If you’re struggling with multiple missing teeth, dentures can seem an obvious solution. But while they have many benefits – such as restoring your smile and appearance – traditional dentures also have drawbacks. Now, technology has evolved to tackle many of these issues, with implant-supported dentures providing a strong alternative.
A solution for missing teeth
For those with tooth loss, dentures are a longstanding option. In fact, for decades, they’ve been the go-to solution. Traditionally, they consisted of a baseplate supporting false teeth, which could be removed at will. Today, advances in technology have improved the experience of wearing dentures; they can now be fixed or removable, with better staying power and a more lightweight design. These modern alternatives avoid many of the drawbacks of old-fashioned dentures, such as movement, discomfort, and embarrassment.
However, for ultimate stability and comfort, we recommend implant-secured dentures. These use “anchor” implants to fix your dentures in place, making them an attractive long-term solution.
Why implants create a positive impact
Using implants to support your dentures means we can help you avoid issues with loose and painful prosthetics. Because these custom-made dentures are secured with implants, they remain firmly in place; allowing you to eat, smile and talk normally, without worrying about slips or shifts.
They’re also longer-lasting than traditional dentures, which eventually become loose and have to be replaced. This is because over time, wearing dentures can cause the supporting tissues in your jaw to degrade. Eventually, the gum reduces in quality and bulk, leading to the need for a new set of dentures.
Because of the way they’re worn, dentures can also have a negative effect on your neighbouring jaw tissues and teeth, leading to later tooth loss. In comparison, implant-supported dentures help to stimulate and retain your jawbone, without the need to hook onto neighbouring teeth.
How they work
Implant-secured dentures use small titanium screws, inserted within the jaw, to fix a denture or bridge in place. This is a very straightforward procedure, but if you’re a nervous patient, it can be carried out under conscious sedation to make you feel more at ease.
Following surgery, the implant screws will naturally fuse with your jawbone tissue, in a process known as osseointegration. When this has taken place, the screw will be firmly fixed in place. From here, we can build a bespoke set of dentures, designed to the exact shape of your mouth. Often, these are full dentures, but if you still have natural teeth in place, we can create a partial denture that will fill the gaps around them. These dentures can then be placed or removed as you choose.
Easy to wear, easy to clean
With proper care, implant-secured dentures can last as long as natural teeth. An important advantage is that they make good oral health easy; you can simply remove the denture, and brush and floss around the implant.
Patients also find that dentures supported by implants have a marked effect on their self-confidence. In a matter of months, you can replace missing teeth and feel the benefits of a full, healthy smile. And, because our dentures are constructed to complement your facial profile, they help restore the shape and appearance you may have lost with missing teeth or bone.
Implant-supported dentures in Bristol
At The Bristol Dental Practice, we have extensive experience in placing dental implants. Your treatment will be led by our Principal Dentist, Dr Jonathan Cochrane, who has a special interest in dental implantology.
We’ve seen first-hand how life-changing this treatment can be, giving patients restored comfort and confidence in less than six months. If you’re unsure about committing to the cost of full dental implants, but keen to explore options beyond conventional dentures, implant-secured dentures are a good solution.
To help make care easier for our patients, we offer appointments seven days a week (including evenings), at our practice in the heart of Bristol. If you’re interested in finding out more about treatments, you can complete a self-referral to see one of our dentists.