Implant-Supported Dentures in West Hartford

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Although similar in function to traditional dentures, implant overdentures are different because they’re attached to and supported by dental implants. These no-slip dentures are securely connected with special, snap-on attachments. As a result, you can eat and talk without worrying about the prosthetic slipping out of place.

Even though they’re securely attached, our affordable, high-quality implant-supported dentures are still removable. In fact, you’ll have to remove them daily for cleaning and while you sleep.

Denture implants are an ideal solution if you’re missing all your natural teeth but still have plenty of bone in your jaw to support implants. Most of the time, they’re made for the lower jaw since this is where traditional dentures are the least stable. However, our dentist can also provide implant overdentures for your upper jaw. You can discuss your options during a consultation at our office.

How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Function? What’s the Procedure?

There are two main types of implant dentures. Each one has a gum-colored acrylic base and needs at least two implants for support. You can choose from either acrylic or porcelain artificial teeth to match the shade and shape of your real teeth.

• Bar-retained dentures consist of two to five dental implants and a thin metal bar along the curve of your jaw. The bar, dentures, or both, are fitted with clips or another type of attachment device. Then, the dentures cover the bar and clip securely into place.
• Ball-retained implant-supported dentures consist of metal attachments on both the implants and dentures. The male, ball-shaped connectors on the dentures fit into the female sockets on the implants.

One of our skilled dentists can help you decide which type is best for you during a denture consultation. During this visit, the dentist will review your medical and dental history and take X-rays or perform other tests. The visual tests will allow us to determine the proper positioning for your implants and dentures. An impression of your teeth and gums will also be made so that the lab can create your custom dentures.

It usually takes two dental visits to complete the procedure for implant dentures. The first visit will involve putting the implants into place in your jawbone. Then, you’ll wait for your gums and jaw to heal before you return to us for a second surgery. During this next visit, the dentist will expose the tops of the implants so the dentures can be attached. Talk to our knowledgeable dentist to find out if you might be a candidate for receiving treatment in just one step.

How Much Do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost?

There’s no set price for implant-retained dentures. The amount that you’ll pay will depend on your dental insurance coverage. If you need a number of implants and extra follow-up visits, that will increase the overall cost of denture implants. Another factor is the denture material you choose, because acrylic costs less than porcelain. After your initial consultation, our dentist can give you an accurate cost estimate.

What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?

You have a lot to gain from choosing implant overdentures. For starters, they allow you to eat and talk with confidence. In fact, you’ll be able to once again enjoy the foods that you’ve been unable to eat. The only exceptions are sticky and hard foods that could damage your dentures. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the prosthetic moving around as you go about your day.

In addition, implant-supported dentures that are made for the upper jaw cover less of the roof of your mouth compared with traditional dentures. The reason is that they don’t rely on suction to stay in place. Instead, the connectors on the implants hold them in place. Learn more about these benefits when you talk to our dentist.

Are Implant-Supported Dentures Easy to Care For?

To keep your affordable quality implant-supported dentures looking good and working properly, you’ll need to clean them every morning and before bed each evening. This will prevent bacteria from growing on the dentures and in your mouth.

You can clean the prosthetic and attachments with a soft toothbrush, using gentle horizontal movements. It’s helpful to hold the brush at an angle along your gums. Our dentist may suggest that you get a proxabrush for a deeper clean. This special brush can reach around the tips of your dentures. Using a dental floss threader can also help you reach between tight areas.

Why Choose Implant-Supported Dentures Over Other Treatments?

Choosing denture implants over other dentures is wise if you want a more comfortable, long-term solution to restoring missing teeth. You may have a more confident smile, too, because the dentures typically look more natural. In addition, the implants can help to preserve your jawbone, which is an advantage over other treatments. Book an appointment now to get high-quality implant-supported dentures in West Hartford.