When you first get your dentures, they take a little time to get used to. It may feel odd to have such bulky plastic in your mouth, and chewing is typically a huge hassle at first. But once the initial struggle wears off, you can enjoy a full, stable smile again! However, this fit doesn’t last forever. Over time, your traditional dentures will come loose, causing a variety of issues that affect your ability to eat and live comfortably. Fortunately, implant dentures actually anchor your smile in place, stabilizing your denture! Mini dentures, a term for implant-supported dentures, are embedded in your jawbone to secure your smile in place. With mini dentures in your jaw, you can restore your ability to eat, smile, and live comfortably.
Mini Implant Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on your gums, replacing the top portion of your teeth. But these restorations don’t replace the bottom half of your natural teeth, known as tooth roots.
Tooth roots are at the end of each tooth, embedded in the jaw to keep your smile secure. When you bite down to chew, these roots stimulate your bone to keep it healthy and full. But after tooth loss, you no longer have tooth roots to provide stimulation.
Over time, your jawbone will deteriorate in mass and volume. Traditional dentures only restore the top portion of your teeth, so they don’t fix this problem. The jaw structure supporting your denture will shift and shrink underneath your gums, causing ill-fitting dentures. At St. Apollonia Dental, we don’t even offer traditional lower dentures, as patients are very rarely happy with their fit.
In contrast, implant dentures replace both the crowns and roots of your teeth. Dental implants embed in your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots and stabilize your denture restoration. Every time you bite or chew with an implant denture, your implants stimulate your jaw to keep it healthy and full. And thanks to the stimulation, your denture won’t come loose over time.
How Mini Dentures Work
Mini dentures are anchored in place with mini dental implants.
Mini implants are the smaller version of conventional implants with a unique one-piece design. Thanks to their sleek construction, we place these implants along your jawbone in just one appointment. After a few weeks of healing, they’ll then be strong enough to support your denture restoration, permanently restoring your smile.
For mini dentures, the number of implants we use depends on your specific case. How much jawbone structure you have and which restoration you choose play a big role in your procedure, as different dentures require a different number of implants. In most cases, removable mini dentures need 4 mini implants on the bottom and 6 on the top. However, some patients may require a few more if they have weaker bone structure.
To retrofit a denture into an implant denture, we will create housings, or spaces, inside the denture base where the implant will fit. Inside these housings are rubber O-rings, which are small rings that create retention so the denture stays put.
These housings fit perfectly over the implants we place, snapping on and off the O-rings inside the denture base. Mini dentures that are removable simply “snap” on and off your implants. Then, at routine visits, we will replace your O-rings to ensure your prosthetic stays secure.
The Benefits of Mini Implant Dentures
Mini implant-supported dentures offer numerous benefits over traditional dentures. These advantages include:
Better security: Because mini dentures are anchored in place, they will not shift around on your gums. Not only does this save your mouth from denture sores, but it also helps keep your dentures from falling out while laughing or chewing.- Greater comfort: Patients with loose dentures experience significant discomfort, as their restorations disrupt daily activities and function. With mini dentures, you can enjoy a comfortable smile that fits and doesn’t get in the way of living comfortably.
- Better function: To chew, speak, and function normally, you need a stable smile. Implant dentures replicate the strength and function of your natural teeth, allowing you to chew more securely and enjoy everyday activities.
- Better health: Patients with loose dentures aren’t just bothered by the problems loose dentures cause. Unstable dentures have a real effect on oral and overall health! Feelings of isolation, embarrassment, and self-esteem issues are all common in those with loose dentures. But those with mini dentures can enjoy a better lifestyle that keeps their smile both happy and healthy.
Secure Your Smile in Sterling Heights, MI
Traditional dentures are effective, until they’re not. After a while, your prosthetic will likely loosen thanks to the gradual bone loss that occurs after losing teeth. These prosthetics cause a variety of problems, but at St. Apollonia Dental, we have a secure alternative! Mini dentures, or dentures with mini implants for support, restore your smile without the hassle! These restorations improve your function and your comfort level, ensuring you can use your dentures without worry.
Book a free consultation to learn if you’re eligible for mini dentures.
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