What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?

Traditional dentures can slip when you eat, drink, or talk. Implant-retained dentures, however, are securely attached in your mouth. That means no more embarrassing moments that give away the fact that you wear dentures.

Our dentists at EZ Dental Clinic think implant-retained dentures are the gold standard in teeth replacement. Here’s why.

Implant-retained dentures explained

While traditional dentures rest above the gum and are held in place with adhesive, implant-retained dentures snap into a post implanted directly into your jawbone. The result is a secure denture that stays in place.

With dentures that are supported by dental implants, you never need to spread on adhesive again. In addition, they help prevent jawbone erosion because the implant post takes the place of a tooth root in your bone tissue.

Implant-retained denture choices

There are two types of implant-supported dentures that can be easily removed for daily cleaning: ball-retained and bar-retained. Ball-retained implants attach to the jaw via a metal ball that rests in the denture’s socket. With bar-retained implants, your dentist attaches a thin metal bar that curves along your jawline across several implants that hold dentures in place. 

How dental implants are constructed

To create your implants, we follow several steps. First, we measure your jaw to create a model of your mouth that the lab uses to create your custom-fit dentures. Next, we surgically place the implant posts into your jaw and allow time for your tissues to heal and grow around the post. Then, we fit your dentures over the implants. 

Some patients require a bone graft to keep implants secure. A graft helps regenerate new bone to support your dental implants.

While two implants often can hold your dentures in place, four or more may work even better because additional implants reduce the overall stress placed on individual components. The placement of each implant is crucial to keeping your dentures in the correct location in your mouth.

How to maintain your implant-retained dentures

If you correctly maintain your dentures, they can stay strong for decades. Here’s how to clean implant-retained dentures.

1. Take out your dentures and brush them. Place them overnight in a glass of water and cleaning solution.
2. Brush around the implant with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleanser that we recommend.
3. Before reattaching your dentures in the morning, make sure you rinse the cleaning solution off first.

Proper cleaning maintains your implant-retained dentures for many years. If you don’t take care of your dentures and implants, your gums can become inflamed. Eventually, the implants could loosen or shift in your mouth, requiring replacement.

If you’re ready to put denture slippage behind you and keep the knowledge that you wear dentures to yourself, contact us. Our caring dental team at EZ Dental Clinic is eager to talk with you about implant-retained dentures. To learn more about the procedure, call our office in Bellevue, Washington, at 425-746-6090, or use our online booking tool.