Choosing a set of dentures to replace your teeth is like buying a new car or mattress. You’re going to spend a lot of time with it, so you want to make the right choice. But, as with cars and mattresses, there are many different denture options to choose from—which one is right for you? At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we’ve seen firsthand how the right denture can dramatically improve lives. That’s why we offer various denture options, each suitable for different situations and lifestyles. When you come to our office for a complimentary consultation, we can take you through each option and show you their impact on everyday activities, from enjoying favorite foods to speaking clearly and smiling confidently.
Dentures Come In Many Options
Dentures are a way to replace missing teeth on your upper or lower arch with a set of prosthetic teeth. These prosthetics come in several varieties, with different levels of removability, functionality, and durability. The two main categories are traditional dentures and implant dentures, with various options for each.
Traditional Dentures
These are the older styles of dentures used by dentists for hundreds of years. They’re removable for cleaning and comfort, which can be convenient but also comes with the risk of damage or loss.
- Full dentures: These acrylic prosthetics replace an entire arch of teeth. They rest on the gums, relying on suction and sometimes adhesive to maintain their fit. Because full dentures don’t do anything to halt the deterioration of your jawbone that comes with missing teeth, they will lose their fit over time. This can cause irritation and soreness, and loose or floating dentures make it harder to eat and speak clearly.
- Partial dentures: If you still have some natural teeth, partial dentures may be an option. They cling to the existing teeth through a metal framework for a stable fit and are also removable at night.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are replacement teeth supported by dental implants or, preferably, mini dental implants. By connecting the implants directly to the jawbone, they offer a more stable and modern solution.
- Snap-on dentures: This prosthetic combines the removability of traditional dentures with the stability of implant dentures. It “snaps on” to 4-8 mini implants during the day and is removable for cleaning at night. You’ll sometimes hear this option referred to as implant-retained overdentures. In certain cases, we can stabilize your existing traditional denture by converting it into a snap-on denture.
- Fix-on-Six: A leap forward in stability, this denture is attached to 6-10 mini implants for added strength and reliability. These dentures will only be removed by an implant dentist like Dr. Zirakian for professional cleaning. If you’ve heard of the All-on-4 system, this evolved version uses mini implants instead of the larger traditional implants.
- Permanent dentures: These non-removable dentures are the most durable, functional, and stable of all. They look and feel the most like natural teeth; if properly taken care of, they can last a lifetime.
Dr. Gregory Zirakian of East Longmeadow Family Dental Center often recommends implant dentures, as they leverage mini dental implants for optimal results.
The Advantages of Implant Dentures
Implant dentures address the core issues associated with tooth loss. They prevent jawbone loss by replacing your missing tooth roots, thus maintaining bone and tissue health. The implants’ stability is unmatched compared to more traditional denture options, allowing for worry-free eating and speaking. Implant dentures are far less bulky than conventional dentures, restoring your sense of taste and providing a more natural look and feel, enhancing self-confidence. They also fit more comfortably, eliminating the discomfort and sores common with traditional dentures.
Opting for mini dental implants can mean a faster, less invasive procedure while offering a practical, long-lasting solution. These implants are inserted with local anesthesia without the need for incisions or sutures, reducing recovery time. This innovative approach provides a quicker, less disruptive path to a renewed smile.
How Much Do Different Denture Options Cost?
Understanding that financial concerns can be a barrier to moving forward, our practice works to make these life-changing procedures accessible to all budgets. We’ll start by working with your insurance company to ensure you get the most from your coverage. If financing is required, our lending partners can offer flexible monthly payment options. We aim to ensure that financial constraints don’t hinder anyone from achieving the smile they deserve.
Schedule a Consultation To Learn More About Your Denture Options
If you’re considering dentures, Dr. Zirakian and the East Longmeadow Family Dental Center team are here to help you understand all the choices available. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Thanks to mini dental implants, a more stable, functional, and natural-looking denture is within reach, and we’re here to help make it happen.
