Implant-supported dentures are an innovative upgrade to traditional dentures, helping to resolve some of the more common concerns patients have with a denture prosthesis. While traditional dentures have served as a tried-and-true method of teeth replacement for many years, they can also present some aesthetic and functional drawbacks for some individuals. Implant-supported dentures offer a way to address those drawbacks and provide greater stability, enhanced comfort, and restorations that look and function more like natural teeth. With a customized implant-supported denture treatment plan, our experienced dentist, Trey Vereen, DMD, can help you effectively replace full sets of missing teeth with exceptional results.
Implant dentures are basically a combined version of two popular and effective missing teeth replacement options. Also referred to as “implant-anchored dentures” or “implant-supported dentures,” this treatment utilizes a select number of dental implants to provide a custom denture with a strong foundation of support. By affixing a denture appliance to strategically placed affordable dental implants, there is less risk that the denture will move or slip along the gums. Implant dentures make it much more likely that the replacement teeth will function and feel like natural teeth. They can be ideal treatment options for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth on the upper and/or lower dental arch.
Implant dentures are particularly beneficial for individuals who are missing several teeth or all of their teeth. Some of the potential advantages of implant dentures include:
Many individuals qualify as good candidates for implant-supported dentures. The main factors that will determine whether this procedure is right for you include:
Jawbone Density – Patients must have adequate jawbone density to accommodate the dental implants in the areas where they will be placed.
Gum Health – The gums must be in a reasonably healthy state prior to implantation. In many cases, periodontal treatment can be performed beforehand to improve gum health.
Overall Health – Patients must be in relatively good general health before the procedure. Individuals who have certain uncontrolled medical conditions and/or are currently undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy are typically not ideal candidates for implant dentures.
Our dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination and talk with you about your options for missing teeth replacement. If you are determined to be a good candidate for implant dentures, Dr. Vereen can develop a customized treatment plan designed to achieve your goals.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Vereen, he will conduct a full assessment of your oral structures, take high-quality x-rays, and utilize the advanced iTero® digital impression technology to create an intricate and precise plan for the placement of your implant dentures. The number of dental implants that will be necessary to successfully anchor the custom denture will ultimately depend on: jawbone density in specific areas of the mouth; whether the denture will be used to replace teeth on the upper arch, the lower arch, or both; and other factors unique to your needs and goals.
Once the treatment plan has been created, an oral surgeon will place the dental implants in precise areas of the mouth, where they will be anchored to the jawbone. Over a period of several months, the implants should integrate with the bone and essentially become artificial tooth roots. A temporary denture can often be worn during this period so that you will still be able to chew and speak normally. Once the implants have properly fused to the jawbone, Dr. Vereen can then securely place the permanent denture on the implant posts, and the procedure is complete!
Our dentist offers a range of implant denture options, including the state-of-the-art All-On-4® procedure. This option utilizes four meticulously placed dental implants to anchor a full denture on the top or bottom row of teeth. All-On-4® can often be an ideal option for patients who are missing all of their teeth on the top or bottom dental arch, serving as an effective alternative for individuals who cannot replace each missing tooth with a dental implant.
If all teeth in the mouth are being replaced, All-On-4® would involve four implants on the top row and four on the bottom to accommodate a full denture for each arch. In some cases, patients may need more than four implants to provide the best possible stabilization for the denture appliance. For these patients, the All-On-6 treatment option may be more ideal. All-On-6 works in essentially the same way as All-On-4, but with two extra dental implants required for each arch to give the denture even greater support.
Dr. Vereen can talk with you about whether the All-On-4® treatment technique is the best option for your needs during the initial consultation.
The cost of implant-supported dentures can vary significantly from one patient to another based on the specifics of the customized treatment plan. Some of the individual factors that are taken into account for the final cost include:
Our practice places a high priority on providing quality dental care for all individuals who need it, regardless of their financial circumstances. This is why we accept a full range of payment methods and work with a reputable dental financing agency called CareCredit®, which offers qualified applicants the ability to pay for their treatment on a convenient monthly basis. Once your treatment plan is developed at the initial consultation, a member of our staff will produce a full cost estimate that takes all expenses associated with your implant denture procedure into account. We are happy to talk with you about the best way to incorporate this advanced treatment into your budget.
Would you like to learn more about implant dentures? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our practicewith any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vereen.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our practice today. We will be happy to talk with you about our treatment options, or assist you with scheduling an appointment.
15 Tea Olive Court
Aiken, SC 29803
803.642.5747
Open Mon–Thurs
8am–5pm