Our Naperville dentist offers custom-crafted, high quality implant-supported dentures for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. This popular option is a hybrid of traditional (i.e., removable) dentures and dental implants, and can benefit both oral health and the appearance of the smile in a plethora of ways.
As one of the leading restorative dentists in the Chicago area, Dr. Newkirk uses only the best materials and most careful, thorough techniques to build implant dentures. Continue reading for more information about this innovative option!
- What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
- Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
- Implant-Supported Denture Process
- Implant-Supported Denture Longevity
- Implant-Supported Denture Cost
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures consist of a dental prosthetic that is anchored to the jawbone by strategically placed dental implants.* Implants are often called the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their ability to closely emulate teeth in both function and appearance. They can take the place of the teeth’s roots to provide a sturdy foundation for the dentures – not to mention enhance the smile and encourage jawbone stability.
Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
If you want the very best in dentures, we encourage you to consider implant-supported dentures. While removable dentures are still offered and continue to be the right solution for certain patients, their quality varies greatly. Some dentures are made entirely of cheap plastics that stain, wear, and break easily, whereas others are made of tougher and more stain-resistant materials.
With this in mind, patients generally find implant-supported dentures more effective, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing than traditional dentures. Modern dental technology has allowed dentists like Dr. Newkirk to build implant-supported dentures with the following advantages over their removable counterparts:
- A more precise fit. When traditional dentures do not fit properly, they can slip and come loose at embarrassing times. Implant-supported dentures, however, typically feel very secure, and many patients claim they feel like natural teeth. This can make eating, chewing, yawning, and even speaking considerably easier.
- Preserved chewing efficiency. Even well-fitting removable dentures will give you only about 50% of the chewing efficiency you are used to with your own natural teeth. Worse yet, this efficiency tends to decrease gradually due to ongoing bone resorption. If the dentures are stabilized with dental implants, most of your chewing efficiency should be preserved, as the use of implants can encourage jawbone strength.
- Excellent aesthetics. In addition to feeling indistinguishable from natural teeth, dental implants are created to look exactly like your teeth in shade and shape. At our practice, we use all-porcelain crowns to give implants a beautiful, lifelike shine.
- No need for messy pastes or adhesives.Traditional dentures are secured with a dental adhesive, which can be messy and inconvenient. Implant-supported dentures are anchored directly into the jawbone, removing this often frustrating step.
- Prevention of facial collapse. When all the teeth are gone, your body begins to dissolve away the bone that used to support those teeth, so that the minerals can be used elsewhere in the body. The presence of dental implants can prevent this resorption.
- Enhanced ability to enjoy food. By using dental implants, you can eliminate the necessity of covering the palate, allowing you to more thoroughly taste food.
- Easy maintenance and cleaning. Implant dentures eliminate the need for special cleaning solutions or overnight soaking, as is required with removable dentures. Regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, are typically sufficient.
- Long-term results. When placed by an experienced oral health professional, implant-supported dentures are durable and can last for many years, often making them a very cost-effective choice in the long run.
How Is the Implant-Supported Denture Process Performed?
Your implant-supported denture experience will begin with a thorough evaluation of your oral health. In order to be a good candidate for implant-supported dentures, you need to have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gum tissue. From there, Dr. Newkirk will embed the implants into your jawbone and allow them to fuse to the bone over the next three to six months (a process known as “osseointegration”). Using porcelain crowns and a state-of-the-art digital impression system, we will craft a set of dentures based on your teeth’s unique appearance. While the placement of the implants does involve a minor surgery, the procedure is considered minimally invasive.
How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?
Implant-supported dentures can last for decades – sometimes even a lifetime. That said, these advanced restorations are more likely to last longer if you choose a reputable dental professional for your care. Additionally, you must maintain good oral hygiene (i.e. brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and attending your exams and cleanings) to keep your implant dentures functioning optimally and looking great.
How Much Do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost?
At our Naperville office, pricing for implant-supported dentures can depend on:
- The number of teeth being replaced
- The number of implants being used to anchor the dentures
- The addition of other procedures (e.g. periodontal treatments, extractions, or bone grafting) into your care
- Postoperative medications or other necessities
In the interest of making the financial aspect of your visit straightforward and easy, we accept all major forms of payment. We also work with most dental insurances and will gladly speak with you about your benefits if you desire (please note, however, that not all plans will cover implant-supported dentures).
To learn more about this solution, contact our practice today!