Dentures, commonly referred to as artificial teeth, are a tooth replacement solution for patients who are missing some or all of their teeth. There are several things that may cause tooth loss, including decay, facial/jaw trauma, aging, and more. Missing teeth can lead to a variety of issues, including making you look older than you are, difficulty smiling/laughing, and difficulty eating.
In some cases, dentures may only replace a few teeth (partials), and in other cases, they replace a full arch (complete). Dentures improve your appearance and improve your ability to eat/chew, speak, laugh, and smile.
The team at Brownstown Dental Care strives to do everything possible to save at least some of your natural teeth. However, if we are unable to do so, we offer both traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures. We understand that some patients struggle with conventional dentures because they have a reputation for slipping and sliding around in the mouth, which can make it difficult to eat, smile, laugh, and speak.
On average, you will pay anywhere from around $650 to $4,000 for dentures- depending on the type of denture you choose. Most dental insurance policies will cover approximately 50% of the cost. Our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage and provide you with a quote for your portion following your consultation.
Traditional Dentures Explained
We offer several types of traditional dentures at Brownstown Dental Care.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures, often referred to as full dentures, are a tooth replacement solution for an entire arch of teeth. The dentures are made of resin and supported by your gums and remaining jawbone. However, it’s important to note that since they sit on top of the gums and are not anchored in place, they are not as stable as dental implants or implant-supported tooth replacement options.
Unfortunately, many patients develop a speech impediment with complete dentures primarily due to the thickness of the acrylic. We cannot make it any thinner because that will cause it to fracture over time.
Also, without teeth, the jawbone will begin to deteriorate. This means that you will need to have the dentures relined and adjusted from time to time.
The advantages of complete dentures are:
- Restores ability to eat
- Improves confidence
- Makes your face look fuller, which makes you look younger
- Budget-friendly, compared to implant-supported options
The disadvantages of complete dentures include:
- Requires more maintenance due to changes in facial structure
- Lower denture retention declines over time
- May slip/slide around in mouth when eating or speaking
- May develop a lisp
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partials are a tooth replacement solution designed to replace a few missing teeth in the upper or lower arch. They are removable- which means you must take them out at night for cleaning. They do restore the natural functionality, look, and feel of natural teeth.
Removable partials consist of a gum-colored acrylic base and false teeth. The base includes 2 or more clips that hold it in place. The clips may be made of flexible pink plastic or metal and attach to the neighboring teeth for support.
This option is typically recommended for patients that do not qualify for an implant-supported bridge.
There are a few advantages of removable partials, including the following:
- Underlying metal framework contributes to the durability
- Easy to remove for cleaning
- Will not break easily
- Cost-effective
- Prevents teeth from shifting
There are also a few disadvantages with removable partials:
- Only replace a few missing teeth
- Susceptible to plaque buildup
- Clips may show when smiling
Implant-Supported Dentures Explained
Implant-supported dentures, also referred to as snap-on/snap-in, are a permanent tooth replacement solution for patients who are missing all teeth on their upper or lower jaw. It is important to note that not all patients qualify for this solution. In order to be considered, you’ll need to have a large amount of high-quality jawbone density. Additional procedures, such as bone grafts or sinus lifts, may be an option for patients who do not.
Typically, 2 to 8 dental implants will be placed to support the prosthesis. The number of implants required for your prosthesis depends on the tooth replacement solution you choose and your needs.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
At Brownstown Dental, we offer a few different types of implant-supported dentures, including:
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures, also referred to as an overdenture, is held in place on top of the gums by dental implants. These can be used for the upper or lower jaw. Most of the time, we use 4 dental implants for implant-retained dentures- but can use as few as 2.
While this type of denture is more stable and functional than traditional dentures, you still must remove them before bed to clean and allow your gums to rest.
Implant-retained dentures have several advantages:
- Stable/robust
- Will not slip/slide around in the mouth when chewing or speaking
- Restores ability to chew even tough foods
- Comfortable
- Customized for your mouth
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Natural-looking compared to traditional dentures
On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages with implant-retained dentures:
- Requires invasive oral surgery (implant placement)
- Longer treatment time than with conventional dentures
- More expensive than traditional dentures
- May require additional procedures, such as bone graft or sinus lift
- Attachments may loosen and require tightening
All-on-4 Implant Dentures
All-on-4 implant dentures are the ideal solution for patients who need complete dentures because they can replace a full arch with just 4 dental implants. While similar to implant-retained dentures, this option is permanent. You will not be able to remove the denture on your own- only the dentist can for exams and cleanings.
Advantages
There are several advantages associated with All-on-4, including
- Higher durability than traditional dentures
- More natural looking than traditional or implant-supported dentures
- Temporary prosthesis can be placed the same day as the implants
Disadvantages
There are also a few disadvantages of All-on-4
- Only the dentist can remove
- Restricted diet required for 3 months until placement of the permanent prosthesis
- Most expensive option
Fixed Partial Dentures
Fixed partial dentures, also known as implant-supported bridges, are designed to replace a few missing teeth with 2 dental implants and a prosthesis with one or more teeth. the prosthesis is permanently attached to the implants on either side of the gap. This option is ideal for patients who are missing at least 3 teeth in a row.
Advantages
The advantages associated with fixed partial dentures are:
- Improved aesthetics
- More security (since they are fixed in place)
- Stronger than removable partials
- Improved bite, consistent tooth position
The disadvantages of fixed partial dentures are:
- Requires surgery for placement of implants
- Costs more than removable partials
- Harder to keep clean
Schedule Your Implant Denture Consultation with Brownstown Dental Care
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you may be weighing your options for tooth replacement. The dental team at Brownstown Dental Care can help. Dr. Benjamin Hanson and Dr. Lauren Biernacki have the experience and expertise to help you get your smile and your confidence back. We look forward to working with you!
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. We are located on Allen Road in Brownstown, Michigan. Our office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Implant-Supported Dentures FAQs
When our patients come in seeking tooth replacement, they often have questions about the various options, including implant-supported dentures. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Some of the most common questions we hear are:
Are implant-supported dentures better than traditional dentures?
Yes, we believe that implant-supported dentures are better than traditional dentures. They both restore your ability to eat, smile, laugh, and talk- but traditional dentures are not secure, so they may fall out. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are secured in place with dental implants placed strategically in the jaw.
Are implant-supported dentures worth it?
Implant-supported dentures are on the more expensive end of the spectrum. However, we do believe that they are well worth the cost because they look, feel, and function the most like your natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about them falling out when you’re eating, talking, laughing, or smiling.
What is the difference between regular dentures and implant dentures?
The difference between regular dentures and implant dentures is that implant dentures are secured in place with dental implants. This means that you do not have to worry about them slipping and sliding around in your mouth or falling out. Cleaning them is the same as cleaning your natural teeth, so there are no additional steps like you have with regular dentures.
Do implant-supported dentures look natural?
Yes, implant-supported dentures look natural, compared to conventional dentures. They are secured in place and the base is a lot thinner.