Appointment RequestImplant Dentures – Vero Beach, FL
A New Smile Is Within Your Reach!
Among the many edentulous people in the world, quite a few choose to get traditional dentures to replace their missing teeth. While traditional restorations certainly have their merits, they are far from ideal. Fortunately, a stronger alternative is available for most patients: implant dentures. Using this sturdy and long-lasting form of tooth replacement, our team at Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach can put a new smile within your reach! Continue reading below to discover more about this potentially life-changing treatment, and then contact us when you are ready to request a consultation for implant dentures in Vero Beach.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Dental implants are small cylinders, or posts, made out of biocompatible materials. Once they are surgically placed in the jawbone, they can provide an incredibly strong base of support for various types of restorations, including dentures.
There are a couple of different types of implant dentures. Depending on your circumstances and preferences, we might recommend that you get either a fixed implant denture or a removable one.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
As you might guess, fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the implants that support them. They can only be removed by a dental professional. This is a popular choice because many patients love the idea of having their teeth in their mouth 24/7.
Removable Implant Dentures
If you have lost some bone density in your jaw, we might suggest that you get a removable implant denture, which requires fewer posts than a fixed prosthetic. These dentures are secured in place via small ball- or bar-shaped attachments and are easy to remove for oral hygiene and maintenance purposes.
The Implant Denture Procedure
The implant denture procedure involves four basic steps, all of which can be taken care of right here at Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach:
- We will make sure implant dentures are right for you and start planning your treatment.
- Implant surgery. Your implants will be placed in your jawbone at their pre-planned locations.
- Over a period of a few months, your implants will bond with the surrounding tissue.
- Your custom denture will be attached to your implants, and you will get to start enjoying your beautiful new teeth!
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures might be a good fit for you if:
- You have lost all or most of your teeth (or your remaining teeth are in poor condition).
- Your jawbone is healthy enough to support dental implants.
- You do not have any medical conditions that would make the procedure unduly risky for you.
- You have good habits that will support your implants’ long-term success.
Most people with missing teeth can qualify for dental implants, either immediately or after some preparatory care.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Implant dentures offer some truly outstanding benefits:
- You should be able to have a strong bite that equips you to eat virtually any food, including those that are difficult to consume with traditional dentures.
- Jawbone health. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent the deterioration that normally occurs after tooth loss.
- We carefully design and fabricate implant dentures so they look as natural as possible.
- Dental implants may last throughout your lifetime. An implant denture also has a long life expectancy.
- Easy maintenance. In some ways, caring for implant dentures is similar to caring for natural teeth.
Implant Denture FAQs
Is There Anything I Should Not Eat with Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are strong, and they can restore up to 70 – 90% of your bite force. Therefore, you should feel free to eat a wide variety of foods; you can even eat items that would be off-limits with traditional dentures.
However, keep in mind that, just like natural teeth, some foods are better for implant dentures than others. Try to minimize your intake of sugary and starchy foods, and be careful with hard foods that might break your prosthetic teeth. Try to eat mostly nutrient-dense items that support oral and overall health, such as calcium-rich items, fruits, veggies, and other whole foods.
What Is the Best Way to Take Care of Implant Dentures?
In many ways, taking care of implant dentures is similar to taking care of natural teeth. Oral hygiene is very important! If you have a fixed denture, be sure to brush it twice a day. You may also need to use a water flosser or floss threader to clean the area beneath your prosthetic. If your denture is removable, take it out of your mouth and thoroughly clean it each evening.
Another key thing you can do is attend regular dental checkups. Our Vero Beach team will keep an eye on both your oral tissues and your prosthetic, and we can provide personalized advice to keep your smile in great shape.
How Many Implant Posts Will I Need for My Dentures?
The number of dental implants needed to support a denture varies from case to case. A removable denture might need as few as two implants; while that is not ideal for stability and strength, it can still provide greater functionality than a traditional denture. Generally, more implants lead to a stronger prosthetic.
During your consultation, our team will evaluate your unique mouth and design a treatment plan that is as minimally invasive as possible while still providing excellent results.
Can My Traditional Denture Be Converted into an Implant Denture?
In some cases, a conventional denture can be retrofitted to work as a removable implant denture. If your prosthetic still fits you well and is in good condition, it might be a possibility for you. In most cases, though, we recommend that patients get a whole new denture. During your consultation, we can let you know which option would work best in your unique circumstances.
Will People Be Able to Tell That My Teeth Are Not Real?
Our team pays close attention to detail when we are designing implant dentures. We want them to complement your natural facial features, so we carefully select the size, shape, and color of your prosthetic teeth. Our lab technicians use only top-quality materials to create prosthetics. Onlookers may notice how beautiful your smile is, but they might not have any idea that your teeth are not the same ones you developed in your younger years.