A beautiful smile can significantly improve your confidence and quality of life. However, dental problems like missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can not only lower your confidence but also make simple life sustaining activities like eating and speaking difficult. Fortunately, advances in dental technology offer solutions, one of which is dental implant supported, or snap-on, dentures. At Christensen Dental, we understand the importance of a confident smile and aim to educate our patients about these transformative dental prosthetics.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of dental implants and dentures, covering what they are, how they work, the ideal candidate, and the top six advantages they offer our patients.
Understanding Implant Supported Dentures
Snap-on dentures, also known as overdentures or implant-supported dentures, are removable dentures designed to replace missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, which rely solely on suction or adhesive for stability, snap-on dentures are anchored securely onto dental implants that are placed below the gum line by Dr. Ashley Christensen.
Implant supported dentures have two components:
Denture Base: Similar to conventional dentures, the base of snap-on dentures is made of acrylic or other durable materials custom-designed to fit the patient's mouth. This is the pink part of dentures made to look like natural oral tissue, and acrylic teeth.
Implant Attachments: Dental implants, made of durable titanium, are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as sturdy anchors for the denture. The implant is placed below the gum line and then allowed to heal for a period of four to six months. This healing time allows the implant to integrate with the jawbone and provide a sturdy base for the abutments. Abutments are attached to the implant and snap into the denture.
How Do Implant Dentures Work?
The procedure for snap-on dentures generally involves several stages:
Consultation and Evaluation: A thorough examination is conducted by our Henderson dentists to determine the patient's suitability for snap-on dentures. This includes assessing oral health, bone density, and discussing the patient's expectations.
Implant Placement: Dental implants are placed into the jawbone during a surgical procedure performed in our Henderson office by Dr. Ashley Christensen. Healing time is necessary to allow the dental implants to fuse with the bone (osseointegration), ensuring a strong foundation for the dentures. This healing process typically takes four to six months.
Customization and Fitting: Impressions of the patient's mouth are taken to create custom dentures that fit comfortably and securely. Patients see a mockup of the dentures in wax, so that they have a complete picture of what the final denture will look like. This also gives the patient and our Henderson dentists the opportunity to discuss any changes to the shade and/or shape of the teeth before the final denture is made in the lab. Once complete, the dentures are then attached to the dental implants through specialized connectors.
Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups at Christensen Dental are essential to monitor the healing process, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure the dentures function optimally.
Ideal Candidates for Implant Supported Dentures
Snap-on dentures are an excellent option for individuals who:
Are Missing Multiple Teeth: Whether due to injury, decay, or other dental issues, those missing multiple teeth can benefit from snap-on dentures as a replacement solution. Replacing multiple teeth this way, rather than with individual implants and crowns, will often be less expensive.
Seek Enhanced Stability: If you are frustrated with the instability of traditional dentures, snap -on dentures are a wonderful option. This is especially true if you have a lower denture that moves around when you speak or eat. The bottom of your mouth and tongue are soft and mobile for the purpose of mastication and speaking, but it can be frustrating to adapt to lower dentures when speaking or eating. Snap-on dentures are a more secure alternative for patients with a lower denture.
Have Good Oral Health: Excellent oral health and a healthy jawbone are prerequisites for successful implant placement. However, bone grafting procedures can sometimes be performed to improve the likelihood that an implant placement will be successful. Our Henderson dentists will evaluate your bone level before placing implants and keep you informed if you are a candidate for snap-on dentures.
Desire Improved Functionality: Snap-on dentures allow for better chewing and speaking capabilities compared to traditional dentures, enhancing overall functionality. As mentioned above, lower dentures especially move quite a bit when you speak or eat. Adapting to this while learning to use your lower denture can be done but can often be frustrating for patients. Snap-on dentures eliminate that annoyance.
Want Aesthetic Improvement: Beyond functionality, these dentures offer a natural-looking smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem. During the process, we will work with you each step of the way to select a tooth shade and shape that is appropriate for your face shape, structure, and personal preference.
Snap-on dentures offered at Christensen Dental provide a transformative solution for patients seeking reliable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement options. With their numerous advantages, these dentures not only restore functionality but also boost confidence and improve overall quality of life.
If you're considering dental implants for dentures as a solution to missing teeth or unstable traditional dentures, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
Contact Christensen Dental today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards regaining your smile and confidence.
