Implant Dentures in Jasper, AL

What type of fence is stronger: the one you simply rest on the ground like a stage prop or the one connected to posts dug deep into the earth? The fence attached to the sturdy posts offers far more stability and strength than the flimsy fence resting atop the dirt. The same analogy applies to different types of dentures. The old-fashioned dentures that have been around for decades merely rest on your gums and rely on suction for stability. As your jawbone naturally deteriorates following tooth loss, the prosthetic won’t fit snugly anymore. Implant dentures, however, are like fences connected to securely anchored posts. These dental devices connect to dental implants, which we place directly into your jawbone, providing superior stability and functionality and an enhanced quality of life.

Understanding Implant Dentures

Implant Dentures in Jasper, AL | Bivona Family DentistryImplant dentures are a set of replacement teeth that clicks onto either conventional dental implants or mini dental implants.

We place the medical-grade titanium implants in your jaw, where their body fuses with your bone during a process called osseointegration. This creates an incredibly strong anchor point to secure a set of dentures.

This connection to your jawbone is the big advantage of choosing implant dentures. First, it eliminates the danger of your denture slipping or moving around in your mouth. Second, it restores your full biting and chewing power, allowing you to eat foods that traditional denture wearers often struggle with. If you’ve lost your teeth and want to bite into an apple or chew steak again, you can do so with implant dentures. Finally, the implants’ fusion to the jawbone creates a more comfortable and natural-looking solution. Because implant dentures don’t need such a large plastic base to ensure stability on your gums, they are much sleeker. Their design makes them look and feel more like natural teeth.

Which type of dental implant we use makes a significant difference in the timeframe and simplicity of the process. Traditional implants are larger, multi-piece implants that require a more invasive placement and a longer healing time. While effective and reliable, their invasiveness and lengthy process may be obstacles for some patients.

Mini dental implants are smaller, single-piece implants that we can place without invasive surgery in a quicker, simpler procedure. They heal quickly (even faster with L-PRF therapy), are more affordable, and are just as durable despite their smaller size. At your free consultation, we can discuss which type of dental implants are right for you.

Dental Implants Improve Long-Term Bone Health

We’ve already discussed some drawbacks of traditional dentures, including an unstable prosthetic, reduced chewing and biting power, and a bulky, uncomfortable design. However, an important design limitation of conventional dentures is that they don’t replace your missing tooth roots. When you lose your teeth, your tooth roots no longer stimulate the jawbone. As a result, the bone and surrounding tissue deteriorate, changing your jaw function, facial structure, and appearance over time. This bone resorption leads to functional issues, ill-fitting dentures, and a sagging facial appearance.

The only way to prevent this deterioration (and its consequences) is to replace your missing tooth roots with dental implants. As prosthetic roots, implants place mechanical stress on your jaw when you bite and chew. This stress actually maintains your jaw’s strength and prevents bone loss. Therefore, when you choose implant dentures, you are investing in your long-term oral health.

Types of Implant Dentures

There are various types of implant dentures, allowing us to cater to different patient needs and preferences. We use at least two conventional dental implants or four mini dental implants to secure them to your jawbone, but the number needed increases as the denture options require more stability.

Snap-In Dentures

A snap-in denture drastically improves comfort and functionality. This prosthetic is anchored to the jaw with dental implants, “snapping” securely into place. This feature prevents the issues often associated with conventional dentures, such as slipping or discomfort, while also reducing the amount of material covering the mouth, particularly the roof of the mouth.

Snap-in dentures are an excellent option for those who have had missing teeth for quite some time and have experienced significant bone loss as a result. Because they still use some pink acrylic gums, they offer lip support and structure to ensure a natural appearance.

This removable denture makes it easy for patients to transition from a traditional prosthetic to a more advanced implant option. Additionally, we can sometimes convert an existing denture to snap onto implants.

Despite their benefits, snap-in dentures can feel a bit bulky due to the resin material, similar to regular dentures. However, they offer significantly better stability and chewing efficiency, making them an excellent upgrade for those struggling with traditional dentures.

Semi-Removable Roundhouse Bridge

If you’re looking for a sleeker denture alternative, we might recommend our “Great on Eight” solution, which is a semi-removable roundhouse bridge. Like a denture, this dental prosthetic replaces all your teeth. We consider it semi-removable because you don’t detach it at home. Only your dentist will remove it at your regular checkup for a professional cleaning.

