Both dentures and dental implants have benefits when coping with missing teeth. Using both together, however, can mean the best of both worlds for some. Read on to find out more about dentures supported by implants. 

Why Are Missing Teeth Bad?

Implants provide a stable and long-lasting option for those with spaces instead of teeth. Filling in those gaps is important and not only because it's more attractive. Missing teeth can degrade the overall health of the mouth in several ways:

  1. Your jawbone can weaken when no tooth is present above it.
  2. Teeth on either side of a gap can drift and loosen, opening the door for decay and gum disease.
  3. People with missing teeth in front are often embarrassed and uncomfortable in social situations.
  4. The ability to properly chew food can lead to indigestion and other problems.

Unfortunately, a full set of implants can be expensive not to mention the extensive length of time it would take to implant a full set. Dentures, while more affordable, can make it difficult to chew certain foods, inhibit taste, and require messy adhesives to stay in place.

Implant-Supported Dentures

With this method, several implants are put in place and then a set of dentures are created to fit around the implanted teeth. Wearers can still remove the denture part for cleaning, but the dentures are more firmly anchored, so no denture adhesive is necessary. Here is what else dental patients should know about this hybrid denture implant method:

  • Dentures and implants both help preserve the gums and the underlying bone structure because even faux teeth are interpreted by your body as teeth that need support.
  • The stability afforded by the implants gives the wearer confidence while eating and speaking to others in social situations since the denture is held more firmly in place due to the implants.
  • Some full denture wearers can have problems speaking but the added implant improves their speech considerably since there is no slipping.
  • In most cases, at least four to six or more implants are required for stability before the dentures are fitted but it can also be done with as little as two implants. It all depends on your unique dental situation. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and advise you on how many implants you should have but generally, the more implants you have the better the result. Implants last many years, but the denture part may need adjustments and repairs from time to time.
  • You must have good jawbone strength for the implants to bond with. If you don't, a simple outpatient procedure (bone grafting) might help.

Speak to your dentist to find out more about dental implants.

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