Fixed Dentures vs. Removable Dentures

Aesthetics aren’t the only reason many patients turn to dentures when they suffer with missing teeth—often patients use dentures as a means to chew food properly, protect their gums and improve speech. Dental technology offers patients a variety of denture types, they differ based on structure and design. The two most commonly used types of dentures are fixed and removable.

Until recently, most denture wearers opted for removable dentures—they are easy to maintain and, for the most part, comfortable to wear. But over time, removable dentures can become ill fitting—causing the dentures to shift in the mouth, especially while the wearer is speaking and eating.  This can lead to awkward social situations—not to mention difficulty chewing certain foods.  For these reasons, more patients are turning to fixed dentures.

Fixed dentures look and act the same as removable dentures, however the wearer isn’t able to remove the dentures on their own. The denture arc, whether upper, lower or full set, are stabilized through the use of dental implants, structures that act as tooth ‘roots’ to stabilize dentures for a look and feel that is completely natural.

The dental implant procedure involves placement of the implant into the jawbone using specialized tools. The patient will receive a local anesthetic, after which small incisions are made in the gum line to expose the jawbone below. The implants are then placed into the jawbone so that only the head, or abutment, is exposed above the gum line.

A metal housing is then attached to the denture arc, one will coincide with each implant placed, and the metal housings ‘snap’ the dentures onto the implants and hold them firmly in place, creating a naturally beautiful smile.

Since fixed dentures cannot be removed, they may become susceptible to inflammation and other oral problems—but regular visits to your dentist for maintenance greatly reduces the chances of that happening. Patients will find that fixed dentures are more costly than removable dentures, however the benefits of the procedure can be well worth the added cost.

If you are looking to replace missing teeth and are considering dentures, speak with your dentist today and determine if fixed or removable dentures are the best option for you.

Denture Implants

Removable dentures are notorious for causing problems due to the fact that they rarely stay firmly and comfortably in place, but denture implants offer patients a more stable alternative.  If you are one of the many men and women that like the look and feel of your dentures, but are frustrated with the many problems commonly associated with dentures, consider dental implants for a stable, long-lasting solution.

Dentures are a common solution utilized by men and women who are missing large groups of teeth or all of their teeth. Bridges and crowns are great alternatives for those missing a single tooth or a small group of teeth, but dentures are the best option for replacing a full arch of teeth. Removable dentures give patients a naturally looking smile, but often they fail to provide stable support for common daily practices such as speaking and eating.

Denture Implants are dental implants that hold removable dentures securely in place, providing long-lasting stable support for patients. There are several types of implants available to patients; the type used will depend on the oral health of the patient as well as the quality and quantity of bone present in the jaw. Other factors that can influence the implant are age, the rate of bone re-absorption (bone loss that can occur after losing a tooth or teeth) and the patient’s use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.

Once a patient is considered a candidate for dental implants, the procedure will begin. Your dentist will administer an anesthetic, after which incisions will be made in the gum line for access to the jawbone. Specialized tools will then be used to create space in the bone for insertion of the implant. The implant will then be securely placed in the jawbone where it will act as stable support for your dentures.

No matter the size, generally at least two to four implants are placed in each of the upper and lower regions of the mouth. Once properly placed, only the ball-shaped head or abutment portion of the implant will be visible above the gum line.  Metal housings (one for each implant) will then be attached to the dentures. These housings feature locking mechanisms that effectively snap onto the implant abutment, holding the dentures firmly in place.

Denture implants are a fantastic way for patients to achieve a naturally beautiful smile without the hassles associated with removable dentures.  

Denture Stabilization with Dental Implants

Dental implants provide patients currently struggling with removable dentures a simple and effective solution for denture stabilization. Physical discomfort, unpleasant breath, and even embarrassment due to unexpected shifting while speaking or chewing are things that all denture wearers are weary of. The use of dental implants to stabilize loose or poorly fitting dentures provides great relief for these common problems.

