Redefining Tooth Replacement: Beyond Traditional Dentures

Non-implant tooth replacement treatments, such as traditional dentures, have come a long way thanks to the tools, technology, and techniques of modern dentistry. For example, today's traditional dentures provide an unprecedented level of customization, comfort, and security. Despite these advances in traditional dentures, implant-supported tooth replacement options have become increasingly popular thanks to the many advantages and benefits they offer patients.  

What are Implant-Supported Dental Restorations?

Implant-supported tooth replacements are the most popular option for restoring a smile when one or more teeth are missing.

An implant-supported dental restoration is a prosthetic tooth replacement that is anchored and held in place with one or more dental implants. A dental implant consists of three basic parts:

• Implant Anchor - Made of biocompatible metal, the implant anchor is placed directly in the jawbone where it osseointegrates with the patient's bone matter to mimic a natural tooth's roots.

• Implant Abutment - The implant abutment connects the dental implant to a dental restoration.  

• Dental Restoration - The dental restoration is the only visible portion of an implant-supported dental restoration. It is designed to resemble a patient's natural teeth while also functioning like a natural tooth.  

Dental Implant Treatment Options: How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile

Implant-supported tooth replacements offer patients a variety of versatile treatment options.

Individual Tooth Replacement

Single dental implants can be used to replace individual teeth on a one-for-one replacement basis. In these treatment cases, patients are usually missing a small number of teeth that are replaced with one dental implant per tooth. In these cases, the dental implants support individual dental crowns which are typically crafted from natural-looking porcelain.  

Consecutive Tooth Replacement

If a patient is missing multiple teeth in a row, then the entire gap of missing teeth can be replaced with an implant-supported dental bridge. One or two dental implants typically support a dental bridge, and the bridge is designed to restore an entire gap of missing teeth with a single restoration.

Replacement of All or Most Teeth

Dental implants can also be used to support full and partial dentures for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. In these treatment cases, patients typically have two options of implant-supported dentures known as:

• Overdentures (also called snap-on dentures) - These are designed to be more easily removable from the supporting dental implants.  

• All-on-X - This type of denture is designed to be permanently fixed to the supporting dental implants.

Implant-supported dentures are usually supported by four, six, or eight strategically placed dental implants.  

The Benefits of Implant-Supported Tooth Replacement

Implant-supported dental restorations provide patients with several benefits and advantages over alternative treatment options, such as:

• Natural Look - Implant-supported restorations are custom-designed to look just like natural teeth while enhancing the appearance of your smile.  

• Secure and Comfortable Fit - They feel and function like natural teeth, too, offering a secure and comfortable fit.  

• Supports Jawbone Health - Without tooth roots to stimulate it, the jawbone naturally begins to deteriorate beneath the gap of a missing tooth. Dental implants provide direct stimulation and pressure to the jawbone, triggering the generation of bone matter and supporting its continued strength.

• Protects Neighboring Teeth - A healthier jawbone also maintains the health of neighboring natural teeth by supporting their structures and preventing them from shifting out of place.

Implant-supported dental restorations are the closest thing to your natural teeth. Plus, they're designed to last a lifetime.  

Smile Restoration with Implant-Supported Dentures in Stuart

If you are missing one or more teeth and have found that living with an incomplete smile is diminishing your quality of life, we strongly encourage you to talk with our dentist at Aesthetic Dentistry of Stuart about your smile restoration options. Modern dentistry provides patients with a wide array of treatment options for replacing missing, and we can help you determine the course of treatment that can best meet your needs and restore your smile.  

To learn more or request a consultation, we welcome you to contact our dental office today.

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