Removable dentures with implants and how they work

Everything you need to know about removable dentures with implants and how they can work for you

If you’re dealing with missing teeth, you know how difficult that can make biting, chewing and smiling. If you’ve spoken with your Aspen Dental dentist, they may have brought up an option called implant dentures—and it’s one of the most convenient smile solutions we offer. Implant dentures, or snap-in dentures, combine the ease of dentures with the stability of being anchored to dental implants.

But how do you know if you’re the right candidate for removable dentures with implants, and will they really restore your confidence again? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this guide. Keep reading because we’re going to cover:

• What removable dentures with implants are

• How removable dentures with implants work

• The benefits of removable dentures with implants

• The difference between removable dentures with implants and fixed denture implants

• Who is a candidate for removable dentures with implants

• How removable dentures with implants are installed

• Best ways to care for your removable dentures with implants

What are removable dentures with implants?

An explanation of what removable dentures with implants are

Removable dentures with implants (snap-in dentures) consist of customized dentures anchored to implants in your mouth. They are removable, which is why they are also referred to as snap-in dentures, because they snap into the implants.

These removable dentures with implants are a very popular option if you’re missing all or most of your teeth, and can be used on either your upper or lower jaw. Many patients who are using traditional dentures could benefit from speaking to their dentist about this tooth replacement option. If you’re currently using regular dentures, you know that sometimes they tend to move or shift throughout the day.

This can lead to anxiety over when your dentures may decide to slip, or worse, fall out of place. No one wants to have their dentures move around in their mouth, and if this is something you’ve been dealing with, it might be time to ask about removable dentures with implants.

How do removable dentures with implants work?

Removable dentures with implants and how they work

Removable dentures with implants have a variety of benefits.

Now that you know removable dentures with implants consist of dentures and implant anchors, it’s time to discuss how they work. First, it’s best to schedule a consultation with your Aspen Dental dentist to see if this is a good option for your unique smile. If they do, first you will come in and have the implants placed into your jaw. Depending on your needs, your dentist will determine how many titanium implants are necessary to support your removable dentures with.

Then you will need to allow the implants to heal and fuse with the bone of your jaw. In the meantime, your dentist will likely give you temporary dentures to wear. The fusing process can take 3-6 months based on location in the jaw. After, you will need to visit your dentist again so they can remove the temporary caps and fit your permanent dentures.

Your dentist will then go over how to care for your new removable dentures with implants so you feel confident putting them in and taking them out for cleaning.

Your new removable dentures with implants are now ready to go, and you can get back to living your life again. This type of tooth replacement option will allow you once again to feel confident when you’re smiling, speaking, and chewing. You’ll snap your dentures in each morning, and then you can feel free to get on with your day. At night, you’ll remove them so that you can clean the prosthesis as well as your mouth.

The benefits of removable dentures with implants

What are some of the major benefits of getting removable dentures with implants?

With removable dentures with implants, you’ll get back your smile and your confidence.

If you’re considering removable dentures with implants and think they may be the right solution to meet your dental needs, you’ll want to know more about their benefits.

Stable and secure

One of the many reasons you might want to consider removable dentures with implants is because they are very stable and secure. If you’ve ever used regular dentures, you know that they can move around in your mouth.

Traditional dentures that do not fit right are more likely to move and cause irritation to your gums. With removable dentures with implants, you won’t have to worry about them sliding around. This type of denture is securely snapped in place to the implants that are fused to your jaw bone.

Enjoy the foods you love

When you’re missing teeth, you may have problems enjoying the foods you love. When there are gaps in your teeth, it can be difficult to bite and chew properly. By choosing to replace your missing teeth with removable implant dentures, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods, like steak, again.

You’ll still want to speak with your dentist about what foods you should avoid or enjoy in moderation, but you may find that the list of foods you can enjoy with removable dentures with implants has grown.

Improved confidence

There’s nothing like being able to speak and smile with confidence. Not having a complete smile or worrying about how you look can have an impact on your emotional health and wellbeing. It’s important to be able to smile and speak with confidence, and you deserve to have that feeling back.

With removable dentures with implants, you’ll be back to speaking, smiling and laughing again. You also won’t have to worry about gaps in your teeth, or your regular dentures shifting around.

