Implant Dentures in Dunn, NC

Living with traditional dentures can be challenging. While they restore your ability to eat and smile, they often come with discomfort, slipping, and difficulty enjoying your favorite meals. The frustration of constantly adjusting your dentures or dealing with sore spots can take a toll on your confidence and quality of life. Fortunately, there are better options that use the strength and stability of dental implants. Implant dentures provide a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting alternative that eliminates common denture problems. Keep reading to learn more about our innovative denture alternatives at J. Michael Williams, DDS.

Why Traditional Dentures Don’t Cut It

For many people, conventional dentures are a double-edged sword. They provide an immediate solution to tooth loss but also bring about long-term challenges.

A conventional denture is designed to fit your mouth snugly at the time of its creation. But here’s the problem: tooth loss leads to changes in your oral structures. Without the tooth roots, the jawbone doesn’t receive the necessary stimulation to stay healthy and strong. Over time, it deteriorates, changing the shape of your gums and jaw. These changes lead to loose and unstable dentures that slip and slide when you eat and speak.

Because the jawbone continues to diminish, traditional dentures require continuous adjustments to improve their fit. Denture relines add material to the underside of the denture. While helpful, this periodic maintenance can prove inconvenient.

So, what’s the fix?

Dental Implants for Dentures

Implant Dentures in Dunn, NC | J. Michael Williams, DDS
Lower snap-in denture anchored by six mini dental implants.

Dental implants can secure dentures, so you never have to worry about them moving again. We screw these small metal posts into the jawbone. As the implants fuse with the bone, they create a long-lasting and permanent scaffold for dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures. As artificial tooth roots, the implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone deterioration.

At J. Michael Williams, DDS, we offer traditional dental implants and mini dental implants because we want to provide access to dental implant solutions to as many patients as possible.

Traditional implants are larger at about 5 millimeters wide. They also use a two-piece system that includes the screw itself and a separate connecting piece called the abutment. This piece secures the denture to the implant.

Mini dental implants, on the other hand, are less than 3 mm in diameter and use a single-piece construction with a built-in connector. These narrow-diameter implants are ideal for patients who have experienced bone loss and are ineligible for conventional implants because of the volume and dentistry of their jawbones. With their efficient and minimally invasive procedure, mini implant dentures are also a great choice for those looking for quick and effective solutions or individuals who cannot undergo complex oral surgery.

Dr. Williams is passionate about improving his patients’ quality of life using dental implants. Our practice is a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, highlighting our commitment to providing cutting-edge dentistry. With extensive training and experience, our doctors have the skills and resources to offer innovative implant dentures to our patients.

Types of Implant Dentures

We secure different types of dentures with dental implants. In general, at least two conventional implants and four mini dental implants are required for proper retention. Learn about the different implant denture options we offer below.

Removable Snap-In Dentures

A snap-on denture is a removable prosthetic that resembles a conventional denture. However, there are a couple of important distinctions. First, a snap-on denture uses less plastic for the gums because it doesn’t rely on this added structure for support. Second, the underside of the denture has housings that connect the prosthetic to the implants. While traditional dentures are not made with implants in mind, in some cases, we can convert an existing denture to a snap-in denture.

Compared to conventional dentures, snap-in prosthetics offer enhanced support and stability. However, you can still pop them out at night for maintenance.

Semi-Removeable Roundhouse Bridge

Implant Dentures in Dunn, NC | J. Michael Williams, DDS
Zirconia roundhouse bridge on 12 mini dental implants.

A roundhouse bridge is a full arch of connected teeth that attaches to a series of dental implants. These can be fabricated with zirconia, a dental material known for its superior strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

We consider the bridge semi-removable because we only disconnect it from the implants during your routine six-month appointments. During these visits, we will inspect and thoroughly clean the bridge for you.

The Fix-on-Six® system uses mini dental implants to secure the roundhouse bridge. Depending on your unique needs, we will place 6 to 10 mini implants in your jaw during one minimally invasive procedure.

Non-Removable Roundhouse Bridge

If you’re looking for a “set it and forget it” option, the non-removable roundhouse bridge may be right for you. This denture alternative is a full-arch bridge that we cement to the dental implants. Because this option is designed as a permanent solution, we’ll place additional implants in the jaw to provide exceptional support.

The Remarkable Benefits of Implant Dentures

When you learn about the incredible benefits of implant dentures, it’s easy to see why they are becoming so popular. Here are just some of the advantages you can look forward to:

  • Improved biting and chewing ability: Implant dentures provide stronger bite force so you can eat tough and crunch foods without discomfort.
  • Newfound confidence: These dentures are anchored securely, giving you the confidence to smile and laugh without worrying about them slipping or shifting.
  • Longer-lasting solutions: Implant dentures are durable, often lasting longer than traditional ones.
  • Easy maintenance: Caring for a roundhouse bridge requires routine dental visits and normal oral hygiene measures. Cleaning removable dentures also remains straightforward and simple.
  • Enhanced comfort: Say goodbye to sores and irritation—implant dentures fit securely and comfortably, reducing the risk of developing painful spots.
  • Better long-term bone health: Implant dentures stimulate the jawbone, helping maintain bone density and prevent bone loss over time. This stimulation maintains jaw function and overall facial appearance.

Experience Peace of Mind With Implant Dentures

You don’t have to deal with the frustrations of traditional dentures. With implant denture options like snap-in dentures and roundhouse bridges, we can transform your smile and give you back the ability to speak, eat, and smile confidently. These transformative denture alternatives offer a more secure fit, greater comfort, and improved functionality, allowing you to fully enjoy your life.

Ready to discover which implant dentures are right for you? Contact us today to schedule a free dental implant consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The discomfort associated with dental implants varies depending on the type of implant used. Traditional dental implants require a more invasive procedure, which can lead to more post-operative discomfort. However, this is typically managed with pain medication and subsides within a few days.

On the other hand, mini dental implants use a minimally invasive technique that significantly reduces discomfort and facilitates a quicker recovery. Many patients find mini implants to be more comfortable both during and after the procedure, making them an appealing option for those concerned about pain.

The cost of implant dentures varies based on several factors, including the type of denture chosen, the materials used, and the number and type of dental implants required. For example, a fixed roundhouse bridge can cost more than removable snap-in dentures. Additionally, the complexity of your case and whether extractions are needed beforehand can influence the overall price. To help you understand your options and associated costs, we offer a free consultation, allowing you to make an informed decision without any initial financial commitment.

Candidates for implant dentures need sufficient jawbone density to support the implants. Traditional dental implants require more bone mass, making them ideal for patients with a strong, healthy jawbone. However, mini dental implants offer an excellent option for those with less bone density, as their smaller size allows for secure placement with less bone.

If you’ve lost teeth due to decay, disease, injury, or another cause, you may be a good candidate for implant dentures. At your free consultation, we’ll help you determine the best implant option for your specific needs.