How Long Can Implant-Supported Dentures Last?
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Dentures offer patients with missing or severely compromised teeth the opportunity to improve their dental function and regain a complete, attractive smile they can feel confident about. With traditional dentures, however, patients often struggle with messy adhesives, instability, and the inconvenience of having to soak their restorations. At Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry, our dedicated team is proud to offer implant-supported dentures as a solution for patients who would prefer a more lasting, durable, and convenient alternative to removable dentures. If you’re like many patients considering implant-supported dentures in Saratoga Springs, FL, you may be wondering how long you’ll be able to enjoy your new restorations and how you can care for them to preserve your smile.
What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are restorations that can replace the entire upper and/or lower arch of teeth. Unlike traditional removable dentures, implant-supported dentures are attached to the jaw via dental implants, or screws, that are surgically inserted into the bone.
What are the benefits of implant-supported dentures vs. regular dentures?
Compared with removable dentures, implant-supported dentures offer patients a long list of compelling benefits that can improve their comfort, confidence, dental health and function, and overall quality of life. Some of the primary benefits of implant-supported dentures vs. removable dentures include:
- Do not require messy adhesives or pastes
- Can be cleaned like your regular teeth (no soaking required)
- Will not come loose or fall out
- Enhanced ability to eat, chew, speak, and laugh
- Improved comfort
- Boosted confidence
- Reduces the risk of jaw/facial atrophy
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
It is important for patients to understand the difference between the implants — which are the screws that are surgically implanted into the jawbone — and the dentures themselves, which are the artificial teeth restorations that are attached to the implants. Dental implants can last for up to 15 – 20 years or longer in some cases. Implant-supported dentures may last for up to 5 – 10 years or longer until repair or replacement may be needed. For some patients, depending on when they undergo treatment, this may mean their implant-supported dentures can last for the remainder of their lifetime. To preserve your dental implants and implant-supported dentures for as long as possible, follow these helpful guidelines:
- Brush and floss twice daily as directed
- Do not smoke
- Avoid overly hard, sticky, crunchy, and gummy food and candies
- Avoid staining beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea
- Do not bite your fingernails
- Do not chew ice
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
- Attend your regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings
What do I do if my implant-supported dentures feel loose?
Because they’re supported by implants, implant-supported dentures should not come loose while eating, chewing, and talking in the way that removable dentures often do. If your implant-supported dentures feel loose, it could indicate a compromised implant, an infection, or another dental or oral issue. Don’t hesitate to call our office if you notice any change in the fit or feel of your implant-supported dentures.
Get the confidence you deserve with implant-supported dentures in Saratoga Springs, NY
If you are tired of soaking your dentures, dealing with messy adhesives, or worrying about your dentures falling out, you may be excited to learn more about implant-supported dentures. Start your journey toward a healthy, strong smile you can feel confident about by calling Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry to schedule your private consultation for Saratoga Springs, NY, implant-supported dentures today.