Fit

Because they are so stable, you’ll also find that removable dentures with implants fit better and are more comfortable than regular dentures. This is because they are secured by titanium implants that conform to your jawbone. Traditional dentures cannot offer the same sense of stability.

Aesthetics

Many patients who have had traditional dentures and have made the switch to removable dentures with implants have found that they have a more natural appearance when compared to traditional dentures. Your dentist will take digital scans and X-rays to ensure that your prosthetic dentures fit the shape of your mouth. Having customized removable dentures with implants will give you a smile that looks almost as natural as your real teeth.

Can aid in bone loss prevention

One of the major concerns with missing teeth is the potential for bone loss. Without a tooth for stimulation, the bone in your jaw can start to recede and your dentist may recommend a dental bone graft. Removable dentures with implants can help prevent additional bone loss because the implant is placed directly into your bone. Because the implant eventually meshes with the bone, it simulates a natural tooth, and stimulates the jaw preventing bone loss.

Are there any disadvantages to removable dentures with implants?

When you’re thinking about removable dentures with implants, you may be wondering what some of the disadvantages might be. Because everyone’s situation is different, make sure you speak to your dentist about any additional questions or concerns you may have.

• Removable dentures with implants requires oral surgery. You’ll need to speak with your dentist to make sure you qualify for this type of oral surgery. If your jawbone lacks the appropriate amount of available bone, they may recommend a preliminary bone graft treatment. These types of dentures are more of an investment than other tooth replacement options such as traditional dentures.

• Your removable dentures with implants require proper care and maintenance in order to keep them in the best possible shape.

• Your dentist may eventually need to make adjustments or replacements.

How are removable dentures with implants installed?

The removable dentures with implant procedure

The removable dentures with implant procedure is fairly straightforward. After speaking with your dentist, they’ll develop a customized plan made just for you. However, you can expect the removable dentures with implant procedure to go as follows:

1. Consultation

Here you will speak with your dentist and develop a plan for getting your removable dentures with implants. They will take digital images of your mouth and may also take X-rays. At this appointment you’ll also discuss with them if you need any additional teeth removed before you get your denture implants.

2. Implant surgery

The next step is to have the implants placed in your jawbone. This surgery requires anesthesia, and will be completed in your dentist’s office. Depending on your needs, your dentist can insert two to four titanium screws. Your dentist will give you temporary crowns to place in your mouth as your implants start to heal.

3. Healing period

After your implants are in place, they will need some time to heal and conform to the bone. Because everyone is different, this can take anywhere from two to six months to ensure the implant has properly fused to the bone. This is where the removable dentures with implants get their strength and stability.

4. Second surgery for extensions (only if needed)

Depending on the customized plan your dentist develops, you may need a second surgical visit to attach the extensions that will hold your dentures in place. This is not required for every patient, and your implants may have been put in with these extensions already attached.

5. Attachment of dentures

Once your implants are healed and have meshed with the bone, you’ll need another visit to your dentist. Here they will have the removable dentures with implants ready and will attach them to the implants. To make sure they fit well, and you are comfortable in them, your dentist may need to adjust them.

How to care for your removable dentures with implants

What is the best way to care for your removable dentures with implants?

Now that your removable dentures with implants are attached and your dentist has shown you how to insert them and remove them, it’s time to learn how to clean them. When they are properly cared for, your removable dentures with implants can last for years.

Here are a few tips when caring for your implant dentures:

Remove your dentures.

When it’s time to go to bed, you’ll need to remove your dentures from the implants. This may take some time to get used to, but it’s important to remember when taking out and putting in your dentures, do not force it. As you do it more, you’ll get used to knowing what it feels like when the denture is properly attached, and what it feels like to properly remove it.

Brush regularly.

Once the dentures are out of your mouth, it’s time to brush them with a denture brush and soap and water. Then it’s time to clean the parts of the implants where they attach. Make sure to remove any food particles or debris that have accumulated.

Store.

Your removable dentures with implants should be stored in water. Your dentist may also recommend occasionally adding denture cleaning tablets to this step.

Clean your mouth.

Each night you should also clean your mouth once your dentures are removed. You can use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your gums, the roof of your mouth, cheeks, and tongue.

Remember, it’s important that you do not sleep in your removable dentures with implants.

If you think that removable dentures with implants are right for you, schedule a time to speak to your dentist today.‍

Your welcome starts here

Your new patient visit at Aspen Dental is our most important appointment together.



Book your first visit