Different types of implant supported dentures

Dentures or Denture teeth – The custom made dental device consists of a row of artificial teeth fixed to a gum-colored framework. It is an affordable dental restoration for people who lost some teeth or entire teeth in an arch. Generally, the dentures are not durable because they are brittle. A denture-wearer should handle and maintain the fake teeth set with great care and attention.

Even though this appliance restores the smile aesthetics, biting and chewing ability, it cannot prevent jaw bone deterioration which is a common consequence of missing teeth.

Implant Denture (or) Implant Support Denture is the perfect solution to overcome the denture flaws. This blends implant treatment and dentures as the dentures are supported by fixed implant posts that offer various advantages as follows:

• Prevent jaw bone deterioration
• Reduces facial contour changes
• Prolong the denture’s lifetime by ensuring its stability

In general, the implant dentures are classified based on how the prosthetic appliance is connected to the implants fixed. Each has its advantages and disadvantages which are described here.

Different types of Implant Dentures

1) Ball-Retained Dentures

This procedure is same as fixing an implant tooth. It requires 2 titanium implant posts to be inserted surgically. When the implant region gets healed or integrated with the jaw bone, a ball abutment is screwed on the metal post to fix the denture teeth.

 Pros

• Cost-effective

Cons

• It can be used only in the lower arch.

2) Metal bar retained implant denture

It requires a thin metal bar to connect the implants and dentures. The metal bar supported implant dentures are categorized as:

• Bar retained, implant support denture with immediate loading – People who have thick and healthy jaw bone can get this denture. It is because their healthy bone in jaw provides strong support for the implants fixed and can heal within a short span. So it does not require a long healing period and the denture teeth can be attached within 5 days after inserting the implants.
• Metal bar supported denture with four implants – The process begins with inserting 4 implants in the jaw bone. In this case, the healing process persists for 3 – 4 months. After that, a small incision is made to expose the fixed posts. Then the denture is connected to the implants with a metal bar.

Pros

• Teeth in both upper and lower jaw can be restored
• Highly durable when compared to other implant dentures.

Cons

• It is quite expensive

3) Mini Dental Implants fixed Denture

Dental doctors prefer Mini Dental Implants (or) MIDI to fix ill-fitting dentures. The mini implants are smaller in diameter when compared to a regular implant. To put it simply, a MIDI has a smaller size as a toothpick and fixing it does not require a complex surgical procedure.

Pros

• The denture teeth can be fixed in a single dental visit
• Low cost

Cons

• Apt for lower jaw alone

Bottom line

The implant posts require strong and healthy bone in the jaw to provide a strong foundation for the artificial teeth fixed. The amount of jaw bone left, sinus and other things need to be analyzed for fixing implant support dentures.  The analysis is done with imaging systems like X-rays, CT Scan and others. Hence you should consult your Dentist to identify your jaw bone health before getting implant dentures.