Dentures

When considering fixed permanent dentures it is important to understand that this is normally done in a series of 2-3 phases.

In order for us to be able to give you as close to accurate information on your case it would be helpful if you could provide us with any of the following information on your dental situation.

• Any panoramic X-Rays
• A Treatment plan made by your dentist
• Do you currently wear dentures?
• Will you be having any teeth extracted before placing your denture?
• Do you suffer from bone loss or periodontal disease?
• What is your desired outcome for your treatment?

I will now go over the different options that you may have for your specific case.

Implant supported dentures are overdentures that are supported and attached to a dental implants. These dentures can either be snapped into, or screwed into your implants giving the wearer a more stable and natural feel for their dentures.

The advantage of implant supported dentures is that you will not have the problems and hassles that traditional dentures may cause, such as having to take them out when eating, worrying about them falling out when talking, or molestation from the denture rubbing against your gums.

Also with implant retained dentures there is no bothersome plastic covering your upper palate that can cause speech impediments, molestation and take away the taste of food. 

The dentures are constructed to fit the ridge of your jaw bones to give you a more real to natural look and feel.

Here is some information on the different types of dentures so that you can easier choose which may be the right choice for you.

Snap On Dentures

These dentures are by as many as 2-6 implants on the lower jaw and as many as 4-8 implants on the top. Depending on your specific case and the recommendations of your doctor.

Snap on dentures work on a ball and housing concept where the abutment fits into a housing unit on the denture. (or visa versa)

The advantage that a lot of people like is that they are able to take out and clean the denture themselves, avoiding the hassle of going to your dentist every time that you need to clean your dentures.

Patients also feel comfortable with the fact that there is no plastic covering the upper palate which can be a real bother.

The dentures are constructed of a hard acrylic base which which will give the natural appearance of your gum line, and a full set of teeth for esthetic and masticatory aspect.

It is said that snap on dentures are a great solution for people who have already have dentures but are looking for a more fixed solution. For someone about to extract your remaining teeth, a fixed bar retained denture may be more comfortable.

This is of course should be discussed with your dentist during your treatment plan.

Screw Retained Dentures

These dentures are by as many as 2-6 implants on the lower jaw and as many as 4-8 implants on the top. Depending on your specific case and the recommendations of your doctor.

These dentures are screwed into your implants by a dentist for a fixed solution.

Once the dentist has placed your denture and secured it with the screws the "screw holes" normally behind the teeth are filled with a dental resin in order to give you a nice esthetic look. This resin can be removed by a dentist for removal and cleaning of your denture.

Screw retained dentures provide maximum stability and support when biting and for comfort. 

As with snap on dentures, the denture is constructed using a hard acrylic that will give the appearance of your gum line. A full set of teeth will also be constructed to provide the esthetic value you are looking for. 

It is important to go into your dentist at least 2-3 times a month in order for him to remove and clean your dentures for you.

Fixed Hybrid Dentures 

These dentures are by as many as 2-6 implants on the lower jaw and as many as 4-8 implants on the top. Depending on your specific case and the recommendations of your doctor.

We are able to create these dentures in our lab using Cad/Cam technologies to provide a perfect fit for your dentures.

A titanium, or gold cast metal bar is made into the frame work for your denture. This bar will have access holes to be screwed into your implants for a secure fit.

Teeth are then masterly crafted and placed into the framework of the bar using a dental acrylic, to give a true to natural look to your smile. These teeth also have access holes in order for them to be screwed in. Once the denture is fitted the access holes will be covered with a dental resin to complete the masterpiece.

These dentures will also need to be taken out and cleaned by a dentist at lest 2-3 times a month.

Whichever set of dentures you decide will be best for your case, you will be getting a fixed solution to your dental problems. 

For more information on your specific case, consult further with your dentist.