Types of Dentures and Dental Implants in Indianapolis

Types of Dentures and Dental Implants in Indianapolis

Implant supported dentures are a great option for Indianapolis dental patients who need to replace failing teeth or ill-fitting conventional dentures. However, they aren’t all the same, and choosing among the various types of dentures available for implant-based restoration can get a little confusing. To help clear the confusion, here are the basic types of dentures you’ll be offered and a bit of information about them to help you classify them in terms of good, better and best options for your smile restoration.

GOOD, BETTER, BEST IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES FOR INDIANAPOLIS PATIENTS

If you have just lost the last of your natural teeth in the lower jaw or are looking to replace a “floating” lower conventional denture, using a lower denture anchored with two dental implants is a good option. This type of implant-supported denture consists of a pair of dental implants, placed into the jawbone at the front of the mouth, topped with specialized abutments that snap onto attachments set into the bottom of the denture’s acrylic base. It is removable like a traditional lower denture, but offers much greater stability and comfort as a person eats and speaks. This option is not suitable for the replacement of top teeth, which require a greater level of support than two dental implants can offer.

REMOVABLE DENTURES

Implant supported dentures secured with four dental implants, often referred to as overdentures, are a better choice in terms of stability and comfort than two-implant versions and can be used for restoration of both the upper and lower jaw. These too are removable by the patient and should be taken out for cleaning and sleeping.

These types of dentures consist of acrylic or porcelain replacement teeth set into an acrylic bases, and can be attached to the dental implants by means of a ball and socket system or a bar and clip system or more commonly with Locator™ attachments.

ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS INDIANAPOLIS

The third – and best – among types of dentures that can be used in full mouth dental restorations are permanent dentures. These consist of a full arch of replacement teeth anchored by dental implants, offering the look, feel and function of natural teeth. Since permanent dentures are a fixed option, only removable by a dentist, they are more secure than removable options and less bulky.

Care is also more convenient, requiring no special solutions or brushes – they simply need brushing, flossing, regular professional cleanings and routine dental check-ups, just like natural teeth.

The popular All-On-4 permanent denture solutions use four implants in each jaw to support replacement teeth. Specialized implant design and placement techniques can eliminate the need for preparatory procedures, like bone grafting or sinus lifts, making them suitable for patients with bone loss due to gum disease or years of conventional denture use.

So there’s the basic rundown of what is good, better and best among the various types of dentures for the average dental patient in good general health. Of course, the options best suited to your needs must be decided with the help of a dental professional who is familiar with your individual needs and circumstances.