Implant Retained Dentures in Buffalo, NY

Experienced Buffalo Dentists Providing Affordable Implant Retained Dentures and Partials

Implant retained dentures resemble the more typical removable dentures in appearance, but instead of resting on the gums in an unstable manner, they are instead fastened onto dental implants that are screwed into the jawbone.

Edentulism, the loss of one or more teeth, can be a difficult experience to endure. Not only is there a psychological toll that missing teeth and an incomplete smile can take, but there are physiological consequences that can manifest as well. When a tooth is lost, the onus of biting and chewing is placed on the remaining teeth to a greater degree, and if multiple teeth have fallen out, the teeth that are still present will have to work twice as hard to achieve the same effect of which a full mouth of teeth is capable. When one or several teeth happen to have been lost, avulsed (torn out by force), or edentated (extracted or removed) out of medical necessity, common options to replace the teeth include permanent fixes such as dental implants as well as more flexible devices like dental bridges. When most of the teeth or all the teeth of one jaw are missing, however, these options become less effective and more invasive. In addition, the more teeth that are lost, the thinner and more fragile the jawbone becomes, making any type of permanent tooth replacement harder to install and less helpful and durable after installation.

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Implant Retained Dentures in Buffalo, NYThe use of dentures is a classic and effective means of combatting the consequences of edentulism. Dentures can restore the appearance of a full, healthy smile and improve the functionality of the jaws. By regularly wearing dentures, the natural teeth are placed under less disproportionate strain, diction is improved, and malocclusion (poor bite) is reduced or eliminated. Removable dentures do have a few drawbacks, however; they must be fastened in place each day through the use of glue or a similar adhesive, and both eating and speaking can become uncomfortable if the dentures shift in position during mouth movements. Though these complications tend to develop more often in dentures glued to the mandible (the lower jaw), they are also possible effects of dentures affixed to the maxilla (the upper jaw). Further, this type of denture does little to slow or halt the breakdown of osseous (bony) tissues in the jawbone, which invariably follows edentulism. This may not be an issue for those who plan to wear dentures for the rest of their lives, but individuals who may want to consider switching to implants at a later date cannot afford to lose the integrity of their jawbones.

A more stable option for all but replacing missing teeth is through implant retained dentures. These dentures resemble the more typical removable dentures in appearance, but instead of resting on the gums in an unstable manner, they are instead fastened onto dental implants that are screwed into the jawbone. The titanium in the base of a dental implant is biocompatible, fusing easily with the bony tissue in the jawbone and thereby providing a fixed base for the dentures. The implants prevent much of the degradation and thinning of the jawbone, and the sturdiness of the dentures allows for easier speaking and chewing. Plus, just as with regular dentures, the natural smile is restored.

Before the implants for your implant-supported dentures can be placed, a dentist will have to examine the integrity of your mouth and jawbones. By taking an X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan, your dentist will be able to determine which sites would be the best capable of supporting dental implants. The thickness of the maxilla or mandible, the placement and size of the sinuses, and the location of the nerves are all factors that your dentist will be required to consider. Your dentist will make impressions of your mouth in order to plan the positioning of the dental implants, and you will wear temporary dentures until your next appointment. Two surgeries are required to successfully install the implants: the first entails screwing the implants into the jawbone and burying them under the gum, while the second involves uncovering the implants several months afterward and adding caps to the tops of the implants. Once the gums have healed after the second surgery, the caps are replaced with either ball or bar attachments, and another impression is made of the mouth in order to design the dentures. At last, the dentures are installed on top of the implants, and you may enjoy your newly restored smile.

FAQ About Implant Retained Dentures (Fixed Dentures)

What Are Implant Retained Dentures?

Dentures that are held together and in place by implants are implant retained dentures. They are like this because then the applied force from chewing and biting is then transferred to the gums. When you have an implant retained denture there are fewer implants used and sometimes mini implants can also be used.

How Much Do Implant Retained Dentures Cost?

The dentist you are seeing along with whatever area you are living in can drastically change the amount your retained dentures cost. When you are getting a custom set of complete dentures the cost ranges between $1,500 and $4,000, this is for the kind that are made out of porcelain.

How Many Implants Are Needed for Dentures?

This all depends on the person. There are a lot of different options for those who need dentures. Some people may only need two implants while others may need up to eight. The number of implants someone needs depends on a few factors such as the amount of bone that is available, the design of the prosthesis, the patient’s musculature and chewing system and which jaw is being treated.

Are Implants Better Than Dentures?

There isn’t a right or wrong answer to whether implants are better than dentures. This all depends on the person. Implants may be a better option for those who have issues with traditional dentures. Some people experience dentures not staying in place when doing their normal daily activities such as talking and eating. It is a good thing to remember that implants are not removable since they are fused to the bone when being placed.

Are Metal Dentures Better Than Plastic?

If you are a patient that no longer has any teeth left, then plastic dentures may be better for you than metal. If you do have some teeth left, you are going to want to look into metal dentures since they are a lot of advantages.  One big advantage is metal dentures are a lot less bulky than plastic ones.

Can I Get My Teeth Pulled and Dentures the Same Day?

This is possible with immediate dentures. When you get immediate dentures, you are able to walk out of the office with a full set of teeth within the same day. Immediate dentures may be the best option for you if you need to have your teeth extracted.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Wearing Dentures?

It takes about an average of a month to get used to wearing dentures. It is important to have patience within yourself during this time. It can be a challenge when you are learning to speak and eat again. If you have had tooth extractions this may make your mouth feel very sore. You will have soreness whether or not you had any teeth extracted. The pain and discomfort can last anywhere from two to four weeks.

Are Dentures Cheaper Than Implants?

Dentures do seem to be less expensive than implants, but you are better off investing in implants rather than spending less money on dentures. When you have dentures, you are decreasing the quality of your jawbone, dentures also feel unnatural and fake. Dental implants are also a long-lasting solution when dentures will eventually need to be relined or remade. Dentures also need to be removed regularly for cleaning when dental implants have easy cleaning and care.

 

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Contact Teach Dental Group today to learn about our implant retained dentures. Our experienced Buffalo dentists have been providing quality dental care to residents throughout Buffalo for over 40 years. Let us help put a smile on your face.

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