Implant Dentures — Allentown, PA

Secure Your Smile with Durable Implant Dentures

According to the CDC, approximately 40 million American adults are missing all their teeth on at least one arch. The truth is that while today’s dentures are better than ever, they still leave a lot to be desired. Enter implant dentures. When combined with dental implants, implant dentures can provide optimal functionality, comfort, and longevity. If you’re ready to restore your smile without the hassle of dealing with traditional dentures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Young today and learn more about the benefits of durable, natural-looking implant dentures.

What Are Implant Dentures?

The implant denture process begins with a consultation with Dr. Young

Implant dentures combine the ease and convenience of dentures with the durability and security of dental implants. Dental implants are prosthetic “roots” that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they remain for a lifetime. Once healed, the implants can be paired with an implant denture that stays securely in place so there’s no slipping or sliding when you’re speaking, smiling, or chewing. This provides a much more lifelike, comfortable and functional smile than traditional dentures. Depending on your unique needs and desires, Dr. Young may recommend one of two types of implant dentures at your consultation:

Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures

Fixed implant dentures (often called “hybrid prosthesis”) are designed to remain firmly in place and can only be removed by your dentist. They secure in place with four to six strategically placed and positioned dental implants in your jawbone. Many patients prefer this type of implant denture because it allows them to forget they have dentures. However, this type of prosthesis does require that you have more jawbone density.

Removable Implant Dentures

Removable implant dentures (also called “snap-on dentures”) still attach to your jaw via a series of dental implants, but they use clips (bar-retained) or ball sockets (ball-retained) so that you can easily remove them when necessary. Although removable implant dentures do need to be taken out daily for cleaning, they typically require only two to five dental implants to stay in place.

The Implant Denture Procedure

Implant dentures are permanent prosthetics that secure in place with dental implants

The implant denture procedure spans several months, but the time investment is truly worth the end result. First, you’ll need to visit Dr. Young for a consultation. At this time, he will take impressions, perform a thorough examination of your mouth, and discuss treatment options for your unique smile. If you need any preliminary procedures such as bone grafts or gum disease treatment, he will discuss it with you at this time.

Once your mouth has been given a clean bill of health, you will be ready for your dental implant surgery. After your posts are placed comes the osseointegration process, where your new implants fuse with your jawbone. This can take around three to six months. Once completed, you will return to see Dr. Young once again to have the abutments placed on your implants. This will require another small surgery, but the healing time should be much faster. Finally, after your healing is completed, you will be ready for the delivery of your new implant denture! Once in place, you can immediately begin using it to eat a wide range of nutritious foods and share your gorgeous smile with the world.

Although getting implant dentures does take a bit longer than traditional dentures, the benefits of treatment are well worth the time!

Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?

If you have a strong jawbone, you could be an excellent candidate for dental implants

Most adults who are in good oral and overall health are excellent candidates for implant dentures; especially those who are frustrated with dealing with the drawbacks of traditional dentures. During your consultation with Dr. Young, he will review your specific needs and goals and explain all your options and recommendations.

To be a good candidate, you’ll need to be in good enough health to undergo minor surgery. Your smile will also need to be free of any oral health issues such as cavities or gum disease, and you’ll need enough jawbone density for the type of dental implant you desire. Implant dentures do have the added benefit of requiring less jawbone density and fewer dental implants overall. If necessary, we can assist you with scheduling a bone graft procedure to help rebuild your jaw in preparation for your new smile.

Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants

One of the benefits of implant dentures is their natural appearance

Although getting implant dentures does take more time and costs more money initially, implant dentures offer a wide range of important benefits you simply can’t get with traditional dentures, including:

  • A more secure fit, so you can eat and speak without worrying about your dentures slipping.
  • Easier cleaning than traditional dentures.
  • No need to remove for soaking overnight.
  • No need to replace your prosthetics every 5 to 7 years, saving you time and money.
  • No more denture sores.
  • Durable enough to chew a full range of nutritious delicious foods.
  • Natural looking, so nobody will ever need to know they’re not your “real” teeth!