Many individuals know that a tooth implant is an ideal tooth restoration. Some don’t realize, however, that two or more can support a partial or full denture. This can be a more budget-friendly option than having multiple implants while still providing many benefits as compared to standard dentures.
Today’s post answers the most common questions about implant dentures.
The first thing to know is that a fixed implant denture is called an “implant-supported” denture while a removable one is called an “implant-retained” denture.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Like standard dentures, implant-supported dentures replace missing teeth. The difference is that they are attached to titanium posts which are surgically anchored into the jawbone.
Each post is called an implant. The implant fuses with the surrounding bone structure to create an incredibly secure restoration. Instead of a crown, they have a clip that attaches to the denture, partial denture, or metal bar that holds the denture connectors. Implants can be used for both upper and lower dentures.
Bar-Retained and Ball-Retained Systems
There are two stabilization methods: bar-retained and ball-retained constructed with gum-colored acrylic for the base to which porcelain (or acrylic) false teeth are attached. The denture requires, at a minimum, two implants for stabilization.
With the ball-retained system, each post holds an attachment (male or female) that fits into a corresponding connector on the denture. These are sometimes called “stud-attachment.”
With bar-retained dentures, a metal bar is anchored to two to five implants. The bar holds the connectors that connect to the denture.
If you are currently wearing traditional dentures, take to us about superior options.
Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
817-274-7875
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013
