Missing several or all of your teeth can affect much more than your smile. It can make eating difficult, affect speech and change how confident you feel in everyday situations.
Traditional dentures offer one solution, but some people experience movement or a loose fit when speaking or eating. Dentures with dental implants, also known as implant-supported dentures, can provide a more stable alternative.
At Centurion Dental Studio, we assess each patient’s oral health and treatment needs to determine whether implant-supported dentures may be a suitable option.
What Are Dentures with Dental Implants?
Dentures with dental implants combine a custom-made denture with strategically placed dental implants.
Your dentist places dental implants into the jawbone, where they act as replacement tooth roots. Once the implants have integrated with the bone, they provide support for a denture.
Depending on your treatment plan, the denture may:
- Clip securely onto the implants
- Remain removable for cleaning
- Provide greater stability than a conventional denture
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable solution based on your oral health, bone levels and treatment goals.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?
The process usually begins with a detailed dental assessment.
Your treatment plan may include the following steps:
1. Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist examines your teeth, gums and jawbone. X-rays or digital scans may help your dentist plan implant placement.
2. Treatment Planning
Your dentist creates a personalised treatment plan based on the number of missing teeth, your bone structure and the type of denture that may suit your needs.
3. Implant Placement
Your dentist places the dental implants into the jawbone during a planned procedure.
4. Healing and Integration
The implants need time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This process helps create a stable foundation for the replacement teeth.
5. Attaching the Denture
Once the implants have healed, your dental team fits the custom-made denture or final restoration.
The exact treatment process and timeline vary from patient to patient.
Benefits of Dentures with Dental Implants
Many patients choose implant-supported dentures because implants can provide additional stability.
Potential benefits may include:
- A more secure fit
- Less movement while eating or speaking
- Improved chewing ability
- Greater comfort
- Reduced reliance on denture adhesives
- Support for the jawbone
- A more natural-feeling solution
Your individual results and experience depend on several factors, including your oral health and the type of treatment you receive.
Traditional Dentures vs Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures rest directly on the gums and rely on their shape and fit for stability.
Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to help support and secure the denture.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures may:
- Remain removable
- Rest on the gums
- Require adjustments over time
- Move during eating or speaking in some cases
- Require denture adhesive for additional stability
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures may:
- Attach to dental implants
- Provide improved stability
- Reduce movement
- Improve chewing function
- Remain removable or form part of a fixed solution, depending on the treatment plan
Your dentist can explain the advantages and limitations of each option.
How Many Dental Implants Do You Need for Dentures?
The number of implants needed varies.
Your dentist will consider:
- The upper or lower jaw
- Bone quality and quantity
- The type of denture
- Your bite
- Your treatment goals
Some implant-supported dentures use a smaller number of strategically positioned implants to support a removable denture, while other full-arch solutions may require a different treatment approach.
A detailed consultation and diagnostic assessment will help determine the most suitable plan for you.
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Permanent?
Dental implants are designed as a long-term solution for replacing missing tooth roots.
However, the denture attached to the implants may need maintenance, repairs or replacement over time.
The longevity of your treatment depends on factors such as:
- Oral hygiene
- Regular dental check-ups
- Routine professional cleaning
- Bite forces
- Lifestyle habits
- Smoking
- General care and maintenance
Your dental team can provide specific advice on caring for your implants and dentures.
Can You Eat Normally with Implant-Supported Dentures?
Improved stability can help many patients feel more comfortable when eating.
However, your dentist may recommend a gradual adjustment period after treatment. The foods you can eat and how quickly you adapt will depend on your individual treatment and healing process.
Your dental team will provide guidance throughout your treatment.
Who May Be Suitable for Dentures with Dental Implants?
Many people with several or all missing teeth may be candidates for implant-supported dentures.
Your dentist will assess:
- Gum health
- Jawbone condition
- Existing teeth
- Oral hygiene
- Medical history
- Healing ability
- Lifestyle factors
Some patients may require additional treatment before implant placement.
A consultation provides the best way to determine whether dental implants and implant-supported dentures are suitable for your individual circumstances.
How Much Do Dentures with Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dentures with dental implants varies because every treatment plan is different.
Your overall cost may depend on:
- The number of implants required
- The type of implant-supported denture
- Whether you need extractions
- Bone grafting or other preparatory procedures
- Diagnostic scans and treatment planning
- The final denture or restoration
Your dentist can provide a personalised quotation after assessing your oral health and treatment requirements.
Why Choose a Personalised Treatment Plan?
Replacing several or all missing teeth requires careful planning.
Your dentist needs to consider how your new teeth will look, feel and function. A personalised treatment plan allows your dental team to recommend an approach based on your specific oral health needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures with Dental Implants
What are dentures with dental implants called?
Dentists often call them implant-supported dentures or implant-retained dentures. The exact name depends on how the denture attaches to the implants and whether the restoration is removable or fixed.
Are implant-supported dentures better than traditional dentures?
They can offer greater stability than traditional dentures for suitable patients. Your dentist can help you compare both options based on your individual needs.
Can implant-supported dentures be removed?
Some implant-supported dentures are removable and attach securely to implants. Other full-arch implant restorations may be fixed in place. Your treatment plan determines the type of restoration you receive.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper oral hygiene, regular professional care and ongoing maintenance, dental implants can provide long-term support. Individual results vary.
How much do dentures with dental implants cost in South Africa?
Costs vary depending on the number of implants, type of restoration and any additional procedures required. Your dentist can provide a personalised quotation after a consultation.
Do implant-supported dentures look natural?
Dental professionals design the final denture or restoration to complement your facial features and smile. Your dentist will discuss the appearance and design of your replacement teeth during treatment planning.
Explore Your Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
If you are looking for a more stable alternative to traditional dentures, dentures with dental implants may be worth exploring.
At Centurion Dental Studio, we can assess your oral health, discuss your options and create a personalised treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Whether you are replacing several missing teeth or considering a full-mouth solution, our team can help you understand the available options.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation
Ready to find out whether implant-supported dentures could be suitable for you?
Contact Centurion Dental Studio to book a consultation and discuss your options for replacing missing teeth.
Centurion Dental Studio
Wierdapark, Centurion
012 653 4200