Viewing entries tagged
implant supported dentures

Types of Implant Dentures

Comment

Types of Implant Dentures

(Left): An Implant overdenture retained by two implants. (Right): A hybrid implant denture resting entirely on four implants. 

(Left): An Implant overdenture retained by two implants. (Right): A hybrid implant denture resting entirely on four implants. 

While we often consider dental implants as a solution to replace single missing teeth, they can also be used in conjunction with dentures to replace entire arches of teeth. Many of the aspects of denture use that patients find objectionable can be alleviated with the addition of implants. However, it is important to understand the different ways that implants are used to support dentures, and the benefits of the specific appliances. 

Most patients with “implant dentures” are using a system called implant overdentures.  Here, a fairly traditional denture rests “over” two to four implants on the top or bottom jaw. It is designed to be removable and snaps onto the implant anchors. This makes cleaning around the implants easy and convenient. When compared to regular dentures, implant overdentures have much more stability and retention on the soft tissue. This is particularly beneficial for the mandible, which does not benefit from the “suction cup” action that maxillary dentures have on the palate. It is important to note that the support for biting force with this system still relies on the gums and soft tissue. Thus, you will never be able to generate as much force as natural teeth. Additionally, some patients will still object to the removable nature and bulk of these appliances. However, they are an excellent compromise between usability, cosmetics, ease of cleaning and cost for denture wearers.

A newer system of implant dentures is the all-on-four or "hybrid" implant supported dentures. This appliance is permanently screwed or cemented on four to six implants on the top or bottom jaw. They are not designed to be removed, and thus are more difficult to clean versus implant overdentures. However, they function much more like natural teeth, as the entire arch rests solely on implants. They are much less bulky than traditional dentures and provide easier chewing and biting. Most all-on-four appliances are milled out of a single piece of zirconia. Thus, if any part of it chips or breaks, an entirely new arch of teeth needs to be created. The biggest drawback to this system is cost. Treatment for all-on-four dentures is typically two to three times the cost of implant overdentures. For this price, you are getting the best permanent replacement for natural chewing and eating.

Other factors, such as bone health, gum tissues, jaw relations and face shape will all play into your choice between implant overdentures and all-on-four implant dentures. Surprisingly, cosmetics varies from patient to patient, with some seeing more realistic results with implant overdentures. Making an informed decision relies on a thurough exam and consultation to create a comprehensive treatment plan. If you would like to know more about dentures, implants or other methods of replacing teeth, give our office a call!

Comment

What's In an Implant?

Comment

What's In an Implant?

If you are considering getting a dental implant placed, you have probably done some research and found out there are many options and variables associated with the treatment. You may have even seen the informational video our office produced on the topic. Because of their rise in popularity, we wanted to take a moment to address some of the common questions associated with implants and how they might play into your dental treatment. Take a look!

1. What is a dental implant?

An implant is a bioengineered screw that serves as an "anchor" for replacing one or more teeth. It typically sits below the gum level and creates a mounting point for a crown, bridge or dentures. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet a number of demands and spaces to fill. 

An illustration of an implant vs natural teeth.

An illustration of an implant vs natural teeth.

2. What is it made of?

Most commercially available implants are made of Titanium or a Titanium alloy. Titanium is an incredible material in that it resists corrosion while promoting bone growth. This factor allows your body to heal around the implant and create a strong bond. Some companies now make implants made from milled ziconia as well. These offerings are marketed as beneficial since they are metal free, but long-term research still needs to be done to confirm if they are as safe and predictable as titanium implants. 

3. Who is eligible to receive a dental implant? 

Implant recipients need to be generally healthy and have one or more teeth that need to be replaced. There are also certain restrictions on bone level height, bone health and extraction healing that need to be evaluated by a dental professional prior to implant placement. 

4. Who places the implant?

At our office, Dr. Kari Ann Hong places many implants in-house. However, depending on mouth location, health complications and patient needs, the expertise of a dental specialist may be utilized. Periodontists and Oral Surgeons are both extremely qualified and knowledgeable in the placement of dental implants. 

5. How is it used to replace a lost tooth?

After the implant is placed and heals, a small metal/zirconia flange (called an abutment) is screwed into the implant. Once the position of the abutment and the esthetics of the surrounding gums are approved, an impression is taken and sent to a dental lab. They will then make a crown that both fits on the implant and looks natural in your mouth. 

How the implant, abutment and crown work together. 

How the implant, abutment and crown work together. 

6. Does your office use a specific brand/type of implant?

Our office uses Straumann brand implants. These implants are made to meet very rigorous standards with the highest quality materials available. They manufacture a number of different sized implants that allow for many unique treatment options. Straumann is a very common and respected brand in implant dentistry, assuring that your implant will be serviceable for as long as possible. 

http://www.thousandoaksfamilydentistry.com/blog/2015/2/27/whats-in-an-implant#.VPEcc7PF_Xo=

7. How is implant pricing structured?

Implant pricing is usually broken into three fees for the implant, abutment and final crown. Each fee will be for the procedure and the delivered "part." Naturally, this system will vary slightly office to office. 

