tooth or teeth, you want to find the best option for replacement. Dentures have been around for a long time. Veneers can help when chipped teeth, but don’t offer much help when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are another option. There is also the choice for implant supported dentures. Learning what these are and how they work could help you find the best possible option of your oral health.
How They Differ
Dentures are custom fit replacement teeth. They are typically made out of an acrylic material. The dentures fit the patient’s mouth and sit on the gums. The wearer removes the dentures to clean them and to give their gums a break every day.
Implant supported dentures are still custom made, but instead of sitting on the gums, they attach to implants in the jaw bone. Because they are attached to implants, they are more secure than traditional dentures. They still require the person to remove the dentures and clean them every day.
There are two types of implant supported dentures:
| • | Bar retained – A small bar follows the shape of the jaw. The bar attaches to between 2 to 5 implants and has clips on it that the dentures can attach to. |
| • | Ball retained – The implants have a ball that attaches to the denture. |
When They are an Option
Implant supported options offer many benefits, but they are not for everyone. For them to work, implants are put into the jaw. If there is not enough bone in the jaw for the implants, it is not possible to attach the dentures in this way. They also only work for a full set of either the bottom or the top teeth. They are most commonly used fo0r the lower teeth that need the extra support that implant supported dentures offer.
For more information about your oral health options, contact the professionals at our offices.
Merritt Island