The ABCs of Implant-Supported Dentures | Snohomish Dentist

There comes a time in our lives that we may be faced with the idea that we are going to need dentures. And while we assimilate dentures with the sets of teeth sitting in a glass next to your bed, this doesn’t have to be your only option with implant-supported dentures. An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture attached to and supported by implants. So instead of having traditional dentures, these are more stable for those that have issues with bone loss in the jaw because they don’t rest on the gums.

There are two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. While they have similarities, there are subtle differences. Bar-retained dentures consists of two to five jawbone implants with a thin metal bar attached to the said implants. Ball-retained dentures are composed of metal attachments in the jawbone that are fitted onto the sockets found on the denture.

The whole process can take as short as five months to more than a year because of the two surgeries involved in the process. The first one is for the placement of the implants in the jawbone. The second, which comes three to six months after the first, then exposes the tops of the implants.

Fortunately, implant-supported dentures are much more stable than regular dentures, making them well worth the risk. They’re also more comfortable to wear and less likely to interfere with how you speak or eat so there is no need to make any major changes to your day-to-day. And while you may think you are home free as far as dental care, hard or sticky foods are still prohibited.

If you would like more information about implant-supported dentures, call Dr. Haines, Dr. Cindy Du or Dr. Joseph Szabo in Snohomish, WA at 360-568-8577 or visit www.tedhainesdds.com.

Dr. Haines, Du & Szabo proudly serves Snohomish and all surrounding areas.