More people than ever before are choosing implant supported dentures as the best way to replace all or most of their teeth.  Many of us still think of our parents or grandparents dentures, the ones that come in and out of the mouth each night, and are put aside into cleaning solution over night.  While traditional dentures are still common, there has been major advancements in dentistry that have brought denture wearing light years ahead of where it started. 

What are the advancements?

1. Dentures can now be attached and stabilized to small screws called "dental implants". Dental implants attach to the denture to hold it into place. 
2. CT Scans are scans that make it possible for your dentist to see 3D view of your skull and bone.  This has allowed for accurate and precise implant placement.  In addition CT scans allow the doctor to determine if a patient is a candidate for implant dentures.
3. Different types of attachment options based on the patients' needs and specific situation.

Why are patients choosing implant dentures?

There are many reasons why patients choose overdentures, implant supported dentures, and all on 4 denture implants.

1. Comfort: Implant dentures alleviate much of the pain and discomfort most people have when they first get dentures.  Some patients will continue to have pain and difficulty eating with traditional dentures.
2. Function: Implant dentures require much less material to be inside your mouth and not as much material on the roof of the mouth which helps us taste our food.  Implant dentures use the implants to attach and therefore much less material in needed. 
3. Less Embarrassment: Traditional dentures can be ill fitting and fall out and need to be taken out at night.
4. Long Lasting: Dental implants can last as long as regular teeth.  You do still need to get your implants/dentures cleaned regularly to get the most out of them.
5. Prevents Bone Loss: Bone loss in the face is one of the main things that makes the face look sunken in and aged.  When you loose teeth the bone in those area begins to shrink this speeding up the look of aging.

Types of Implant Dentures:

1. Partial Implant Denture/ Bridges: You still have some good teeth but implants will support your partial or bridge
2. Overdenture: Implants Attach to your denture and keep in snuggly in place. You can snap the denture in and out for cleaning but it snaps in and will not come out without effort. 
3. Fixed Implant Denture: Implant denture that is attached to implants and can not be removed (unless by your dentist for cleanings).

Implant dentures go my many names such as "All on 4", "All on X", "Permanent Denture", & "Implant supported Denture".  All of them are achieving a similar result but the difference comes into how the implants attach to the denture and what materials your dentist uses.  Read my other post about: "Questions to Ask your Dentist before getting Implant Dentures."