For the best stability, we prefer to attach this denture alternative to about eight mini dental implants. The roundhouse bridge itself is made from zirconia, an incredibly strong ceramic material that extends the life of your prosthesis. These bridges also provide remarkable aesthetic outcomes since zirconia so closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth. We also don’t have to use a pink plastic base for these, so they don’t take up much space in your mouth.

Our patients enjoy the freedom that this roundhouse bridge option provides, as they don’t have to worry about their teeth popping out or ever having to remove them.

Non-Removable Roundhouse Bridge

This is the best denture alternative we can provide, as it offers the ultimate stability and functionality. This roundhouse bridge is not removable. Instead, we permanently cement the zirconia bridge to about 10-12 mini dental implants. It’s the closest option to replacing your original teeth available, and the intention is for you to have these teeth for the rest of your life.

The Implant Dentures Process: What To Expect

If your teeth are in poor condition and it’s time to let them go, implant dentures offer a life-changing solution. The process begins with a free consultation, where we discuss your treatment plan and take a 3D scan of your jaw. This scan helps us view your jawbone with incredible detail, allowing us to determine your eligibility for implants and plan the implants’ placement. Then, we use digital impressions to capture the details of your mouth. We use this imaging to fabricate a temporary denture even before you come in for your extraction and implants.

If you have teeth that need to be extracted, you can expect a streamlined procedure. After your temporary dentures have been made, we schedule a single appointment to remove the problematic teeth and place the implants. You walk out the same day with a beautiful new smile new smile. After a few months of healing, your gums will have settled, and we’ll replace the temporary prosthesis with a permanent one.

The process is even faster for those who already have missing teeth or are currently wearing dentures. Without the need to wait for gums to heal after extractions, we can proceed directly to placing the implants and attaching the prosthesis. A few weeks later, your permanent teeth will be ready, providing you with a stable, beautiful smile. The entire process is highly predictable, and patient satisfaction is consistently outstanding.

Learn Which Implant Dentures Are Right for You!

Whether you’re transitioning from natural teeth or upgrading from traditional dentures, implant dentures offer a reliable and efficient path to a renewed smile. At Bivona Family Dentistry, our team is here to help you understand your denture and implant options, discuss finances, and ensure you make confident decisions about your dental health. For more information, schedule a free consultation with us today. A more stable, functional set of teeth is possible with implant dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of implant dentures depends on the type of implants used, the number of implants needed, and the type of prosthesis chosen. For instance, a removable implant denture typically costs less than a permanent roundhouse bridge. Due to these variables, providing an exact cost without a consultation is challenging. However, we understand that the financial aspect is a major concern for many patients, so we offer flexible financing options. Our third-party financing plans allow you to pay for your dental work in monthly installments, making it easier to manage your smile investment.

While implant dentures often exceed the annual maximum coverage provided by most dental insurance plans, our dedicated billing team is here to help you get the most out of your benefits. Even though insurance may not fully cover the procedure, we work diligently to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses and guide you through the financing options available. Whether you’re paying through insurance, financing, or a combination, we are committed to finding an affordable solution that meets your needs.

At your free consultation, we’ll give you a precise idea of your specific treatment cost after examining your mouth, reviewing your insurance coverage, and creating your personalized treatment plan.

At Bivona Family Dentistry, your comfort is truly a top priority. We want to make sure you have an excellent experience at our office every time you visit. At your free implant consultation, we’ll discuss the process and answer any questions, ensuring you’re fully informed before we begin.

On the day of your implant placement, we’ll start by applying a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free procedure. If you opt for mini implants, we’ll place them in your jaw using a minimally invasive approach. Our technique facilitates same-day results and results in very little bleeding and discomfort. In fact, many patients are pleasantly surprised by the quick recovery and lack of significant discomfort.

While the ease of mini implants is an important benefit, we recognize that some patients have dental anxiety or other circumstances that call for sedation. We offer various sedation methods to make it easier for you to get the dental work you need. Additionally, we provide L-PRF therapy, a treatment add-on that harnesses your body’s natural healing elements to speed up recovery and reduce discomfort after your procedure.

Caring for your implant dentures is straightforward. If you have a snap-in denture, treat it like a regular denture by brushing it daily and removing it at night to clean both the denture and your implants. Unlike regular dentures, you can sleep with an implant denture since it stays securely in place. For a roundhouse bridge, use your water flosser (free with your procedure) every morning and night to keep your gums healthy. Regular dental checkups every six months are also essential for professional cleanings and maintenance.