Implant-Supported Dentures

Millions of American adults are missing at least one tooth, with many of them missing most or all of their natural teeth. This can have a major impact on both oral and overall health. Therefore, it's important to address missing teeth early, so that you can avoid these issues.

For many years, conventional dentures were the primary treatment option. However, while effective, there are many disadvantages to this option. Dental implants became the "gold standard" of tooth replacement because it looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. However, this option is expensive, especially when you must replace multiple teeth.

There is a hybrid option that combines the stability of dental implants with the affordability of dentures: implant-supported dentures. This option allows you to replace an entire arch of missing teeth with as little as 2 dental implants.

The team at Amores Dental is happy to discuss your options with you. We offer implant-supported dentures as well as other options for tooth replacement. In this article we'll explain what you can expect with implant-supported dentures.

Reasons to Address Missing Teeth

If you are among the 75% of Americans that are missing a tooth, it's important to address it as soon as possible. Even missing just one tooth can cause a variety of oral and overall health issues, including:

• Difficulties speaking/eating
• Shifting of neighboring teeth
• Misaligned teeth/irregular bite
• Jawbone deterioration
• Additional tooth loss
• Gum disease
• Self-consciousness over appearance
• Damage to remaining teeth

Implant Dentures vs Traditional Dentures

Conventional dentures are the most affordable solution for missing teeth. However, they simply sit on top of your gums. This means they slip and slide around, which can cause problems eating and speaking. They put pressure on your gums and sliding around can cause friction sores.

Implant dentures combine the affordability of conventional dentures with the stability of dental implants.

What are implant dentures?

Implant dentures are a hybrid solution that uses 2 to 8 implants to secure an entire arch of missing teeth in place. The implants stimulate the jawbone, keeping it from deteriorating, which prevents bone loss, facial changes, and additional tooth loss. In addition, the implants hold the overdenture in place so it doesn't slip and slide around in the mouth.

Types of Implant Dentures

There are two types of implant dentures:

• Implant-supported dentures
• Implant-retained dentures

Implant-supported dentures are permanent. The overdenture is held in place with 4 to 8 dental implants. Only the dentist can remove the overdenture for exams and cleanings.

Implant-retained dentures are removable. The overdenture is held in place with 2 to 4 dental implants. You must treat the overdenture like conventional dentures, removing it at night for cleaning.

Implant dentures may be bar-retained or ball-retained.

Bar-retained dentures use a bar fixed to the implants for the overdenture to clip onto and ball-retained implants have balls on the ends of the implants and sockets on the overdenture for the balls to clip into.

Benefits of Implant-supported dentures

There are several benefits of implant-supported dentures over conventional dentures, including:

Increased stability

Conventional dentures sit on your gums. Even if you use denture adhesive, they may slip around in your mouth. This can make it difficult to eat and speak and increases your risk of the dentures falling out. However, implant-supported dentures use dental implants to secure the overdenture in place, preventing these issues.

Supports jawbone health

When you are missing one or more teeth, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate in that area, eventually spreading to the rest. This leads to a variety of issues including additional tooth loss, facial sagging, gum disease, and more. Dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone, replacing that stimulation and keeping the jawbone healthy.

Improved quality of life

There are many complications that are associated with missing one or more teeth, which can have a major impact on your quality of life. However, by replacing your missing teeth with implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy life and improved confidence when eating, speaking, and laughing.

Cost of Implant-supported dentures

The cost of implant-supported dentures ranges from a low of around $6,000 to a high of around $8,00. This depends on several factors, including the type and number of implants, the location of the dentist, the type and quality of the overdenture, and the experience and expertise of the dentist.

Schedule Your Consultation at Amores Dental Today

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, schedule your consultation with the team at Amores Dental today. We will perform a full exam, including x-rays, to determine if you qualify for implant-supported dentures. We have two locations in Miami to serve you: Palmetto Bay and Dadeland.

Our Dadeland office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and our Palmetto Bay office is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Denture Implants FAQs

If you have any questions or concerns about denture implants, we have a team of qualified dentists that can address them with you. We strive to ensure that our patients understand and are comfortable with their treatment choices. Below, we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions.

How much do snap-in denture implants cost?

The base cost of snap-in dentures ranges between $6,000 to $8,000. This depends on several factors, including the quality of the denture, the type and number of implants, the location of the dentist, the experience/expertise of the dentist, and any additional procedures required.

Can you get dental implants after having dentures?

Yes, you can get dental implants after having dentures, as long as you have adequate jawbone density or can undergo bone grafting to build up your jawbone.

Are snap-in dentures covered by insurance?

Many dental and health insurance providers classify dental implants as a cosmetic procedure. This means that many will not cover all of the costs of snap-in dentures. However, our office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have insurance or your coverage is insufficient, we can explain our financing options.

How long do Implant-supported dentures last?

The implants themselves typically last a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. The overdenture may need to be replaced after about 15 to 20 years, depending on how well it is cared for.