Dental Implants in Northwest Calgary
In prior years, there were few options for dentures; traditional full dentures or partial dentures. Today, there are many options which include denture implants Calgary patients can consider. Dental implants have a variety of benefits for patients due to their full support structure in the jaw. They act as natural anchors in the mouth that replicate the roots of missing teeth, which give the dentures something to stabilize onto. If the jaw does not have anything to stabilize onto, your face would begin to appear sunken over time, which results in sagging facial features. Because they are snapped and screwed in place, patients will not have to worry about them moving around, slipping out of their mouth, or becoming loose and causing sores.
What is the difference between Implant-Supported Dentures and Implant-Retained Dentures?
Implant supported dentures Calgary patients can consider and implant retained dentures Calgary patients can consider are both unique ways to ensure that dentures are stable within the mouth. Both methods have become vastly popular due to their fitted natures that provide a great look, function, and comfort.
Implant-retained dentures are a more cost-efficient treatment as they require fewer implants. This means that the dentures are removable and need to be taken care of to ensure they do not become damaged. Most implant-supported dentures are fixed to four or more implants to provide a stronger bite. This treatment also tends to be more expensive because of the need for more implants. Both forms of dentures require strong bone that the implants can be inserted into. It is because of this that dental implants may not be for everyone.
What are Implant-Retained Dentures?
An implant-retained denture is an implant-supported denture supported by both dental implants and your gums. However, implant-retained dentures have a special piece that allows them to secure onto the implants and are removable. These are sometimes referred to as snap in dentures Calgary patients may consider. Implant-retained dentures can be used for both the upper and lower arches but tend to be used more for the lower as it requires more stability than the upper. An implant-retained denture is beneficial to patients who are interested in an easy and quick procedure, want to refrain from having any dietary restrictions, and last for a long time. Although there are great benefits with implant-retained dentures, it is important to understand that the procedure takes time.
A patient needs to have x-rays and impressions taken of their teeth and jaw to evaluate their bone, gum tissue, and spacing. Once the implants have been placed, the bone will need an average of three-to-six-months to heal. After the implants have had time to heal, the dentures can be made to fit the implants. This form of denture is attached to and held in place by implant locators, which are the in-between pieces that allows the dentures to snap into place.
It is important to note that not all patients qualify for implant-retained dentures as they require strong and sturdy bone for the implant. It would be best to contact our office if you are curious about implant-retained dentures and we can evaluate your current oral health to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
When a patient loses their teeth, it can impact more than just their smile. Implant-supported dentures are great for patients who are seeking a more secure option for their dentures. Implant-supported dentures are when four or more implants are inserted into the bone to provide an anchor for the dentures. Once the implants have been inserted into the bone, the dentures are placed on top to provide comfort and stability and are fully supported by the implant. These full arch implant dentures tend to be made of a customized acrylic arch of artificial teeth which are removable and screw retained. This is one of the more expensive denture procedures as the cost varies from patient to patient.
Many patients who have complete dentures know that there is the possibility of shifting. With implant-supported dentures there is much more stability because the dentures are affixed to the implants. This type of denture is sturdier, allowing for smoother talking and eating. Although other solutions may be more cost-friendly, implant-supported dentures are a long-term solution for discomfort.
What are all-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 Calgary implants are a combination of various dental techniques which are used to provide a patient with a secure replacement of their missing teeth. All-on-4 implants start with the use of four titanium rods being inserted into the bone. These rods act as the anchors for the dentures, allowing them to hold in place.
This is one of the most effective and natural ways to replace missing teeth. If a patient has missing teeth that are unable to be restored, this is a solution that can be placed on the upper and lower arches. This solution to missing teeth is fixed, so they are unable to be removed by the patient.
All-on-4 dental implants need to be inserted into the bone at a 30 to 40-degree angle, which will reduce the chance of a bone graft needing to be done. The angle is needed because it increases contact with the bone, which supplies support for the implant. This technique is used to support the arches in the mouth which may become disrupted due to tooth loss.
The reason this choice may be recommended to patients is because of the security they provide patients with and their natural aesthetic. This procedure is also recommended as it can help prevent bone loss, gum recession, help self-confidence, and improve oral hygiene.
What are all-on-4 fixed bridges?
All-on-4 fixed bridges are the devices that are inserted on top of the all-on-4 implants. These work together to give a patient a normal bite in the aftermath of missing teeth. All-on-4 refers to the number of implants needed for the support of the structure, in this case, 4. Patients may also receive all-on-6 or all-on-8 implants. It depends on the structure of the jaw, health of the gums, and the patient's overall desired outcome. A bridge is a false tooth that fills in the gap where a natural tooth once occupied the space. In this instance, the bridge is an entire arch of teeth. The bridge is made of a titanium core with natural looking teeth or zirconia.
The process of acquiring an all-on-4 bridge can take some time depending on the condition of your mouth, jaw, and gums. During your initial appointment, impressions are made to accurately size and create the bridge. Once you have undergone the initial appointment, the procedure will take place. It is common for patients to find dental surgeries frightening; however, this procedure is quite simple and is usually done using local anesthesia. All-on-4 bridges are a permanent solution to missing teeth as they are unable to be removed like traditional dentures. This technique provides a patient with a more natural feel to their smile. Many patients prefer this method in comparison to traditional dentures because there is no slippage, no sore spots, they quickly and effortlessly regain the ability to chew and speak, and they do not have to worry about taking them out every night.
What are Implant Locators?
Thanks to the advancements in dental technology, there have been a variety of new dental options that have been invented to help patients replace missing teeth. One such invention is the implant locator. These are specialized pieces that act as the connection between the denture and the implants, allowing the dentures to snap in. Implant locators are the most common connection used to attach a denture to an implant.
Implant locators need to be placed in specific locations to ensure their effectiveness. Every patient is different, which is why the number of locators can only be identified once we find out how many teeth are being replaced, as well as the shape and size of the bone. This will also correlate with how implants need to be inserted into the bone to make sure we are providing our patients with the most secure and long-lasting solution. Positioning of the implants and locators can make a significant impact on the results, which is why we want you to come in for a consultation so we can determine the best denture options for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are designed to work with dental implants placed in the jaw. The implants provide anchorage for the denture, which can offer greater stability than a traditional denture that rests on the gums alone. The design and number of implants required depend on your oral health, available bone, and the type of denture being planned.
What is the difference between implant-supported and implant-retained dentures?
Both options use dental implants to improve denture stability, but they can differ in how the denture is supported and secured. Implant-retained dentures are typically removable and attach to implants using special components such as locators. Other implant-supported designs may rely more fully on the implants for support. The appropriate option depends on your individual treatment needs.
Are implant dentures removable?
Some implant dentures are removable, while other implant-supported restorations may be fixed in place. Removable implant-retained dentures can attach to implants using components that allow the denture to snap securely into position and be removed for cleaning. Your treatment plan will determine which design is appropriate based on your oral health, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
How many dental implants are needed to support dentures?
The number of implants needed varies depending on the type of denture, whether the upper or lower arch is being treated, available jawbone, oral health, and the planned restoration. Some treatments use multiple implants across an entire arch, while other implant-retained dentures may use fewer. An individual assessment is necessary before determining the appropriate number and position of implants.
What is All-on-4 and how does it support dentures?
All-on-4 is a full-arch tooth replacement approach that uses four strategically positioned dental implants to support a complete arch of replacement teeth. The implants provide a stable foundation for the restoration rather than relying on the gums alone for support. Whether an All-on-4 approach is appropriate depends on factors such as your oral health, available jawbone, treatment needs, and overall treatment plan.