How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last

There are a number of types of dentures available to patients who need to replace a significant number of teeth. These include partial dentures, which can be either removable or fixed, traditional full dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Traditional dentures use adhesion and suction to stay in place.

Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is screwed onto titanium implants. An implant-supported denture can be used to replace a few teeth in one area all the way up to an entire arch of teeth on either one or both arches. An Oral Surgeon places a number of implants in your jawbone depending on the size of your denture. The denture is fabricated using an acrylic base that is tinted to match your gum tissue and porcelain teeth are individually set into the base. The denture is then screwed down onto the implants.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

• Stability: For one, implant-supported dentures are significantly more stable than traditional dentures that use adhesion and suction to stay in place. Since an implant-supported denture is held in place with screws, there is no trouble with stability or retention. Dental implants act as the root of a tooth, making everything much more secure than other options that use clasps or cement.
• Oral Health: Since the implants are acting as the root of a tooth, your jawbone has stimulation to help maintain and promote regeneration of bone structure. Patients that use traditional dentures that sit on top of their gums begin to lose bone over time. Resorption, or the loss of bone structure, can become quite extreme and change your facial structure. This is what causes patients using traditional dentures to need adjustments and replacements.
• Comfort: All of that stability that the implants provide brings a level of comfort that cannot be achieved with traditional dentures. An implant-supported denture is not going to slip when you speak or chew, allowing the patient to be more confident in their day-to-day life.

Implant-supported dentures can be partial or full. If you just need a partial, you may only require two implants. A full denture typically utilizes 4 to 6 implants per arch.

Cost and Lifespan of Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant placement surgery costs between $1500 and $3000 per implant. The denture can cost up to $40,000 per arch. While this is a more costly restoration, many patients find that the security and stability they feel with an implant-supported denture is worth the cost.

Along with the stability, implant-supported dentures can actually last significantly longer than traditional dentures. With proper care and maintenance, your implant-supported denture can last up to 20 years. Even if the denture needs replacing, the implants can last a lifetime if you are healthy and take care of them. Traditional dentures may only last up to 10 years so paying more at the start may actually save you money in the long run.

More on Implant Supported Dentures : What are Implant Supported Dentures?