10 Benefits of Dental Implant Retained Dentures

You may have heard of dental implants that replace individual teeth, but are you familiar with implant-retained dentures? We have seen a new dawn in dental prosthetics since the introduction of implant-retained dentures. They have revolutionized dental prosthetics and improved quality of life, as well as self-confidence and self-image, for patients across the globe.

Dental implant retained dentures are called by various names:

• Implant dentures
• Implant retained/secured dentures
• All-on-Four(r)
• Overdentures

And while not everyone is a candidate, most people can become qualified for dental implants. Good oral and overall health and sufficient bone density are prerequisites that can be overcome. Patients on certain medications, with certain diseases, and undergoing certain treatments may not be eligible.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are small, screwlike anchors that we place into the jawbone. Four to six implants can secure dentures to the top or bottom arch. Lower dentures tend to slip worse and more often than upper dentures, but patients can opt for dental implants on both arches if they choose.

Dental implant posts are placed during a brief outpatient surgery. During the following three to nine months, the patient’s jaw will naturally integrate with the posts, anchoring them permanently into the jawbone. Then another brief procedure allows the dentist to expose the implant heads so that abutments can be attached. 

Once the gums heal, a final denture is snapped into place. Dental implant-retained dentures can be removable or permanent. With good oral health, the implant posts can endure the rest of your life!

In today’s blog, we’ll review 10 benefits of dental implants over traditionally-retained dentures, which rely on natural suction or denture adhesive for retention. Dr. James G. Forester in Johns Creek, GA, places and restores single dental implants, as well as implant-retained dentures. If you’d like to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Forester, call 678-730-6754.

Now, let’s begin learning about the benefits of dental implants. We’ll review these awesome perks:

1. Non-Moving
2. No Relining
3. Implants Last Forever
4. Jawbone Preserved
5. Natural Look, Feel
6. Confidence! to Smile, Speak, Eat in Public
7. No Whitening Needed
8. Straight Teeth – Cosmetic Improvement on Your Natural Smile
9. Smiling Is Contagious
10. Smiling Is Healthy

Non-Moving Denture

When your dentures are snapped in place on implant posts, they’ll be 100% stable. Never again will your dentures feel loose or wobble. You also shouldn’t develop the mouth sores associated with loose dentures, nor will you need to use denture adhesive. For patients who might lose or accidentally drop their dentures, we can permanently attach them to the dental implants.

No Relining Dentures

Never again will your dentures need relining. Instead of resting on the gums, rubbing bony ridges until they become smooth, your dentures will rest upon four to six implants. They’ll fit perfectly!

Implants Last Forever

If you maintain good oral health by practicing daily brushing and flossing, and attending six-month dental checkups with Dr. Forester, your implants should last forever. Dental implants have an overall success rate of 95-98%. As the teeth on your dentures wear or become otherwise damaged, you will need to replace the actual dentures. The American Dental Association recommends replacing dentures every five to seven years.

Jawbone Preservation

The human body is amazing. When teeth are not present in their sockets within the jawbone, the body understands that the jawbone no longer needs to provide strong support to teeth. Therefore, the brain redirects bone-strengthening minerals like calcium and phosphorus to other bones of the body, maximizing its resources. As a result, the jawbone loses density and begins to shrink. This makes a person’s face appear more aged.

With dental implants inserted into the jaw, the body notices that the jawbone needs strengthening minerals to support teeth. The brain allows the minerals to infuse the jawbone, rebuilding density and strength in the bone. Traditional dentures are not anchored to the jaw, so they do not help preserve jawbone integrity.

Look, Feel Natural

Dental implants holding a denture securely will make you feel like your natural teeth are back!

Confidence! to Smile, Speak, Eat in Public

Because your implant-retained dentures will not slip out of place, you will be able to speak clearly and enunciate words properly. Perhaps the best benefit of dental implant retained dentures will be the return of your ability to bite and chew foods, confident that your dentures won’t cause embarrassment. Eat steak! Bite apples! Enjoy restaurants and public dining again!

No Whitening Needed

Dental materials, including those used in making replacement teeth for dentures, don’t respond to chemical teeth whitening. They also don’t stain as quickly as natural tooth enamel. So, you’ll never need to whiten your teeth again.

As with any dental restoration or prosthetic, to deter staining, limit stain-causing foods: red wine, tea, coffee, dark sauces, berries, etc. Also, brush twice and floss once each day but do not use whitening toothpaste; it may scratch the replacement teeth.

Straight Teeth – Cosmetic Improvement on Your Natural Smile

Have you gone through life with teeth that weren’t quite straight? Overlapping teeth, widely or unevenly spaced teeth, and twisted or malformed teeth all detract from the beauty of a person’s smile. With dental implants holding your denture in place, not only will you enjoy confidence in the secure function of your prosthetic, but you’ll also benefit from the straightness of your new teeth. Smile with confidence!

Smiling Is Contagious

Speaking of smiles, did you know that they’re contagious? This article on Science Direct explains why smiles are catching. In short, “Growing evidence shows that an instinct for facial mimicry allows us to empathize with and even experience other people’s feelings.”

Once you feel confident with the appearance of your smile, you’ll want to share it with the world and join in with others who smile in public.

Smiling Is Healthy

When you smile, neuropeptidedes are released, then the happy hormones dopamine and serotonin, a natural antidepressant, are released. Endorphins add mild pain relief to the mix, and your body feels better. Even faking a smile can prompt the body to respond in this way. 

Some research finds that smiling reduces heart rate and speeds recovery, as well. One study even found that smiling can improve job performance, decision making, learning, and the processing of information. Smiling is not just good for you, it’s great for you!

Your Dental Implant Retained Dentures Consultation in Johns Creek

Are you ready to reap these benefits? Call 678-730-6754 to reserve your appointment with Dr. Forester in our Johns Creek dental office. When you visit, the dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, take time to discuss your concerns and goals, and explain what your implant case would entail. We are accepting new patients and look forward to improving your smile, health, and quality of life with dental implants.