Poorly made dentures can cause several issues. Not only do they leave you with an aged appearance, but they can also embarrassingly slip and limit the different kinds of foods that you can eat. With that, there is some good news. Not all dentures are created equal. There are several options if you are looking for better-fitting dentures, including The Denture Fountain of Youth™, which are explicitly handcrafted with your jaw in mind. If you are still worried about slippage and want to expand your food options, you may want to consider dentures secured by dental implants.

What are Implant Dentures?

Implant dentures, or implant-supported dentures, are a new set of teeth that are fused to your jawbone with dental implants. We surgically insert four titanium posts into your jaw. Once healed, they’ll hold your dentures in place. That’s right, no more slipping, avoiding your favorite foods, or whistling when you talk! Just secure, beautiful teeth that act like natural teeth.

We use titanium because it’s a biocompatible material. That’s important because dental implants are long-lasting—they can last a lifetime if cared for properly. That means brushing twice a day and using a water flosser to ensure no bacteria build up around your dentures. And, of course, visit your Columbia implant dentist as recommended.

The dental implant process could take anywhere from four to six months. First, we’ll consult with you and perform an examination to ensure that your mouth and gums are healthy. If we find gum disease, we’ll treat it before continuing. Dental implants require you to have adequate jawbone density. If we find that your jawbone density is low, we can talk about a bone graft or another option to fit your needs, like FOY® Dentures.

After the surgery, you’ll need time to heal, but don’t worry—we won’t leave you without teeth! You’ll wear traditional dentures while they heal. After 4-6 months of healing, we’ll secure your implant dentures to your implants.

Implant Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures

Implant dentures have many benefits over traditional dentures.

  • They are permanently attached to your implants. Only your Columbia denture dentist can remove them.
  • They prevent further jawbone loss by concentrating your bite force into your jaw, which provides stimulation.
  • They’re convenient! You don’t need to take them out each night.
  • They won’t slip when you speak.
  • You can eat your favorite foods even if they are tough.
  • You won’t hear whistling when you speak.
  • They’re natural-looking.
  • They feel and function just like natural teeth.
  • Implants secure them, so there is no need for a messy adhesive to keep them in place.

Implant Dentures vs. FOY® Dentures

FOY® Dentures are a type of “traditional” denture, but they far surpass any other kind of dentures on the market in terms of look, feel, and function. FOY® dentures are dentures designed by neuromuscular dentists to fit your specific mouth and face. Because of their superior design, you can kiss many of the issues of other dentures goodbye. They are designed with your jaw, muscles, and soft tissues in mind, so they fit better, are more secure, more comfortable, and restore the proportions of your youthful face. The teeth on FOY® dentures are made of advanced ceramics, so no one will know you are even wearing them. They look just like natural teeth!

While FOY® dentures are fantastic (we recommend them to all in Columbus, SC, looking for dentures), implant dentures are still more secure and have less maintenance.

For those who are candidates for implant dentures, we often recommend getting FOY® dentures to secure to the top of your implants.

Common Implant Denture FAQ

Need answers about implant dentures? Here’s some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this popular tooth replacement option.

Do I Need Them on Both Jaws?

Every patient is different, but generally speaking, most people only need them on their lower jaws. This is simply because dentures tend to be less stable and prone to slipping. Implant dentures can be used for the upper, lower, or both jaws. If you get implant dentures on your lower jaw, we recommend getting the same denture for your upper jaw, whether that be FOY® or another type.

Are Implants Right For Me?

As we touched on before, a Columbia implant dentist will ensure that you and your jaw are healthy enough to support implants. This means making sure you are not currently smoking and have not in at least the past year, ensuring that your diabetes is well managed if you have diabetes, and checking to see if there is enough bone present to support an implant. If there is not enough bone present, and you are healthy enough for it, your dentist may recommend building up the bone through bone grafts. Typically dental implants take 4 to 6 months, we may extend the healing time if issues arise or bone grafts are needed.

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

The dental implant surgery itself should offer no pain or discomfort as we’ll numb the area and use a sedative. The healing process can cause your mouth to be tender, but over-the-counter medications will help ease this discomfort, and you’ll spend your time healing without much sensitivity.

Don’t Delay!

If you are on the fence about implant-supported dentures, it’s time to visit a dentist. Dental implants tend to cost more the longer you wait, and a dentist can help you decide if dental implants are a good option for you. If you live in the Columbia area and are looking for a dentist that you can trust, schedule an appointment with  Dr. Adam Hahn at Smile Columbia Dentistry. Our team can help address any questions or concerns that you might have. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (803) 781-9090.

We look forward to talking with you!