If a patient is completely without teeth, they have two main options: to place implants in the upper and lower jaw to support fixed bridges, or to stabilize existing removable dentures with the use of implants. This can be done using traditional dental implants or mini dental implants.

The Denture Stabilization Procedure

The dental implant treatment takes place right in your dentist’s office. Using precise, controlled surgical techniques, the implants are placed into the jawbone. The procedure begins with the administration of an anesthetic, after which small incisions are made in the gum line. A specialized drill is then used to create a place in the jawbone where the implant is inserted. The implant is then ‘screwed’ into the jawbone where it acts at the tooth root for the dentures, providing long lasting stability.

How The Implant Works

Dental implants are comprised of three essential parts:

-        The implant. A titanium alloy implant is rooted into the jawbone using a specialized technique. The implant acts as an anchor for denture stabilization.

-        Metal housing. Metal housings will be incorporated into the base of the removable dentures; they are what connect the dentures to the implant.

-        O-ring. A rubber o-ring resides inside of the metal housing, and is what provides the seal to effectively lock the two pieces together.

When the implants are properly placed in the jawbone, only the ball-shaped head of the implant, also known as the abutment, will be visible above the gum line. The metal housing, complete with o-ring, will then be ‘snapped’ onto the protruding abutment, allowing the dentures to rest comfortably on the gum line, locking them firmly in place.

Placing several implants in both the upper and lower jaw can easily stabilize dentures. With this innovative treatment, dentures can be removed by a dentist at the patient’s convenience, for easy cleaning and adjustments. Stabilized dentures allow patients to complete everyday tasks such as speaking and eating with ease. If you are searching for long-lasting denture stabilization alternatives, consider dental implants.

Mini Dental Implants for Dentures

As any denture wearer knows, removable dentures are a daily struggle, but mini dental implants offer denture wearers a simple and effective solution. Physical discomfort, bad breath, and even embarrassment due to unexpected shifting while speaking or chewing often plague those who wear dentures, but the use of mini dental implants for denture stabilization easily solves many of these common problems.

The Denture Stabilization Procedure

The mini dental implant treatment is an affordable, minimally invasive dental implant procedure that provides stability for removable dentures without the costs and time associated with full-size implant treatment. In most cases, a single dental visit can stabilize dentures with long lasting results.

Three basic parts make up the mini dental implant or MDI system:

-        The implant. Rooted into the jawbone through a minimally invasive procedure, the titanium alloy implant acts as an anchor which stabilizes the denture.

-        The metal housing. A metal housing is incorporated into the base of the denture (one for each dental implant) and is what connects the denture to the mini implant.

-        The rubber O-ring. The O-ring resides inside of the metal housing and effectively seals and locks the two pieces in place.

The dental implantation treatment will take place right in your dentist’s office with use of a local anesthetic. Precise and controlled techniques are used to place the dental implant into the jawbone. Once properly placed, only the ball-shaped head of the implant, also known as the abutment, will be visible above the gum line.

At this point, the metal housing, complete with O-ring will have been placed on your dentures so that they can be ‘snapped’ into place. The O-ring, which is socket-like in nature, connects with the ball-shaped abutment, locking the dentures firmly in place so that they rest comfortably on the gum line.

The minimally invasive nature of the mini dental implant treatment, allows patients to immediately use their newly stabilized dentures. Patients who have undergone the MDI treatment know that even the best adhesives pale in comparison to the stabilization achieved dental implantation. MDI’s simply provide a better solution for common denture problems.

Implant Dental

Many men and women currently suffering with broken, damaged, decaying or missing teeth are searching for ways to improve their smile. One of the best alternatives for restoring your smile is Dental Implants. Dental Implants, simply put, are replacement tooth roots. Implants have the ability to provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth, and when implanted, give patients the look and feel of natural teeth.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

There are many advantages patients experience when receiving dental implants, including:

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone when implanted, they become permanent.

