Implant Dentures — Muskegon, MI
The Strong, Stable Smile You Deserve
Modern-day dentures have certainly advanced by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. Unfortunately, since they don’t replace the roots of the missing teeth, they still leave a lot to be desired when compared to natural teeth. That’s why our team here at Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon highly recommends pairing dentures with dental implants! Implant dentures in Muskegon can help you achieve the strong, stable smile you deserve, providing you replacement teeth that are virtually indistinguishable from natural pearly whites. Keep reading to learn more and give us a call today to schedule your implant denture consultation!
What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are similar to traditional dentures in that they consist of a carefully sculpted gum-colored base set with lifelike replacement teeth. However, instead of relying on natural suction or adhesive to stay in place, implant dentures are anchored into your jawbone. Four to eight small titanium posts called dental implants are inserted beneath the gums to essentially replace the missing roots of your teeth and provide a reliable foundation for your new smile. Depending on your unique needs, you may be interested in:
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
As their name suggests, these implant dentures are designed to stay in place. Once they’ve been affixed to your dental implants, only your dentist will remove them. You’ll wear your implant denture constantly 24/7. No more overnight soaking!
Removable Implant Dentures
Alternatively, you may choose a removable implant denture that can snap onto and off of the dental implants whenever needed. Snap-on removable implant dentures will need to be removed for periodic cleanings at home, but they typically require fewer dental implants than permanent implant dentures.
The Implant Denture Procedure
The process of getting an implant denture can be broken into four main steps:
- First, you’ll meet with our team for a consultation, where we will ensure dental implants are a good choice for you and determine if you need any preliminary treatments.
- Next, our periodontal specialist will place your dental implants in a minor surgical procedure done right here in our office.
- After your implant placement surgery, you’ll need to wait three to six months for your jaw to heal and finish fusing with your dental implant in a process called osseointegration.
- Finally, you’ll return to our office to have your brand-new denture anchored in place!
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Most patients who are missing all their teeth are good candidates for implants dentures. You’ll need to be well enough to undergo the minor oral dental implant placement surgery, and you’ll also need to be free of oral health issues like gum disease or tooth decay. Additionally, you’ll need to have adequate jawbone dentist to support the dental implants. If you’re not immediately a good candidate for implant dentures, don’t worry! We can often help patients get on track for implant dentures with preliminary treatments like periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, or a bone grafting.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Pairing dentures with dental implants can make a world of difference for your smile and your quality of life. Implant dentures offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Stability: Implant dentures will never slip or pop out of place.
- Chewing power: While traditional dentures only restore about 30% or your chewing power, implant dentures restore 80% or more of your biting force.
- Easy care: Implant dentures can be taken care of just like natural teeth.
- Jawbone preservation: Unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures stimulate the jawbone and keep it from shrinking away and giving your facial features a sunken, aged appearance.
Save money: While traditional dentures have a lower initial cost than implant dentures, they will need to be replaced every few years. The one-time fee for dental implants gives you a smile that will likely last a lifetime, saving you thousands of dollars on replacements alone!