An implant-supported denture is a specific type of over-denture that is fortified by being attached to dental implants. This provides a more stable and functional alternative to regular dentures, which only rest on the gums.
An implant-supported denture is optimal for a person who although missing teeth has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. This is especially true for those who have been using partial or full dentures for some time. An implant-supported denture has specialized attachments that snap onto specific attachments on the implants.
Implant-supported dentures are usually made for the lower jaw. This is because regular dentures tend to be less stable and functional there. That being said, you can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw depending on your needs and bone levels.
There are two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. In both cases, the denture will be made of an acrylic base that will look like your natural gums. Porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth are then attached to the base. Both types of dentures need at least two implants for support.
Bar-retained dentures — A thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jaw is attached to two to five implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Clips or other types of attachments are fitted to the bar, the denture or both. The denture fits over the bar and is securely clipped into place by the attachments.
Ball-retained dentures (stud-attachment dentures) — Each implant in the jawbone holds a metal attachment that fits into another attachment on the denture. In most cases, the attachments on the implants are ball-shaped ("male" attachments), and they fit into sockets ("female" attachments) on the denture. In some cases, the denture holds the male attachments and the implants hold the female ones.
Implant supported dentures are like regular dentures in most ways. You should remove them daily to clean the denture and gum area. Just as with regular dentures, you should avoid sleeping with the implant-supported dentures at night. One of our highly skilled and experienced dentists will consider your particular needs and preferences when suggesting fixed or removable options.
