There’s no doubt that dental implants are considered the most successful teeth replacement solution available. If you’ve lost all of your teeth on one or both arches, nothing else offers that kind of stability. Those thinking about full-arch replacement with dental implants will need to determine if they want a fixed or removable option. Both offer their own benefits and disadvantages, which Dr. Chris Tye – your Grapevine oral surgeon – will explore here.
Are you interested in learning more about implants? Schedule an appointment with your board-certified Grapevine oral surgeon today by calling 817-552-3223.
Removable Full-Arch Appliances by Your Grapevine Oral Surgeon
The standard removable option for full-arch replacement is an implant-supported denture. This appliance “snaps” onto dental implants, which are placed into the jawbone by your Grapevine oral surgeon. Depending on the case, this kind of denture can be supported by two to six implants per arch. The more implants you have placed, the more stable your denture will be.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
The most significant advantage of an implant-supported denture is that it will not wobble, shift, or slip. Patients can eat, chew, and speak without worry. Furthermore, these appliances can be held in place by special retention attachments. In other words, there is no need for messy dental adhesives.
Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures must be taken out to be cleaned. Like their traditional counterparts, they must be brushed and soaked daily. It should be noted that removability actually makes cleaning and maintenance easier. Some patients don’t mind taking their dentures out to clean them, but others may prefer a non-removable option.
Fixed Implant Bridges by Your Grapevine Oral Surgeon
Those who want a more permanent teeth replacement solution can choose fixed implant bridges. In contrast to implant-supported dentures, these restorations are non-removable. Once your implants have healed, the bridges can be permanently attached to the implants using cement, or in many cases, screw retention.
At Texas Oral Surgery Specialists, Dr. Tye offers All-on-4®, SecureBite®, and ProArch®. These are all innovative methods that provide full-arch restoration using as few as four implants.
Benefits of Fixed Implant Bridges
Dental implants must be angled a certain way to properly support a full-arch restoration. Because this strategic placement maximizes existing bone, individuals who have sustained bone loss can still undergo this type of treatment. And because fixed bridges are non-removable, many patients report a more natural look and feel compared to implant-supported dentures.
Disadvantages of Fixed Implant Bridges
The main drawback of fixed implant bridges is that patients cannot remove them. They can only be removed by a dental professional, such as your Grapevine oral surgeon. This makes cleaning your appliance a bit more challenging. Patients with fixed restorations will need to use floss threaders, interproximal brushes, dental picks, or other specialized tools to keep their implants and gums healthy.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Restorations over Traditional Methods
Now that we’ve explored the pros and cons of removable and fixed implant restorations, it’s important to note the advantages of implant-supported prostheses over traditional dentures. Both implant-supported dentures and fixed implant bridges offer vast benefits when compared to removable conventional dentures. First, implants mimic natural teeth roots. That’s why they help halt bone loss and prevent further bone degradation. Secondly, patients with implant-supported appliances can enjoy maximum stability, and don’t have to worry about keeping their dentures secure; they always stay in place. Finally, those who choose implant treatment simply enjoy a better quality of life.
Contact Your Grapevine Oral Surgeon Today
Significant tooth loss doesn’t have to impact your daily life. Talk to your Grapevine oral surgeon about dental implant treatment. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call us at 817-552-3223.