Naples Implant-Supported Dentures

When it comes to replacing your teeth, you have options. Implant-supported dentures are a stable alternative to traditional dentures, providing you with comfort and confidence you’d otherwise miss. At Naples General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer several options, including implant overdentures as well as highly secure hybrid dentures. Dr. Robert Bracho and Dr. Matthew Keller hold advanced training from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. They are trained in both implant surgery and implant prosthodontics, meaning that you can get the entire procedure done in our office.

Types of Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant Overdentures

Like traditional dentures, overdentures provide a full replacement for your teeth and gums. What distinguishes them from traditional dentures is that they are attached to your jaw via dental implants, which prevents them from sliding around. They snap into place through ball attachments connected to as few as two implants per arch. Two implants is the most economical option. Four implants will hold your dentures in more securely.

Fixed Implant Dentures (or Hybrid Dentures)

Fixed implant dentures, also known as hybrid dentures, provide a full replacement for your teeth and gums as well. But instead of snapping into place, they are permanently and securely affixed to the embedded fixtures. Because of the enhanced comfort and stability hybrid dentures offer, they give many patients the feeling of having their own natural teeth back.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Increased comfort, stability, and confidence are valuable benefits of implant-supported dentures. But there’s also a health-related reason to consider them: they prevent jawbone resorption. When the jawbone is no longer being used to support teeth, the body responds by breaking down the bone material and sending it to other places where it can be used. Over time, this is problematic, as the jawbone both supports your facial structure and helps contain traditional dentures. Advanced bone resorption leads to a condition we call facial collapse, in which the face develops a shriveled, aged appearance without proper support. It also eventually makes wearing a denture quite uncomfortable, leaving insufficient bone to help hold it.

Thankfully, dental implants stop bone resorption in its tracks. The body, treating each embedded fixture as an actual tooth root, will not initiate resorption of the bone surrounding each embedded fixture. So by choosing overdentures or hybrid dentures, you’re protecting your health and appearance as well as ensuring your comfort both now and for years to come.

An Alternative to Bone Grafting

If your jawbone has already undergone some resorption, you may be wondering if you’d need bone grafting to get dental implants. Bone grafting, which rebuilds the jawbone so that it can support dental implants, is an extra procedure many patients would rather avoid, especially as it requires months of healing time before the implants can even be placed.

The good news for those with limited bone quantity is that there is an option in dental implants that doesn’t involve bone grafting. Called the All-on-4 method, it involves placing four implants — two in the front and two further back — at specific angles so as to take optimal advantage of the available bone mass. These four implants can support an entire upper or lower denture. At Naples General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer All-on-4 as well as All-on-6 implants. All-on-6 works the same way as All-on-4 but with the extra stability afforded by six implants instead of four.

Our Process

Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works.

1. Exam & Medical History Review – We’ll take x-rays and a CBCT scan and make sure you qualify for dental implants.
2. Dental Implant Planning – Dr. Bracho or Dr. Keller will review your scans to determine the appropriate placement for each embedded fixture.
3. Implant Surgery – Dr. Bracho or Dr. Keller will place your implants in our office. You’ll go home with temporary dentures.
4. Osseointegration – We’ll wait a few months for the embedded fixtures to fuse with the jawbone.
5. Digital Impressions – We’ll take intraoral scans and use photogrammetry to create a digital 3D model of your mouth so your dentures can be designed.
6. Denture Fabrication – We’ll send specifications to our local lab, where your dentures will be made.
7. Your New Smile – We’ll attach your new dentures when they are ready!

You can learn more about our process for placing dental implants here.

Implantology Credentials

In addition to being members of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, both Dr. Bracho and Dr. Keller have completed the AAID MaxiCourse, a comprehensive implantology training program.

Implant-Supported Dentures: FAQs

Can I eat normally with overdentures?

Yes, for the most part, you can! And you’ll find that eating with overdentures is more comfortable than with traditional dentures. It may take a couple of weeks to get used to eating with your overdentures. Ease into it by starting with softer foods (like oatmeal, avocado, or well-cooked rice). When you’re ready to try firmer foods, cut them into small pieces and remember to chew thoroughly, using both sides of your mouth as evenly as possible.

To protect your dentures, you may want to avoid:

• sticky foods (like gum or candy)
• very tough or chewy meat

How about eating with fixed implant dentures?

If the dentures are fixed to your jawbone with screws, as is done with the fixed implant denture, it will feel like you have your own teeth back. Don’t be abusive with them, just like you don’t want to be abusive with your own teeth. But you should be able to eat anything you want.

How do you maintain implant overdentures?

Properly maintaining your overdentures not only keeps them looking nice but also helps keep your gums healthy. You can take care of them by brushing, rinsing, and soaking them every night.

• Brush: Use a soft toothbrush to brush them inside and out. It’s helpful to do this over a sink or bowl full of water, just so it won’t get damaged if accidentally dropped.
• Rinse: Use lukewarm water, as hot water can warp dentures.
• Soak: Soak nightly, and use a soaking tablet once a week.

In addition to cleaning your dentures, remember to do the following to protect your oral health:

• Brush and floss your implants
• Brush your tongue, gums, and roof of your mouth
• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash

We can recommend the best toothbrushes, soaking tablets, floss, and mouthwash for you to use.

How long do implant-supported dentures last?

Removable overdentures typically can last 7-10 years or longer. Hybrid dentures can last over 20 years when properly maintained.

Comfort & Stability For You

If you’re considering implant-supported dentures, we’d love to discuss your options with you. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at (239) 262-1535. Or simply request an appointment online, and we’ll contact you to set one up.