If you are seeking a more permanent and stable option for your smile, it may benefit you to consider implant-supported dentures. In today’s blog your dental team in Overland Park and Prairie Village, KS, discusses your options for a more confident and permanent smile solution.
Traditional Dentures
Dentures are the traditional method for restoring function and esthetics to a smile after tooth loss. They are made of hard acrylic that mimics the gums and tooth-colored materials. You can remove them to cleanse the tissues and sleep. They stay in place with suction and denture bonding agents. Sometimes dentures can eventually be ill-fitting as the bone in the mouth resorbs over time. This may cause slippage when eating or speaking which can lead some to develop sores in the mouth or to avoid social gatherings. In this case, we can re-fit your dentures, or we can offer a more stable solution with implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are the gold standard for creating a stable and long-lasting smile. To create strength and a good foundation for the prosthetic, implants are placed into the jawbone. They are typically made of biocompatible titanium that will fuse with the jawbone and mimic your natural tooth roots. By doing this, your body continues to support the bone structures so that the resorption process stops. Since the bone remains in place you keep more of your natural facial structures and maintain your youthful appearance. These dentures cause less trouble for patients due to the strong anchors produced by the implants.
Caring For Your Prosthetics
Whether you have chosen a traditional denture or an implant-supported one, maintaining dental check-ups and cleaning is important. At a denture visit the dentist will inspect your prosthetic for cracks or any other signs of damage. They will also professionally clean the denture in a tartar and stain remover in their ultrasonic device. Most importantly, the dentist will also perform an oral cancer examination and check your tissues for signs of rubbing or other sores you may not feel or see.
Your check-up for an implant-supported denture will be similar. However, the dentist or hygienist will also inspect and clean the implants with special instruments that won’t scratch or damage them. Implants can get periodontal disease just like a normal tooth, so it is important to clean them just like regular teeth.
Schedule a Consultation Today
To learn more about restoring and renewing your smile with implant-supported dentures, give a call to your Overland Park and Prairie Village, KS prosthodontist, Dr. Stuart Dexter, DDS at (913)362-8200 and schedule an appointment.