A Closer Look at Fixed Dentures

Over 40.9 million Americans use dentures, so if you’ve struggled with loose or uncomfortable dentures, you’re not alone. Many people find that traditional dentures can shift while they’re speaking or eating. Not only is this frustrating, but it can be embarrassing in social settings.

Fixed dentures offer a more stable alternative. They attach securely to dental implants, so they provide a level of comfort and confidence that traditional removable dentures often cannot.

At The Dental Center of Hercules, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro provides fixed dentures designed to restore both the function and appearance of your smile.

Read on to learn more about fixed dentures. 

What are fixed dentures?

Fixed dentures are a type of implant-supported denture that attaches securely to dental implants placed in your jawbone. 

Unlike removable dentures that rest on your gums, fixed dentures are anchored in place by implants. Your implants fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, and it’s this added stability that allows your dentures to function much more like natural teeth.

There are different ways fixed dentures can attach to implants:

• Bar-retained dentures that use a cliplike attachment to secure your dentures
• Ball-retained dentures that snap onto small studlike connectors placed on the implants

Dr. Teodoro will recommend the attachment system that works best for your oral health and lifestyle.

What are the benefits of fixed dentures?

Many people choose fixed dentures because they offer significant advantages over traditional dentures.

Some of the benefits include:

• Improved stability when chewing and speaking
• Reduced risk of slipping or shifting
• Less gum  irritation
• Better ability to chew and swallow comfortably
• Support for jawbone health
• No need to soak dentures overnight (they’re attached permanently!) 

Another important advantage is appearance. Fixed dentures are designed to look natural, so you can smile with confidence without worrying about the telltale slipping or shifting that can occur with traditional dentures.

What is the process to get fixed dentures?

It can take a few months from the first consultation to the final placement, but the result is a smile that allows you to eat your favorite foods and speak with confidence.

While your full-mouth reconstruction may vary, these are the general steps to get fixed dentures:

Consultation

Your first step is to make sure that implant-supported dentures are right for you. 

Dr. Teodoro performs a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. She may examine your mouth, take X-rays, and ask about your goals. 

In particular, she makes sure that you have enough jawbone to support an implant. If bone loss is present, she may recommend bone grafting.

Placing your implants

If sufficient bone is available, implants can often be placed right away. You need anywhere from four to eight dental implants to act as anchors for the denture.

Recovery and bone healing

After the implants are placed, it’s time to recover. While your gums may heal within a few days, your bones need about four months to heal and fuse with your implant post.  

Attaching your dentures to your implants

Once healing is complete, your custom fixed dentures are attached to the implants. 

Dental visits are routine after your dentures are attached to your implants. During your follow-up dental visits, Dr. Teodoro inspects your dentures and implants to make sure they remain in good condition. If needed, Dr. Teodoro can evaluate the fit of your dentures and make adjustments. She can also examine your mouth and gums to make sure they stay healthy, too.

Unhappy with your traditional dentures? Let’s talk!

Living with dentures you hate can make you feel miserable. 

A secure, confident smile may be closer than you think. To learn whether fixed dentures are right for you, schedule an evaluation with The Dental Center of Hercules team today.