How Long Do Implant Retained Dentures Last?
Unfortunately, millions of Americans deal with tooth loss each year. There are many tooth replacement options available to those searching to replace their missing teeth. If you have recently been considering tooth replacement options, you should look into implant retained dentures, or “snap on dentures”. Traditional dentures are designed to sit on top of the gums, but implant retained dentures are designed to securely attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone. This means implant retained dentures offer stability and security that conventional dentures do not. Below is more information on implant retained dentures to help you decide if they are right for you.
What are Implant Retained Dentures?
Conventional dentures are artificial prosthetics designed to replace teeth that are mostly or all missing. Due to their ability to replace multiple teeth at once at an affordable cost, dentures have always been very popular. Despite their low cost, conventional dentures are not low maintenance. Part of the necessary maintenance is due to the shape of the gums and mouth changing when teeth are no longer present to maintain the shape. This natural process of shrinking and changing shape is called resorption. The resorption process requires patients needing to have their dentures refitted time and time again. Implant retained dentures are designed to solve this problem by attaching to implants, or titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act like the roots of natural teeth, providing a place for the denture to be attached and taking up space in the mouth. By acting like natural teeth roots, the implants prevent the resorption process from occurring.
How Long do Implant Retained Dentures Last?
Teeth are critically important to everyday tasks including chewing, speaking, and providing structure and shape to the mouth. Installing metal posts in the jaw to support the dentures helps repair the strength of the jaw and sparks bone growth. Additionally, implant retained dentures halt the resorption process and improve the overall health of the mouth and jaw. Therefore, implant retained dentures restore the critical function of the natural teeth, as well as requiring less maintenance. Because the mouth isn’t changing, once the implants are installed and dentures fitted, they do not need to be refitted again. In general, the dental implants should last for at least 15 years and the denture prosthetics will last approximately 7 years before they start to wear.
Benefits of Implant Retained Denture
Besides stopping the resorption process and maintaining the mouth’s shape, there are many other benefits of implant retained dentures, including:
- A secure fit without rubbing or sliding, improving everyday life
- Improved appearance: With less artificial material on the dentures needed to secure fit, retained dentures have a more natural appearance
- Improved comfort: With their secure attachment, retained dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures
Not only will implant retained dentures last for years, but they will help the overall health of the mouth and jawbones improve; a benefit that conventional dentures does not offer.