Improved speech. Many dental implant candidates currently have dentures. Dentures are removable teeth replacements, and often slip in the mouth causing wearers to mumble or slur words. Dental implants look and act like natural teeth, therefore don’t hinder speech in the least.

Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, dental implants eliminate the discomfort that can be caused by broken and decaying teeth or removable dentures.

Easier eating. Similar to speech, missing teeth and removable dentures can both cause problems when eating. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing patients to eat their favorite foods without pain or discomfort.

Improved self-esteem. A full, natural looking smile not only restores the ability to eat and speak properly, it also restores confidence.

Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require the reduction of surrounding teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, your teeth are left intact, thus improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, which improves oral hygiene.

Are Dental Implants Successful?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending each individual patient but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care post treatment care, denture implants can last a lifetime.

Dental Tooth Implant

For years, patients have undergone dental tooth implant procedures in order to improve their smile. As dental technology has progressed, different types of dental implants have become available to patients. There are many factors involved in deciding what type of dental implant is the best option for you. Learning about the different types of implants will help you to make an informed decision.

Multiple Tooth Replacement

There are several options that can be used when replacing multiple teeth. Bridges are a popular choice, as are dental implants. Dental implants, whether traditional or mini, are designed to replace a tooth’s root, effectively creating a permanent replacement for missing teeth.

Dental implants provide several advantages over other dental tooth implant options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, dental implants replace teeth without support from adjacent natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options including fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are dependent on support from adjacent teeth, which can lead to damage degeneration over time.

Dental implants are the best option for multiple tooth replacement because they provide self-supporting naturally looking teeth, which makes for a healthier smile.

Single Tooth Replacement

If you are missing a single tooth, the combination of a dental implant and a crown are the most logical way to replace it. For this, many patients are turning to mini dental implants. Like traditional implants, mini dental implants use a titanium alloy screw, which is implanted into the jawbone. A ball-shaped abutment protrudes from the top of the screw, which allows for placement of the dental prosthetic. The bottom of the crown is fixed with a retaining fixture, which is socket-like in shape. The retaining fixture is attached to the implant abutment, creating a permanent dental tooth implant.

Mini dental implants are revolutionary because their smaller size (about half the size of traditional implants) allows for the replacement of a single tooth without relying on support from surrounding teeth. This allows for a natural look and feel without compromising neighboring teeth.

Mini Dental Implant Cost

Men and women who have either lost their teeth, or had them removed due to decay or damage, may have begun to look into different dental implant options in order to figure out which would provide the best results. There are several different factors that can influence a patient’s decision about which dental implantation treatments to undergo, but most often, the deciding factor is cost.

When it comes to dental implants, there are different types available to patients, one of the most popular of which is mini dental implants. Sometimes referred to as MDIs, these miniature implants are smaller than traditional dental implants. While they were originally designed for retaining dentures, now the mini dental implant is used for many different reasons. But how do you know if it is the right option for you?

There can be some confusion about what your options are when it comes to mini dental implants, but understanding how they work, the mini dental implants cost and the treatment process as a whole will help you to decide if they are the right tooth replacement treatment option for you.

Mini dental implants are similar to traditional dental implants in that both treatments utilize titanium alloy screws which are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once placed, the bone ‘fuses’ with the titanium alloy, allowing for permanent implantation. The head of the implant is ball-like in shape and fits together with the socket-like retaining fixture which is connected to the bottom of the dental prosthetic. These two pieces ‘snap’ together, leaving patients with a permanent implant that looks and acts like a real tooth.

The main difference between mini dental implants and their more traditional counterpart is size. And size is what ultimately influences mini dental implant cost. The mini implants, because of their smaller size, require less invasive treatments that can often be completed in a single appointment. Less invasive treatments in conjunction with faster and fewer treatment times can drastically effect the overall treatment cost.

While many patients believe that mini dental implants are not an option due to cost, the fact is that oftentimes this technologically advanced treatment is a more cost effective method for replacing missing teeth.