For decades, dentures have been the most cost-effective way to replace large numbers of badly damaged or missing teeth. Today traditional dentures have their drawbacks, the most notable being that they lack the chewing strength of natural teeth (about 20% of your original biting force) and aren’t entirely stable, which can cause gum sores, make speech difficult, limit foods you can eat and make one feel self-conscious. Today, the closest replacement to natural teeth is fixed dental implants, a permanent solution that is not removable. While dental implants can be a relatively costly replacement option, particularly when you need to replace all your upper and/or lower teeth, it has priceless advantages. There are some people however who are not candidates for fixed dental implants, usually due to affordability and/or extensive bone loss. Thankfully, dental implant-retained dentures may still be an option that can help you regain both your beautiful smile AND the ability to chew and speak with confidence.

What Are Implant-Retained Snap On Dental Implant Dentures?

Implant-retained Snap On Dental Implant Dentures use the same technique as regular dental implants to anchor a full arch denture. The number of implants used varies depending upon the patient’s mouth and bone, but generally falls between 2 and 6 (usually fewer dental implants for a bottom denture and more dental implants for the top denture).

In some cases, patients will need bone grafting to build up the supporting bone structure. Patients without the ability to grow additional bone may still be able to take advantage of implant-supported dentures by using thinner dental implants, which require less bone for embedding. The final result is the same with a Snap On Dental Implant Denture that is removed daily for cleaning and maintenance.

Who Should Consider Dental Implant Snap On Dentures?

Existing, Traditional Denture Wearers

If you currently have a traditional denture, it may be time to consider dental implants to secure the denture in place. Without dental implants, dentures rely on the gums and underlying jaw bone for balance. The constant movement of the denture causes the bone to act as a “shock absorber,” which leads the bone to break down and the bone dissolves over time. This results in poor fitting dentures that move around, cause gum soreness, impede speech and prevent you from eating the foods you like. Often, by the time the denture no longer stays stable and needs replacing, the gums and bone are also in very poor shape, making it more difficult to place traditional dental implants. Using dental implants early on to secure your dentures protects the jaw bone from further deterioration, eliminates gum sores, improves speech and restores your ability to eat your favorite foods.

Several Broken and Decayed Teeth

While nothing can perfectly replace your natural teeth, dental implants are the next best thing. If you have multiple missing, broken, or decayed teeth, it may become more effective to remove all of the remaining teeth rather than try to fix them. Constant repairs and dental visits lead to frustration, anxiety and a feeling of hopelessness. A more comprehensive and permanent approach to dental decline can be to remove all of the teeth and replace them with dental implant-retained Snap On dental implant dentures.

Those Not Candidates for Dental Implants

If you have been told you are not a candidate for fixed dental implant teeth due to bone loss, you may still be a candidate for removable dental implant Snap On dentures using dental implants. Removable dental implant dentures provide better support for patients who have lost so much bone structure that their face now appears “sunken in” and collapsed. A dental implant Snap On denture allows you to regain your facial profile, providing a more youthful appearance and better function.

Advantages of Implant-Retained Snap On Dentures

Implant-retained Snap On dentures offer many advantages compared to traditional dentures, including:

• Maintaining jaw bone structure
• Improved denture stability
• Fewer sore spots than traditional dentures
• Better retention so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing moments like teeth falling out
• Increased chewing force
• Improved speech
• A more youthful appearance
• Easy to clean
• Eliminates messy denture adhesive
• Lower cost compared to permanent implant teeth

Thanks to advancements in today’s dental implant treatments, patients have more options for more permanent tooth restoration today than ever before. The days of being “stuck” with traditional dentures are a thing of the past. If you have questions or want more information regarding implant dentures, contact Dr. Bramanti, Fresno’s Dental Implant Expert.