8. Do I have to wait between having the implant placed and putting a crown on it?

In almost every circumstance, you will need to wait for your bone to heal around the implant before attaching a crown. This is to assure complete osseointegration before introducing stresses from biting and chewing. Some procedures/techniques allow for "immediate loading" of implants, but overall success rates are typically higher if you wait for the bone to heal first. The time you will have to wait varies person to person and needs to be evaluated by a dental professional. 

9. Will I be "awake" for the procedure?

At our office, we offer mild forms of sedations for implant patients with who have dental phobias. However, most people find the procedure both quick and very tolerable. If you do wish to be "asleep" for the procedure, there are a number of dental specialists who can arrange that treatment option. 

10. Will it look like a natural tooth?

Yes! Implants can be some of the most natural looking dental restorations available. Unlike a bridge, you can floss between the implant and the adjacent teeth, and unlike dentures, you will not need to remove it at night or before eating. Overall it is a great cosmetic and functional choice for tooth replacement. 

We hope we answered any questions you may have on dental implants. There are a number of options available in tooth replacement, and implants represent only one of them. If you would like to know more about implants, how they are placed and if they are appropriate for you, please call our office. We are always happy to answer any of your questions!

 

 

 

Comment

Dentures

Comment

Dentures

One of the greatest aspects of modern dentistry is our ability to replace missing or extracted teeth. Today, patients typically seek out implant crowns and bridges as quick and safe methods of restoring their smiles. But what about dentures? The name alone might conjure up pictures of older relatives and seltzer tabs, but they are still an excellent way to fix a gap in your dentition. At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we offer a number of denture options for patients needing everything from temporary single tooth replacement to permanent appliances for entire arches. No matter what your needs, there is likely a denture solution to fit it!

Patients who still have some existing teeth are typically eligible for partial dentures. These appliances bridge one or more empty spaces between teeth to recreate a natural smile. They usually require healthy molars or premolars to snap on to and give them rigidity. Some partial dentures are made entirely out of acrylic. These are commonly referred to as “flippers” and typically serve as temporary solutions until an implant can be placed or a permanent denture can be made. Because they are plastic, they need to be made thick for rigidity. Likewise, flippers can feel bulky and uncomfortable and are prone to becoming brittle. Still, they are an excellent interim esthetic solution for patients missing teeth.

a full acrylic partial denture or "flipper"

a full acrylic partial denture or "flipper"

Partial dentures can also be made using a combination of acrylic and cast metal. These devices are stronger, thinner and typically more comfortable than flippers. When you smile or open your mouth, pink and enamel colored acrylic hide the metal framework beneath and the appliance looks like natural tissues. Rigid metal partial dentures are appropriate for long term use and are often the most comfortable option. If you have enough teeth to anchor the device, they can fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth.

A partial denture with metal framework

A partial denture with metal framework

If you are missing all teeth on an entire arch, you are likely eligible for full dentures. Full dentures are made out of acrylic and stay in your mouth using the suction created between your gums and the denture base. Since they rest on your gum tissue, full dentures can take some time to get used to. Many patients will feel sore spots or an uneven “rocking” sensation until they become accustomed to the feeling of the appliance. Our office can make small adjustments to dentures to better accommodate your mouth, but they will never feel as natural as something anchored to your teeth. Still, they are a great alternative to smiling, chewing and speaking with no teeth.

a full upper and lower full denture

a full upper and lower full denture

A final subset of dentures are implant supported dentures. Here, an acrylic appliance is mounted to 2 or more implants (depending on the number of teeth replaced) through rubber snaps. These are typically the most comfortable denture style for replacing whole arches of teeth. However, this treatment option is both costly and time consuming; Implant placement can take up to six months to become healed and sturdy enough to support a denture. Still, many patients are extremely satisfied with the resulting product, as the implants keep the appliance rigid and out of contact with gum tissue.

A diagram of how implant supported dentures are mounted

A diagram of how implant supported dentures are mounted

No matter what type of denture we are making, our office needs three types of impressions: one impression of the teeth (or gums) on which the dentures will be made, one of the opposing teeth and one of how the teeth come together when you bite down. Once we take these impressions, we send them off to a lab along with instructions on tooth color, transparency and brightness. From there, the lab will either fashion your permanent denture, make a wax try-in (a soft, denture lookalike used by our office to ensure fit and esthetics), or send us custom trays. Custom trays are impression trays that precisely fit the dimensions of your mouth. These instruments insure a perfect impression (and a better fit) for the final denture. Once we are ready to deliver your appliance, you will return to our office for a short fitting appointment where we can make minor adjustments.


The true scope of dentures extends into many different devices, materials and mounting styles. We like to have a lengthy discussion with every patient prior to taking impressions, to make sure they will satisfied with the final product. Only a consultation between you and Dr. Hong can show us what kind of denture is appropriate for your specific needs. If you would like to know more about dentures or any other type of appliance offered at our office, please give us a call. We are always happy to walk you through any and every procedure!


Comment