Implant Supported Dentures

Dentures supported by implants differ from traditional implants in that they are anchored to your mouth with dental implants. Because they are secured to the implants, dentures supported by implants offer more stability than traditional dentures that sit on the gums and are removed nightly for cleaning. This stability decreases the chances of an embarrassing situation occurring from dentures coming loose and sliding around in the mouth. Traditional dentures are also infamously bulky and can complicate eating and impact your speech. Implant supported dentures; however, are snapped into place using the implant to fortify them. Dentures feel more secure and maintenance is easier, as you no longer need to fuss with adhesives or denture paste. Dr. Valentina Obradovic, a San Diego dental professional, offers implants and dentures supported by implants at Adriatic Dental.

There are two types of dentures supported by implants: bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures.

Bar-Retained Dentures

Bar-retained dentures need a minimum of three implants surgically placed in the gums. The denture is fastened to a metal bar that runs along the gum line. The denture sits on the metal bar, affixed with clips or some other kind of attachment. Many patients report less discomfort and rubbing than with traditional dentures.

Ball-Retained Dentures

Ball-retained dentures, also called stud attachment dentures, employ a ball-and-socket design to attach dentures to implants in the gums. With ball-retained dentures supported by implants, Dr. Obradovic fits the denture with sockets and places the ball on top of the implants, allowing the denture and implants to be snapped together in the sections where they meet. Ball-retained dentures are exceptionally secure and can be used for an open upper jaw denture.

If you would like to learn more about dentures supported by implants at Adriatic Dental, a Vista dental practice, call Dr. Obradovic.