For existing denture-wearers, an implant-retained denture can feel and function more like real teeth, without the stress of coming loose.
At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we’ve been restoring smiles with dental implants since 2009. When it comes to implant-retained dentures, you’re in good hands.
An implant-retained denture (an overdenture) is a full denture that is stabilised on two or more dental implants.
Like a full denture, it’s removable, but instead of relying on suction to stay in place, it clips on and off special abutments that connect to dental implants.
First, dental implants are carefully placed into the jaw bone and left to heal for three to six months. Once the mouth has healed around the dental implants, an abutment is placed on each implant and the denture is re-modelled to clip on and off the abutments. Finally, the denture is fitted and adjusted for comfort.
Implant-retained dentures offer improved comfort, stability and retention compared to full suction dentures that inevitably become loose over time. In fact, an implant-retained denture offers many benefits over full dentures and for existing denture wearers who have gone without teeth for some time, they may offer more lip support than full mouth implant bridges.
Two types of attachments are used for dentures, ball attachments and bar attachments. Your dentist may recommend one option over the other depending on the location of the denture (upper arch or lower arch) number of implants and your desired retention.
Dentures can be supported by one, two or more dental implants, depending on jaw bone quality and the desired retention. A denture retained by one or two dental implants will still experience some movement but will offer more stability than full dentures can.
During your consultation, we check your medical history, examine your mouth, take diagnostic radiographs and determine your suitability for dental implants. We’ll also provide a treatment plan cost and payment plan options.
This pre-planning stage involves attending a number of visits to custom make a high-quality and well-fitting denture.
On the day of your surgery, we begin by removing unwanted teeth and then carefully placing dental implants into the jawbone. Your dentist stitches the gums closed so they can heal. Your mouth heals over a period of 3 to 6 months and during this time, you’ll wear a full denture.
Between one to two weeks after surgery, we remove any stiches, adjust your denture for comfort and apply a soft gel to line the denture to avoid putting pressure on the dental implants.
Between three and six months after surgery, we carefully expose the dental implants and place titanium healing caps in preparation for denture abutments.
After your gums have healed, we replace the healing caps with denture abutments and take new impressions to convert your existing denture or custom design your new denture.
During your visit, we fit your new denture and check that it is securely attached, making any adjustments to ensure there are no pressure spots. We also explain how to care for your new denture and show you how to clean around the dental implants.
The plastic caps within the denture may wear out over time and typically need to be replaced. We review your implants and dentures every six to 12 months and can replace your plastic caps if required. We also take x-rays every two or three years to monitor the bone levels around your implants.
Implant-retained denture and full mouth implants may be suitable solutions for replacing all missing teeth. Full mouth implants are fixed to the jaw bone and can only be removed by a dentist, while implant-retained dentures clip on and off easily like conventional dentures.
If you’re weighing up the two treatment options, here’s what you need to know:
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*This option is based on an upper-retained denture on four dental implants.
Compare the pros and cons to each treatment option in our blog Dentures vs Implant-Retained Dentures vs Full Mouth Implant Bridges.
To learn more about implant-retained dentures or to book a consultation with Dr Norcross, call 1300 108 133 to book at our Kelmscott, Mount Lawley or East Vic Park clinic.
All of our dental implant solutions are tailor made & crafted to ensure they not only work in harmony with your smile but also complement your facial structure.
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