“Are implant dentures worth it?”
I want to get implant dentures. Are implant dentures worth it?
2 Answers
Yes, implant dentures are generally considered a worthwhile investment for many patients, especially those seeking a stable, comfortable, and long-lasting solution for multiple missing teeth. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, provides implant-supported dentures as an effective alternative to traditional dentures, offering several significant advantages in terms of comfort, function, and aesthetics.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
1. Stability and Comfort
Implant-supported dentures are securely anchored to dental implants, eliminating common issues with traditional dentures, such as slipping, shifting, or discomfort. This stability allows you to eat, speak, and smile confidently, without worrying about the dentures moving out of place.
2. Improved Chewing Ability
Since implant dentures are firmly fixed in place, they provide a much stronger bite force compared to traditional dentures. This allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, including those that might be difficult to eat with regular dentures, like crunchy or chewy items.
3. Bone Preservation
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss, which is a common issue with missing teeth. This bone preservation supports facial structure and reduces the risk of a “sunken” facial appearance over time, a concern with traditional dentures.
4. Natural Appearance
Implant dentures are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The dentures are custom-made to match your facial structure, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing result that enhances your smile.
5. Long-Term Durability
With proper care, implant-supported dentures are a long-lasting solution, often lasting decades. The implant posts themselves can last a lifetime, and while the denture portion may need occasional adjustments or replacement, this is usually after many years of use.
Types of Implant Dentures
• Fixed (Permanent) Implant Dentures: Often known as “All-on-4” or “All-on-6” dentures, these are permanently attached to implants and cannot be removed by the patient. They provide the most natural feel and function and require minimal maintenance.
• Removable Implant Overdentures: These dentures attach to implants with specialized attachments (like snaps or bars) and can be removed for cleaning. They offer stability but allow more flexibility than fixed options.
Considerations for Implant Dentures
1. Initial Investment
Implant-supported dentures typically involve a higher upfront cost compared to traditional dentures due to the surgical placement of implants. However, they are often more cost-effective over the long term, as they require fewer adjustments and replacements.
2. Healing and Integration Time
After implant placement, there is a healing period (typically 3-6 months) for the implants to integrate with the bone. Dr. Egan may provide a temporary denture during this time, and the final implant denture will be placed once healing is complete.
3. Oral Hygiene Commitment
Maintaining implant dentures requires good oral hygiene to keep the surrounding gum tissue and implants healthy. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups are essential to maximize the longevity of your implant dentures.
Are Implant Dentures Worth It?
For most patients, the advantages of implant dentures—improved comfort, stability, bone health, and quality of life—make them a worthwhile investment. They provide a permanent, secure solution that feels more natural and restores confidence in speaking and eating.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan will evaluate your unique needs and oral health to determine if implant dentures are the best option for you. With the right care and expert placement, implant dentures can offer a life-changing improvement to your oral function and appearance.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
1. Stability and Comfort
Implant-supported dentures are securely anchored to dental implants, eliminating common issues with traditional dentures, such as slipping, shifting, or discomfort. This stability allows you to eat, speak, and smile confidently, without worrying about the dentures moving out of place.
2. Improved Chewing Ability
Since implant dentures are firmly fixed in place, they provide a much stronger bite force compared to traditional dentures. This allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, including those that might be difficult to eat with regular dentures, like crunchy or chewy items.
3. Bone Preservation
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss, which is a common issue with missing teeth. This bone preservation supports facial structure and reduces the risk of a “sunken” facial appearance over time, a concern with traditional dentures.
4. Natural Appearance
Implant dentures are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The dentures are custom-made to match your facial structure, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing result that enhances your smile.
5. Long-Term Durability
With proper care, implant-supported dentures are a long-lasting solution, often lasting decades. The implant posts themselves can last a lifetime, and while the denture portion may need occasional adjustments or replacement, this is usually after many years of use.
Types of Implant Dentures
• Fixed (Permanent) Implant Dentures: Often known as “All-on-4” or “All-on-6” dentures, these are permanently attached to implants and cannot be removed by the patient. They provide the most natural feel and function and require minimal maintenance.
• Removable Implant Overdentures: These dentures attach to implants with specialized attachments (like snaps or bars) and can be removed for cleaning. They offer stability but allow more flexibility than fixed options.
Considerations for Implant Dentures
1. Initial Investment
Implant-supported dentures typically involve a higher upfront cost compared to traditional dentures due to the surgical placement of implants. However, they are often more cost-effective over the long term, as they require fewer adjustments and replacements.
2. Healing and Integration Time
After implant placement, there is a healing period (typically 3-6 months) for the implants to integrate with the bone. Dr. Egan may provide a temporary denture during this time, and the final implant denture will be placed once healing is complete.
3. Oral Hygiene Commitment
Maintaining implant dentures requires good oral hygiene to keep the surrounding gum tissue and implants healthy. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups are essential to maximize the longevity of your implant dentures.
Are Implant Dentures Worth It?
For most patients, the advantages of implant dentures—improved comfort, stability, bone health, and quality of life—make them a worthwhile investment. They provide a permanent, secure solution that feels more natural and restores confidence in speaking and eating.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan will evaluate your unique needs and oral health to determine if implant dentures are the best option for you. With the right care and expert placement, implant dentures can offer a life-changing improvement to your oral function and appearance.
Jodi Danna
Dentist
It depends on what you are wanting to out of them. If you do not want maintenance or think that an implant supported denture is maintenance free that is incorrect. The procedure has helped so many people but it is a process and please go to someone reputable so that they may obtain all of the pros and cons that are individual to you personally.
