Why Denture Implants Can be a Great Alternative to Dentures

Many people decline to get denture implants because they think the process will take longer and may be more painful than getting regular dentures. Yet, as any denturist will tell you, the time it takes to get denture implants is roughly the same length of time it takes for traditional dentures. Plus, implant over-dentures work better than traditional dentures, and may even be more convenient.

Regular Dentures

When they have their teeth removed for dentures, many people will choose to wear an immediate denture so that they’re not without teeth while waiting for their permanent denture. Plus, immediate dentures allow you to practice speaking and eating with dentures.

The downside of immediate dentures is that they often will not fit as well because they’re modeled on your mouth before your teeth were extracted. Subsequently, they will need to be refitted several times as your mouth heals from the loss of your teeth – a process that can take 6 to 12 months. During this time, you will lose a significant amount of bone and your gums will harden to bear the weight of your permanent dentures.

Denture Implants

Again, following the removal of your teeth, you’re looking at roughly 6 to 12 months for your mouth to heal. However, during that time, instead of hardening your gums to withstand the pressure of dentures, your bones will heal around the new implants and denture teeth.

When you choose denture implants, the denturist will, in conjunction with the dentist, place your temporary implant over-dentures to help you heal, but these dentures will be made to fit better because they’re modeled using detailed CT scan imaging of your jawbone. Once healed, you will be given your permanent dentures that fit securely over the dental implants.

No matter what kind of denture you choose, teeth must be extracted and your mouth is going to take 6 to 12 months to heal. If you choose to go with traditional dentures, in 6 months you will have a set of teeth that will grow looser as your body continues to shed bone from your jaw. Yet, if you opt for implant over-dentures, after 6 months you will have a beautiful and natural looking set of teeth that are secure and comfortable and may even last a lifetime.

Make an appointment with a denturist from our clinic to learn more about the options that are available and whether denture implants and over-dentures are right for you.