When your teeth are replaced with regular dentures, only 40% of your chewing function can be recovered. Securing your dentures with a dental implants restores the proper function and stability you need. We can place as little as two implants to firmly secure your dentures or we can place multiple implants and replace the denture with fixed crowns or a bridge.
At Hockerill Dental, we use modern dental implant technology to improve the stability and retention of loose or ill-fitting dentures.
The implant dentures used by Hockerill Dental Bishop’s Stortford are effectively small, high-tech titanium press studs inserted into the jaw bone to create anchor points from which problematic dentures affix.
Anyone unhappy with their dentures and finding difficulty keeping them stable is suitable for this treatment. Implant dentures are an ideal solution if you want to feel more confident when eating, smiling or talking. Most denture-wearers struggle daily with discomfort, as a result of loose or ill-fitting dentures. Many simply withdraw from any type of social engagement as a result of embarrassment caused by difficult eating or talking.
Dentures Available at Our Hertfordshire Practice
- Complete Dentures
- Partial Dentures
- Dental Implants
- Copy Dentures
- Denture Relines
- Denture Repairs
- Denture Stabilisation
- Immediate Dentures
Successful Placement of Implants by Our Hertfordshire Dentists Can Solve All These Practical and Social Problems
Generally, there are two types of implant systems suitable for denture wearers:
- Mini Implants
- Conventional Implants
In some cases, the structures of the mouth may prevent the use of denture implants. Treatments are decided mainly by the type and quality of bone in which the implants are to be placed. All potential implant patients require a full assessment by a denture specialist, who examines and determines whether an implant system is a viable option, and more importantly, advises on what type of implant treatment is most suitable.
In most cases, conventional implants tend to offer a more secure fixture for the denture; however, if the quality of bone is deemed not suitable, then a mini implant can provide an ideal alternative and fantastic retention for unstable dentures.
At Hockerill Dental we have demonstration models to show just how stable dentures can be made at our dentist in Bishops Stortford.
Implant Retained Dentures
This is an aesthetically designed denture that is stabilised with implants. The implants are titanium rods placed in the jaw with components on the surface of the jaw that easily connect to the denture. Hence the denture is still removable, but whilst it is attached to the implants it is very secure.
This enhances the chewing ability and functionality of the denture. Typically, dentures rest on the gums and teeth. However, over time the quality of the underlying bone, gum and teeth begin to deteriorate. This tends to adversely affect the stability, functioning, cosmetics and confidence of the wearer. Implants provide an excellent solution since they connect the denture to the stability of the jaw, resolving all previous issues and proving to be a great way forward.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Denture
- The denture does not move and so remains stable. This not only improves comfort for the wearer but also socially improves the confidence of the wearer and gives the illusion of real stable teeth.
- Bone retention. Since there are implants within the bone, there is less of a tendency for the bone to resorb at a faster rate over time. This helps to preserve bone and hence facial form preventing an aged appearance.
- Great aesthetics can be achieved due to innovations with acrylics. This means that we can design and produce realistic-looking teeth and gums on the dentures.
- Greater chewing ability when compared to dentures that are not supported by anything. In these instances, there is a large proportion of facial muscular activity to hold the denture in place. Often denture wearers mention that their teeth move when they eat or speak. This can be very unsightly, embarrassing and socially prohibitive. Fortunately, implants have eliminated this problem.
- A cost-effective solution. Another option would be to have porcelain work overlay the implants, but this can be a more complex option and hence more expensive. An implant-supported/retained denture is an excellent solution that ticks most of the boxes.
- Since it is a denture, you can remove it from the gum surface. This helps the gums to breathe, and there is less risk from infections such as candida.
Can you sleep with dentures in?
Whatever denture solution is deemed most appropriate for you, sleeping in them is never advised. The main reason for this is that it is unhygienic and can cause oral health issues over time. We advise that you remove your dentures at the end of every day, allowing you to properly clean them, and keep your gums clean and healthy too.
Will my new dentures from Hockerill Dental ever feel normal?
Yes! Although it can take several weeks after your visit to Bishop’s Storford for your dentures to settle in, over time they will feel as normal as your natural teeth during wear time. Thanks to modern materials, today’s prosthetics look and feel much more natural than dentures of the past.
The Number of Implants Needed in Implant-Supported Dentures
The number of required implants depends upon the individual situation, and your dentist can help to plan the appropriate treatment for you. In general:
- The top jaw receives approximately 4-6 implants. This is because the bone is softer, and hence more implants are required to support the denture.
- The bottom jaw receives approximately 2-4 implants since it is denser and can easily support the denture with fewer implants.
You require a consultation with one of our Hertfordshire dentists to discuss your needs and an examination with radiographs and treatment planning before any options are considered. This evaluation establishes your suitability for this treatment and the best way forward for you from dentures to dental implants in Hertfordshire.
